Harold Washington Memorial Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Harold Washington Memorial Park is a 111-acre park located in the state of Illinois.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is named after Harold Washington, the first African American mayor of Chicago. There are many good reasons to visit this park, including its beautiful natural surroundings, recreational activities, and cultural events.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at Harold Washington Memorial Park include a walking trail, basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground, and a pond for fishing. The park is also home to the DuSable Museum of African American History, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of African Americans in the United States.
One interesting fact about the park is that it was once a landfill before it was transformed into a park. Today, the park is a popular destination for people who want to enjoy the outdoors, learn about African American history and culture, and participate in community events.
The best time of year to visit Harold Washington Memorial Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also when the park hosts many cultural events, such as music festivals and art exhibitions. However, the park is open year-round and offers something for visitors in every season.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Triangle Playlot Park
Willye B Whit Park
Dubkin Playlot Park
Juneway Terrace Park
Rogers Ave Beach
Montrose Harbor
Skokie Ditch
Techny Reservoir
Skokie Lagoons
Axehead Lake