Hyde Park is located on the South Side of Chicago, with many attractions and places to see. It’s one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago because it’s a college town with plenty of activities and public transportation access to make traveling easier.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or living outside the city for a day trip, here are some of the best things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago.
6 Fun Things to Do in Hyde Park Chicago While Visiting or Living Here
In a big city like Chicago, it can be hard to decide what you want to do and see while you’re there. Below is a quick guide on the best Hyde Park attractions with different budgets and directions to getting around Chicago.
1. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry
If you don’t know what to do in Hyde Park, Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is always a classic and great place to start. Its location is incredibly convenient as it’s minutes from the University of Chicago campus, Lake Michigan, and downtown Chicago.
MSI is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere that immerses you with its award-winning exhibits. The interactive WWII submarine exhibit lets you walk through an entire U-boat, aircraft carrier, and coal mine—you can even stand in a tornado! Its dome theater takes the film-watching experience to the next level.
Admissions are $14.95 for children, $25.95 for adults, and free for members if you’re a local. Some special exhibitions require separate ticket purchases. They even offer Chicago CityPASS discounts and free scheduled days to save on costs if you’re on a budget.
A parking garage is available onsite at E. 57th St and S. Cornell Ave. For bus routes, you can take the Hyde Park Express via Bus 2 to arrive one block west at 57th St and Stony Island. Or, take the Jackson Park Express via Bus 6 to arrive one block north at 56th St and Hyde Park Blvd.
Multiple Metra stations are also nearby at 55th, 56th, and 57th stations via the Electric Line, which are only two blocks from MSI’s north entrance. The South Shore Line also stops at 57th St Station if you’re traveling from Indiana and the outer Chicago suburbs.
The CTA’s Red or Green line is also accessible to Garfield, but you must transfer to the eastbound 55 Garfield Bus, CTA buses on State St, or the Metra Electric line.
2. Eat Your Way Through Restaurant Week
Don’t miss out on this limited-time experience when looking for unique activities in Hyde Park. Chicago Restaurant Week is an annual award-winning culinary event that actually lasts for 17 days, not a week. You can take your tastebuds on a cultural adventure with over 350 restaurants across the city.
Check out the following Hyde Park restaurants participating this year with prix fixe menus:
• Mesler: American upscale dining, including fall-inspired roasted maple leaf duck and light almond cake with brown butter.
• BARDAVID: Mediterranean cuisine featuring refreshing Greek steak salad and sweet, aromatic baklava.
• Dawn: Southern cooking at its finest with a new twist, offering fried chicken and cornbread french toast with peach compote.
• 14 Parish Restaurant & Rum Bar: Caribbean dishes bringing the tropics to Chicago with coconut conch chowder and sweet mango chutney pork chops.
Chicago Restaurant Week 2024 starts from January 19th to February 4th, so if you plan on attending, make sure you plan for these dates.
Pricing will vary depending on where you go, but fixed-priced menus are available at certain locations. Costs for brunch and lunch are $25, with dinner ranging from $42 to $59.
3. Attend the Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Searching for fun things to do in Hyde Park? The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is one of the biggest annual events in this neighborhood, with travelers from all over attending. Notable jazz musicians from prior lineups include Jazz master, pianist, composer, and arranger, Kenny Barron, whose an event veteran and honored by The National Endowment for the Arts in 2010.
They also feature local musicians and jazz bands to celebrate the culture of South Side Chicago. As a bonus, the festival is free! While donations are encouraged, you can enjoy historical music culture, artisan shopping, local food, and community here in Hyde Park.
The 2024 Hyde Park Jazz Festival is September 28th and 29th. The event location is at the Midway Plaisance at the Wagner Stage and West Stage between S. Woodland and S. Ellis. They even offer a free shuttle bus that stops at all venues.
4. Shop Fresh and Local Food at the 61st St Farmers Market
The 61st St Farmers Market is the go-to farmer’s marketplace near Hyde Park. You can enjoy fresh seasonal produce, organic vegan desserts, and diverse dishes like stir fry. The indoor season is from November 4th to April 13th, and outdoor runs from May 13th to October 28th. They also have events like family-friendly bread baking and literary arts panels.
The Dorchester & 61st bus stop takes you to the entrance via Bus 59. Or get off the University of Chicago/59th St subway station, less than a 10-minute walk via the Orange Line. You can also find plenty of parking garages along S Dorchester Ave.
5. View Chicago’s Skyline and Scenery at Promontory Point
For outdoor activities to do in Hyde Park, add Promontory Point to your itinerary. Located at Burnham Park, it has around 600 acres, with Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline views. You can visit beautiful bird sanctuaries or relax at the beach after a long day of walking around the city.
The 55-56-57th St. train station is a 15-minute walk via the Red and Orange Line. Or get off the Lake Park & 55th St bus stop that’s a 10-minute walk away. Nearby metered parking is also available.
6. Visit the University of Chicago’s Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright
The University of Chicago is a stunning campus with gothic, contemporary architecture and two museums onsite. The Robie House was designed by the globally respected campus architect Frank Lloyd Wright and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1963. Visitors can tour the Prairie-style building to see its beautiful art glass windows, and midwestern design.
Tour admissions cost between $20 to $75, depending on the type of tour you book. Some tours offer a more in-depth experience where you can visit inside and outside the house longer. You can hop off the University of Chicago/59th St train station for a 10-minute walk to the entrance via the Orange Line or get off the Cottage Grove & 58th St bus stop via Bus 2, 4, or X4.
Home Sweet Home in Hyde Park: Find Your Dream Chicago Apartment With TLC Management
Hyde Park is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago. If you’re looking for a new apartment here, TLC Management has 13 Hyde Park rental properties with unique amenities for all lifestyles. From contemporary apartments with French door balconies to renovated studios within walking distance of lakefront views, we believe in elevated rental living as it should be.
Find your new home sweet home in Hyde Park, or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com for any questions today!
