Washington Park is a large park in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The Park consists of two large loops; one north and one south of Morgan drive and contains a wide variety of habitat types ranging from grassy meadow to forest to lagoon.
The North loop of the park contains an open field where gulls, waterfowl, and shorebirds can be observed. In the perimeter of this field, you can see woodpeckers, kinglets and other birds in the trees.
The South loop contains a mixture of lagoon and forest habitat that is excellent for viewing a variety of perching birds, such as warblers, kinglets, and flycatchers as well as waterbirds including various ducks (wood ducks, teals, bufflehead), herons (green, Great-Blue and black-capped night-herons) and Great Egrets.
Best time to visit: Early morning or evening is best, allow 2-3 hours.
Hours: 6AM- 11PM
Free parking available at lot off of Payne Drive/Cottage Grove.
Public Transportation: Washington Park is a few blocks away from the green line (51st, King Drive or Cottage Grove stops all come close). The 2 & 6 buses also come within a few blocks of the park.
The Park contains extensive sports fields, a swimming pool, the DuSable museum of African American History, an arboretum, and a high school.
Map by Rossy Natale
Banner and slideshow photos by Ryan Fuller