13 Parks to Explore in Cook County
Checkout places to visit in Cook County
Cook CountyCook County, Illinois is the most populous county in the state and home to over 5 million people. Located mostly within the Chicago metropolitan area, it includes downtown Chicago as well as many suburbs. Originally created in 1831, many of its municipalities offer renowned museums, parks, and activities that draw tourists from around the world. The county also has an extensive transportation infrastructure with multiple major highways and public transit options such as buses and rail lines. Add
Popular Activities And Trips in Cook County
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Parks to Explore in Cook County
Garfield Park ConservatoryThis is a beautiful place to spend time and explore the wonders of nature. Covering over 3.5 acres of land, this renowned greenhouse displays thousands of tropical and temperate plants in its 8 distinct showhouses. Visitors can admire unique species while exploring a rain forest, desert landscape, aquatic environment, or one of the other display areas. Furthermore, the conservatory houses several special plants such as cycads and palm trees that have been around for millions of years.
Grant ParkGrant Park is one of the most iconic parks established in 1869, this sprawling park has been a hot spot for locals and tourists alike ever since. With a zoo and conservatory, recreation and leisure options abound here. Sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic groves bring families together throughout the year. Special attractions such as the Buckingham Fountain feature regularly in popular Chicago tourist brochures-and offer breathtaking scenery during the summer months!
Humboldt (Alexander Von) ParkAlexander von Humboldt Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the area. Not only does it boast much of its original prairie plants, but it also features wetlands with numerous species of birds and fish. Visitors to the park find plenty to do, with a chain of lakes running throughout that offers fishing as well as 6 miles of trails for cycling, bird-watching, mountain biking and exploring. The Park also provides campsites and enclosed picnicking areas for groups or individuals.
Jackson (Andrew) ParkJackson Park is a beautiful public space filled with many attractions. Boasting a picturesque and expansive lake view, activities include fresh and saltwater fishing, boat rentals and sandy beaches. Along the shoreline there are nature trails that skirt the water's edge for biking, hiking, or jogging. Picnic areas equipped with tables and BBQ grills come alive on summer afternoons with families taking advantage of the natural amenities and a playground provides entertainment for the children.
Lincoln ParkLincoln Park is a neighborhood known for its attractive green environment. It is home to many public parks and golf courses, thus offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Its streets are lined with historic residences and popular stores, giving it an inviting atmosphere. The iconic Lincoln Park Zoo provides education and entertainment to locals and visitors alike, while the city’s rich cultural offerings range from theater shows to art galleries and museums.
Lincoln Park ConservatoryThe Lincoln Park Conservatory is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature. This beautiful four-season conservatory has something for everyone, no matter the season or weather. Boasting an 8,000-square-foot glass dome filled with lush tropical palms and ferns that make visitors feel like they are on a tropical vacation, the conservatory also features several domed areas dedicated to cacti and succulents, seasonal flowers, and even a palm house.
Maggie Daley ParkMaggie Daley Park, offers an oasis of beauty and fun within the heart of the Windy City. Featuring a skating ribbon that wraps around a large centerpiece of lagoons and lily pads, walking paths, and lots of open space, the park is filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here visitors can take part in rock climbing, mini golfing, tennis courts, a field house cafe and play garden. To experience some of nature’s gifts first hand there are also wildflower gardens.
Millennium ParkMillennium Park, a stunning landscape spanning 24.5 acres opened in 2004 to commemorate the turn of the millennium, this spectacular public park features stunningly designed gardens and sculptures, inspiring architecture, and an array of interactive exhibits and landscapes. From the mesmerizing reflective Crown Fountain and the underground BP Pedestrian Bridge to the stirring Lurie Garden and serene Pritzker Pavilion known for its impressive acoustics and world-renowned performances.
Milton Lee Olive ParkThis Park is named after Medal of Honor recipient and Chicago native Milton Lee Olive. There are plenty of opportunities to picnic, hike or bike along the trails, while kids can have a blast at the playground and splash pads. You can also tackle fishing or canoeing on Wolf Lake if you're looking for an outdoor activity. People also come to relax, as the wildlife and wildflowers that fill the park provide breathtaking views that make it easy to forget about all your worries for a few hours.
Museum CampusThe Museum Campus offers something for everyone! Visit Navy Pier and its exciting exhibits and interactive displays. Walk along the vibrant Lake Michigan shoreline, admiring all of the sights and experiencing life more fully. Discover fantastic green spaces such as Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo or Northerly Island Nature Preserve. There's also a variety of cultural attractions to explore – including museums such as the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium or the Adler Planetarium.
Navy PierNavy Pier is one of the most popular attractions in Cook County, which offers a wide range of activities and entertainment possibilities. Visitors can walk or bike along its three-quarters of a mile promenade, enjoy food and drinks at one of its many eateries, ride a Ferris wheel with unparalleled views of the city skyline, take an architectural tour upriver, or experience the action-packed thrill rides that map out the pier's perimeter.
Oz ParkOz Park is a unique combination of modern amenities and nature. The 17-acre park includes a playground, walking paths, multiple sports fields, an enclosed dog park, and a pond where visitors can fish. In addition to these amenities, the park also contains towering elm trees as well as historic statues and fixtures from the original theme park attraction that inspired it. Visitors of Oz Park will appreciate its wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy in both natural and built landscapes.
Ping Tom Memorial ParkPing Tom Memorial Park is known for its diverse cultural aspects and range of attractions. visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline and experience a unique urban oasis. The park boasts an eclectic array of gardens, sculptures, tai chi stations and playgrounds all contained within 20 acres of land. Additionally, there are restaurants available to provide refreshments and an outdoor performance pavilion offering a variety of entertaining concerts to enjoy.