Harold Washington Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harold Washington Park is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is named after the first African American mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington. It covers an area of 52 acres and is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

One of the main reasons to visit Harold Washington Park is to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park features a large green space with plenty of room for picnics, games, and other outdoor activities. There are also several walking paths and trails throughout the park, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or jog.

Another highlight of Harold Washington Park is the DuSable Museum of African American History. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits and artifacts, including artwork, photographs, and historical documents.

Other points of interest within the park include a playground, basketball court, and tennis court. There are also several sculptures and other public art installations throughout the park, adding to its cultural and artistic appeal.

Interesting facts about Harold Washington Park include its history as a former landfill site. The park was created in the 1970s as part of a larger effort to clean up the area and create a new public green space. Today, it is one of the most popular parks in Chicago and a beloved community resource.

The best time of year to visit Harold Washington Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and can be enjoyed in any season. Visitors should be aware that the park may be crowded during peak times, such as weekends and holidays.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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
View more

Featured Parks

View more

Nearby Fishing