My best friend picked me up at eleven o'clock. Never told me where we were going but did encourage me to wear work out clothes and bring a hat. She had water bottles for us in the car. We arrived at Promontory Park in Hyde Park. The event was Art Therapy in the park. Beautiful views of the water. Tickets to this event can be purchased on EventBrite. Sit, sip and create. Soft music played while we did water color painting, intricate color pages, beaded art work, bracelet making or name necklaces and there was even origami. A wine tasting from Un Wine which clearly means to relax. Relax we did. Included flavors such as sweet red, pineapple, blueberry and peach. Perfect blend of sweet and dry and very refreshing. We were in a very nice shaded spot. Lots of fun. Bottled water and Kind Bars were also provided. As we wrapped up, our host asked us to close our eyes and pick an affirmation stone. What a beautiful way to center the mind, calm the spirit and relax the body in preparation for the work week ahead. Thanks, bestie. read more

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Nice spot along side Lake Michigan. It has a nice scenery during winter too with the ice buildup on the shore. You will still see some hardcore runner run past you on the trail. Near Museum of Science, just walk underneath Lake Shore Dr and it will take you there. read more

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Great spot to photograph and get great views of Chicago. Definitely a good trail to enjoy nature and weather. read more

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Beautiful spot along the lake with good views of the skyline and everything. It also has a cool tunnel from the parking lot. Promontory Point is one of my favorite places that's a quick getaway from the urbanity. Has free parking. The big building there also is fun to check out. Getting here is kind of annoying but it's not all bad. It actually has free parking. This is located in front of the hotel looking building, but be sure you aren't parking in a permit area or you could get towed. From here to get to the park you have to go through a long tunnel and that's not even the best part. The park has some great views of the skyline. Also check out a cool old building. It's often closed to the public. They sometimes have it open for events and things. read more

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10/18/22 - 36 degrees, choppy water @ 7am. I haven't been here in months. I was hoping to catch a sunrise off of the lake but the cloud cover didn't allow for it. Still I saw a chilly fall morning read more

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This view of the Chicago skyline is breathtaking - looking to the north from Promontory .

This is such a Chicago gem. The view in the winter, spring, summer and fall is just breathtaking. It definitely Its perfect for yoga, swimming, walking, cycling, a picnic, lying down to look at the blue sky or just taking a break on one of the benches facing the water. There are also several areas for bonfires. read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a fun spot in Chicago to get out and enjoy some fresh air, without the crowds you might find closer to downtown Chicago. We parked at Harold Washington Park, free street parking, and walked over the bridge. We covered 3 miles on varied terrain: sandy beach, pebbles, grass, rocks, and paved sidewalk. There was some garbage strewn about, and also can be a bit unsettling with bikers zooming by in some stretches, but overall it was a beautiful place for a Springtime walk! All facilities are closed. read more

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Medici Restaurant in Hyde Park Chicago. I am dissatisfied with my experience at Medici. I wanted some fried egg white and I was bought a fluff of eggs. I sent it back. So I asked for avocado toast. I was given to slices of toast and some avocado I had to mash up myself. Nothing, I ever had do before when I asked for avocado toast. Very disappointing!!! read more

So beautiful and peaceful. I love coming to the point. Tree lines, phenomenal lake views, you can go in the water or you can sit under a tree or in the sun or build a fire in the fire pit and just relax. There's also a really cool small building that you can rent for an event, people usually get married there. also a great area to loop around when walking or running. read more

Trying to get outside more for walks in these uncertain times. It had been quite sometime since I admired the view of the city from this spot. Get a decent view of downtown as well as the lake. The morning I went it was cold. Not a lot of folks which I'm not complaining about. read more

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I am pretty in love with Promontory Point. Some Yelp friends suggested it to me and I just keep going back. It's just so nice and relaxing at Promontory Point. They do weddings there, too! Good to know! Once you get passed some of the sclammy & litter ridden beach areas, you come upon Promontory Point which is truly romantic and serene. It's a lovely spot to come and relax, look out over our beautiful skyline, perhaps read a book and just chill out. There is some grassy areas for laying out or picnicing, as well as some rocky shores & steps you can sit on for your unwinding. I've come a couple times as I find it to be such a lovely spot without as many of the crowds as some of the northshore places. I once sat on the stone stairs and took in the picturesque skyline while the waves crashed below us. This past weekend we brought a picnic and ended up spending several hours on the grass chatting, overlooking the beauteous body of water and horizon. People watching can be fun here, too! The good news is the clubhouse has public bathrooms for use while you're hanging at the Point. Love love love it here and plan on coming back a million times more! read more

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Promontory Point is definitely on deck.... on fleek..... it's on point. Located in the beautiful lakefront, you can find "reasonable" priced parking off the 57th street exit... I think we paid $6 for 3hrs of parking. Walk two small blocks and you're at PP! What more can I say about this area? Beautiful grassy spot, with a beautiful view to take your bae, whether human or dog, or a kite. There is a nice public firepit and I've seen plenty of people bringing their own grills. Bathrooms (besides the lake) is located in a sheltered building not too far off. I can't say for sure if this area gets super-crowded or not, but I can say the two times I've been here, there were plenty of grass to sit on, without stumbling over other people's picnic blankets or whatever. BATHROOM REVIEW: What can you expect from a public park bathroom? There were 2 or so stalls, and several urinals. Not super clean, but yet not super smelly. Public park bathrooms always give me the heebie-jeebies though. Sit or squat? Squat for sure. read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

In May 2013, Rosa J. met a friend named "Chicago." She's beautiful, has a unique, yet sexy accent, and always keeps a plenty of food in her magnificent, 234 sq. mi house. Fast forward to May 2016, my faithful friend "Chicago" is still by my side daily. This evening she suggested a "chill n' cheap date" at the Promontory Point in Hyde Park. As a matter of fact, Miss Chicago has been telling me about this sanctuary for some time. Instead of making a point heading there on one of my off-days, hubby and I took an impromptu viaje. Being a Virgo, I've always been a planner and lacking spontaneity in almost everything I do. However, this evening at the Promontory Point was a night to remember. The wind was calm, with a temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The skylines from all directions were visible. One could see the lighthouse in Portage, Indiana and a flashing light signal all the way from Michigan. There are a plenty of bonfire grounds throughout the park. Yes, it was a perfect night for some delicious s'mores...and some make out sessions. I'm kind jealous of the residents of Hyde Park. Ya'll can take advantage of the wonderful sceneries of Lake Michigan as often as you can. Nevertheless, I still can make it by CTA bus #6 (Jackson Park Express) or by Metra (53rd. St. as the closest stop). read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - Nice evening here - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great place to stop and rest if you're riding the Lakefront Trail. I'll often ride up from the northside and stop for some water and to look at the downtown skyline from the south. Very few people visit so it's very peaceful. It would also be a great place to picnic or just sit on the rocks reading a book or daydreaming. read more

As far as I'm concerned, this spot has the most encompassing views of the skyline that you can get. It's a great place to go for a stroll or a run since you got that picturesque view of the lake and city on either side of the point. There are several fire pits near by. The park is very well taken care of and maintained. It's a great location if your looking to take a nice stroll. read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - This skyline doe! - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Parking isn't always easy to find and I wouldn't recommend being over there at night by yourself but it's really peaceful and a great summertime spot for bonfires and chilling with friends. read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - Late night on the lake - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have memories of hanging out with the lakefront as the backdrop; sipping wine and enjoying your choice of food. Musicians supplying good sounds along with a great spot for people watching, bike riding or just walking! The Showtime series "The Chi" filmed an episode here! A must have spot to visit!!! read more

This place will take your breath away. If you ignore the side you walked in from, it feels like you're on a little island outside of Chicago. There's an amazing view of the skyline from the north corner of the park. There's pre made bonfire pits that you can light up and also a little hut that can be rented out for weddings or parties. You will not be disappointed if you ventured out here. read more

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It's amusing to read how people think this spot is so pristine, so beautiful.... Clearly, they don't live in Hyde Park or frequent the Point. To be sure, the Point is great during all seasons - it's a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline (a la the opening shot in the Family Matters credits), a tranquil place to read, study, or sun and a fun place to throw a barbecue or bonfire with friends. But as many times as I've gone there for a run or read, I've had friends get accosted by bums looking for the cheapest joint. There are swarms of rats during thunderstorms scurrying across the same stones that pale Chicagoans throw themselves upon at the first indication of sun in April (or let's be honest, June) . Unfortunately, as pretty as this "destination spot" can be illuminated by daylight, it can also be seedy and sketchy - and that's the full truth, from someone who lived across the street from the Point for 4 years. read more

If you're a Northsider like me, the only thing wrong with Promontory Point is it's a bit far. But I had a two hour break today, so I ventured down the lakefront from my place, there and back; well worth the 28-mile bike ride. The views are stunning. Here is a view toward the Museum of Science & Industry from the Point: http://static.px.yelp.com/photo/4UAN05CyXGj5KFu3vRyD4g/l And, the gorgeous Prairie Style Field House: http://static.px.yelp.com/photo/PZ89MceAUD9BdWt61AEo2Q/l In short, Promontory Point is: "...a place you go to and you are thrilled--a beautiful experience, a joy, a delight [with] a sense of space and a sense of the power of nature and the power of the sea." Alfred Caldwell, original park designer, describing in 1986 his vision of Promontory Point over 50 years before. Source: http://www.hydepark.org/parks/point/prompointpark.htm#history read more

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Want to do something that would make you feel really good about yourself? Go to Promontory Point, jump in the water and swim a few miles. It's a great place for a good swim. Ask the fit old folks who seem to frequent this place mid afternoon on summer weekdays. They all seem to be in excellent shape. I swear I saw a 60 year old man sporting a six pack (abs, not beer). At Promontory Point, unlike in an indoor pool, you will not be bumping into people. There is plenty of space for everybody. And you get the benefit of beautiful views of the Chicago sky-scape. Once done with your swim, pipe ladders make it easy for you to climb out of the water onto the deliciously warm rocks. These rocks radiate heat and will rapidly increase your core temperature. The only thing that might make you feel not quite as great is noticing that the old folks seem to be able to swim a whole lot further than you. BTW, the above is only intended as a summer activity. The waters of Lake Michigan get a little chilly in the winter. read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - The largest swimming pool in Chicago - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Since the time I was a child, I have always enjoyed coming to this part of the lake. I always enjoy sitting on the rocks while drinking a beverage of my choice (that I snuck in the park) while taking in one of the best distant views of our gorgeous city skyline. This is the place where me and my buddies during our late teen years and early 20s spent time chasing girls, playing truth or dare and BBQing during the summer months. Always a good time here for families, couples and excercising. This is truly a must see spot for anyone that lives here as I hold it dear to my heart as one of the best places in the city read more

The Point is like the tit on the breast of Chicago. You know, the best part. This area of park extends out past the shoreline and offers a beautiful and unique view of the famous Chicago skyline. There are fire pits everywhere, and plenty of grass to play on and lay on. What makes the area really special is that there isn't any sand and there aren't any breakers. Tiered layers or rocks and limestone lead directly from the water, and offer a great place to relax, picnic, and enjoy the lake. I live on the northwest side of the city, but there isn't anyplace in the world I would rather spend my time. I've spent countless nights on the edge of the rocks letting the water splash up over my head. On windy days the waves knock against the rocks and shoot up fifteen feet. It really is something to see. read more

A rustic building down the lake shore, nestled on a piece of tree-filled land jutting out into the water, full of breathtaking views of the landscape known as the Chicago skyline, and a view for miles out over Lake Michigan's blue waters. Dreamy! A true gem. I now know why my friends had to wait over 2 years to get married here. read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - Courtesy of the lovely Kate D. - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you are near Millennium Park, taking the express bus #6 (skips many stops) saves some time. Came here on a Monday afternoon. There were people here and there but not crowded at all. Very nice park! On one side is a great spot to see Chicago's skyline. On the other side, you can see 63rd street beach and other buildings. Lake Michigan is so serene. read more

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Beautiful and peaceful point in the city. Great for a pit stop or to read a book or just meditate and listen to the waves brush up against the rocks. Bathroom and venue is also nearby. read more

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Our visit to Promotory Point included all sorts of fun: - an engagement (we helped someone else get engaged) - swimming in open water - swimming in a rocky/beachy area - a lovely walk and convincing the person setting up for a wedding at the boat house (not actually sure what the building is called) to let us in to look around It definitely had a broad range of fun. All kidding aside (well, all of that was true), we had a great time. We managed to find parking and walked over toward the point. It was a nice day, a bit foggy but not too hot and we hadn't ever been there, so we just walked around. A few fun facts..the circles that people are using as fire pits...these are actually council circles (not sure of the exact name) originally used for meeting type things. Also useful as a fire pit or bbq spot. Chicago engineers built the massive stone 'steps' to the water - which I'm apparently not tall enough to use without assistance as I'm not a giant.... The path and lawns are well groomed (not surprising since this is a wedding venue) and it's not super busy, so you won't get run over on the path by an overzealous biker. It had plenty of people, just not totally overcrowded like some areas of the path (I'm looking at you, North Ave!). I will say that swimming here didn't seem great for kids - there are huge, slippery rocks and once you're in, it's nice and sandy, but not really kid friendly in my opinion (probably why there were mostly adults in there). There is a beach over at 57th near the MSI which was busy and looked nice. We were walking and a family was waiting near a bench, obviously for something fun to happen since there were a bunch of roses and folks with cameras. Turns out there was an engagement in progress! We were asked to help by walking on the path and giving roses to the almost engaged girl. It was fun (I obviously snuck back around to see the actual proposal!). It was nice, some kids got in on the fun and I'm guessing the new bride-to-be must have figured out what was going on, but it was a cute touch if you like that sort of public proposal. We checked out the building where George Lucas got married - really old and cool looking. I think it said it was built in the 20's? I'm not sure where you'd park, but perhaps they have carts or something from the parking off of Lake Shore Drive? All in all, a nice spot to visit. read more

On my last trip to Chicago, my gf and I wanted to do some unique things. Since we had both been recently, and done most of the touristy stuff in the past, she let me pick some lesser known gems. To get here is no easy task without a car. But it was worth it. The water here is SOOOOO CLEAR. It's not very populated so you can relax and just sit here and enjoy the views. read more

Man, I love this place. It's so peaceful and relaxing right now in the spring. My dog just loves it here. You can just sit and stare at the lake for hours. The view of the skyline is complete and is one of the best in Chicago. If you haven't been here, do yourself a favor, get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and go. For the reviewer who mentioned safety concerns at night...yes, there can be random people and danger lurking at night...but where doesn't that happen in Chicago? Be smart. Go in the day. If you go at night, go in a group and bring some flashlights. The park closes at 11pm, so don't linger after closing time. I went during the fireworks last year and we had a little run in with a drunk guy, but all was well. Just mind your own biz, stay aware of your surroundings, and you'll be fine. read more

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Very nice place to go for a walk. The lake is incredibly peaceful, and looks amazing at all times of the day. You can get a great view of downtown from the Point. read more

I neither work nor live near Hyde Park, so I unfortunately don't spend much time in the area. But one recent excursion led me to Promontory Point and all I can say is...wow. The first thing that stood out to me is that despite there being plenty of people around, it didn't feel crowded. On what was probably the last warm weekend of the fall, it was peaceful and absolutely stunning, from the trees, to the lake, the skyline to the left, the Museum of Science & Industry to the right. My only regret is not having my camera on me! I could have sat out there all evening taking in the view but it is fall, and it did get a little nippy once the sun went down. But fret not, Promontory Point has various fire pits, so pack up some wood and make a lakefront bonfire. Once this late fall-mid spring period is behind us, I can't wait to return! read more

Favorite scenic view of downtown from Hyde Park, makes for a nice walk as well. There's even a water fountain at the entrance of the park, perfect for those hot summer days!! There is a nice paved path that goes all the way around promontory point and is accessible through a tunnel going underneath Lake Shore. Perfect spot for walking your dog, rollerblade, go for a picnic, enjoy the lake and the view of downtown or even a nice romantic walk! read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The view here is amazing! Every time I'm here, I feel refreshed and get fully-prepared again for any difficulties in life

We got married on the Point back in 2004. It was great. The park was empty at night, the building was gorgeous, etc. But here's some advice: - It's RIGHT on the lake, and even our July wedding was oddly cold. Be aware of what having a wedding/reception right there on the lake can entail..including wind. - The facility is at the end of the little peninsula, and the parking is WAY back on the other side of LakeShore. So everyone will have to walk quite a ways through. It's certainly less than a 10-minute walk, but be aware in case you have older or in-firmed guests. - Go there at night a couple nights before your event and scope out the cleanliness. I say night because there were plenty of spiderwebs we didn't notice during the day, then they were VERY apparent that night. That;s just the way things are near the water. - our experience with the park dept people was great, but my wife complained about the state women's bathrooms afterwards. So I guess it's worth checking out before. - We had no security issues, though I believe the parks dept makes you pay for a security person just in case, and everything went fine. I don't remember anyone out on the point at night except for us. - the parks dept will allow certain vehicles up to the facility...think catering trucks and the wedding limo...but that's about it. - if you can do it, splurge for lighting. It added a lot to our night out there where there isn't a lot of lighting anyway. - TRANSPORTATION - this was my biggest regret. I thought there'd be plenty of cabs in Hyde Park on a Saturday night there by the lake, so we didn't opt for a shuttle. But we ended-up with a mess of people waiting for 30 minutes for cabs...after walking the 10-minutes off the point, then after calling them. So it was a 60-minute-or-so time-span before they were back downtown. Crap! Overall, the night was awesome. But keep these in mind read more

Just somehow now figured out that the Point actually has bathrooms open to the public, and they are very clean! They are located at the pavilion, and are open up at least during days where there are functions going on (see all weekend long). No more heading up to the 57th street beach for me (or in the water... JUST KIDDING!). On a nice day outside, there are few places in the city that I would rather be than here. Perfect place to end a bike ride along the lake and allow yourself to just jump in to cool off, or like I did this past weekend- grill out a bit and just enjoy the people watching, the views of downtown, and good company. Oh- and unlike so many of the north side parks and beaches, PARKING IS FREE here. Make a trek to Promontory Point sometime this summer. When you come- be sure to say hi to me; I will be the guy deviously trying to hide my beer stash from the Narcos. read more

My wife and I had our wedding reception at the point -- it's a great venue for a small party, though it can be a bit of a hike for guests with disabilities. It's gorgeous in the summer and it's always a bit cooler on the really hot days, being surrounded by water on 3 sides and all... --- So, since I've written this review, I've had a bunch of people send me messages asking about specifics of using the Point as a wedding or reception venue. The most frequent questions were how many people we had and how to get more info. So... we had around 100 people there for our reception. Any more and we'd either have had no dance space or would have had to add a tent on either side. Both are very doable but run up the cost for what is otherwise a somewhat lower-cost venue. Next, where to find more info: Checkout the Chicago Park District's page about renting Promontory Point: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/custom.spf/spf/SPF810EB3C9_D0B7_75AB_4D0AA59761833B70 Last but not least, parking can be tough, but we hired a shuttle to bring people back and forth from the midway (the greenspace near the UofC campus, about 1 mile away) because parking was much more plentiful there and, believe it or not, the shuttle wasn't that expensive of a thing to contract out. read more

One of my favorite views of downtown Chicago. They have fire pits, swimming area, a grassy field, event center, and so much more. A good place to go for a jog or walk your dog. read more

Sshhhh... don't tell anyone. :::whispers::: There is this fabulous park down south that is RIGHT ON the water. Sticks out a bit and has a fabulous view of the city and boating action on the lake. There are firepits, a whimsical DEAR fountain, and a pavilion that can be rented for private functions (also houses public restrooms.) And... it's not overly crowded - at all. Wear your bathing suit! I assure you you won't be able to resist a dip of the rocks... when the weather is nice enough. read more

We had our wedding at Promontory Point in May 2014 and it was beautiful!!!! Dealing with the Chicago Park District was *fairly* painless, although there is a LOT of red tape to work through if you want to rent the space. But, it really is a stunning location. read more

Promontory Point - Chicago Park District - Our wedding setup at Promontory Point, Chicago. - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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