Burnham Park (Chicago) facts for kids
Burnham Park is a large public park located in Chicago, Illinois. It stretches for about 6 miles (9.7 km) (or 9.7 kilometers) along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. This park connects two other famous Chicago parks: Grant Park at 14th Street and Jackson Park at 56th Street. The park covers about 598 acres (242 ha) (or 242 hectares) of land and is managed by the Chicago Park District. It was named in 1927 after Daniel Burnham, a famous city planner and architect who had big ideas for Chicago.
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Discovering Burnham Park
Burnham Park is a fantastic place for many activities and offers amazing views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. It's not just a green space; it's a hub for sports, relaxation, and enjoying nature right in the city.
What to Do in the Park
- Enjoy the Lakefront Trail: A popular path for biking, running, and walking stretches through the park, offering stunning lake views.
- Visit the Beaches: Several sandy beaches, like 31st Street Beach and 57th Street Beach, are perfect for swimming and sunbathing during warmer months.
- Explore the Skatepark: At 31st Street, there's a cool skatepark where you can practice skateboarding and rollerblading tricks.
- See Famous Landmarks: The park is home to or very close to several important Chicago spots, including Soldier Field, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. These places offer lots of learning and fun!
Who Was Daniel Burnham?
Daniel Burnham (1846-1912) was a very important person in Chicago's history. He was an architect and a city planner. This means he designed buildings and also planned how entire cities should grow and look. He is famous for creating The Chicago Plan in 1909. This plan was a big idea for how Chicago could become an even more beautiful and organized city. It included creating more parks, wide boulevards, and improving the lakefront, which led to the creation of parks like Burnham Park. His vision helped shape modern Chicago.
History of the Park
Burnham Park was created as part of Daniel Burnham's larger plan for Chicago. His idea was to make the city's lakefront a continuous stretch of parks and public spaces, open for everyone to enjoy. The park was officially named in his honor in 1927, years after his plan was first introduced. Over time, the park has grown and developed, adding new features and attractions while keeping its original purpose of providing a beautiful green space along the lake.
Images for kids
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The Veteran's Memorial at Soldier Field
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A copy of The Chicago Plan
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Burnham Harbor in Burnham Park with the Field Museum of Natural History in the foreground
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Balbo Monument
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Burnham Park skatepark at 31st Street
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See also
In Spanish: Burnham Park (Chicago) para niños
