Jackson Park (Chicago) facts for kids
Jackson Park is a large, beautiful park in Chicago, Illinois. It covers about 500 acres (which is like 378 football fields!). You can find it on Chicago's South Side, right next to Lake Michigan.
The park is named after President Andrew Jackson. It's a great place for outdoor fun and learning. Jackson Park is also home to the Museum of Science and Industry. Soon, it will also be the site of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.
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A Park with History
Jackson Park has a very interesting past. It was first designed in the 1870s by famous landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. They also designed Central Park in New York City!
The World's Fair of 1893
The park became super famous when it hosted the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. This was a huge world's fair that brought millions of visitors to Chicago. Many grand buildings were built for the fair.
Most of these buildings were temporary and taken down after the fair. However, one important building remained. This building is now the Museum of Science and Industry. It's a fantastic place to explore science and technology.
What Can You Do at Jackson Park?
Jackson Park offers many things to do for people of all ages. It's a perfect spot for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.
Outdoor Fun and Sports
The park has lots of open spaces for playing. You can find many playing fields for sports like soccer or baseball. There are also woodland trails, which are great for walking or running.
If you love golf, Jackson Park has a golf course. You can also visit the beach along Lake Michigan on a warm day. For those who enjoy boating, there's a boat harbor where you can launch your boat.
Gardens and Nature
Jackson Park is home to beautiful gardens. One special place is the Osaka Garden, also known as the Garden of the Phoenix. This peaceful Japanese garden has lovely plants, stone lanterns, and a pavilion. It's a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy nature.
The park also has areas that are great for birdwatching. Many different kinds of birds visit the park throughout the year.
The Future of Jackson Park
Jackson Park is getting ready for an exciting new addition. It will be the home of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. This center will include a library, a museum, and program spaces. It will be a place for learning and community events.
The new center will bring even more visitors to Jackson Park. It will also help to make the park an even more important part of Chicago's South Side.
Images for kids
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1893 World's Fair Court of Honor and Grand Basin in Jackson Park
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Jackson Park Lagoon
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Jackson Park from 1700 East 56th Street
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One of Jackson Park's bird trails.
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Osaka Garden on Wooded Island
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The Garden of the Phoenix in Chicago's Jackson Park, with a view of the Museum of Science and Industry
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The pavilion at the Osaka Garden
