Jackson Park

Category: Parks-Gardens

After the state legislature created the South Park Commission in 1869, the renowned designers of New York's Central Park were hired to lay out the 1055-acre park. Known originally as South Park, in 1881 it was renamed Jackson Park to honor Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), the seventh president of the United States. In 1890, Jackson Park was selected as the site for the World's Columbian Exposition. Today, two structures remain as impressive symbols of the World's Columbian Exposition. The "Golden Lady" sculpture is a smaller version of Daniel Chester French's Statue of the Republic which originally stood at the foot of the Court of Honor. The original Fine Arts Palace now houses Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

Jackson Park has a variety of recreational facilities, including tennis courts, baseball fields, 18-hole golf course, and two walking trails (one just under a mile and one almost two miles). Fishing is allowed in the park's lagoons. Osaka Garden is a Japanese stroll garden located within Jackson Park.