Midway Plaisance, Chicago
For an impressive introduction to the University of Chicago, take a stroll along the Midway Plaisance, a lengthy verdant stretch that once served as the location for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. During that time, the Midway was transformed into a bustling showcase of life-sized model villages from various corners of the world, including an Irish market town and a replica of Cairo complete with belly dancers. Today, it primarily serves as a thoroughfare for joggers and a recreational spot for students enjoying games of Frisbee.
Despite its name blending contrasting elements of the mundane and the refined, the Midway Plaisance is, in fact, a spacious boulevard with a vast sunken grassy median that traverses the southern portion of the University campus, providing a striking view of the historic buildings on the way. Its entire length of the Midway is flanked by trees and adorned with landscaping that enhances its overall appeal.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the boulevard is situated adjacent to several vital components of the University of Chicago campus: the Graham School of Liberal and Professional Studies, the Harris School of Public Policy, the School of Social Service Administration, and the University of Chicago Law School.
In the 21st century, developments on the Midway have introduced an ice rink and a warming house (in 2002), while the Midway Crossings (2010–13) at Ellis, Woodlawn, and Dorchester Avenues stand as towering light installations, visually connecting the campus' northern and southern sections. Additionally, you can discover an older statue honoring botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus, as well as a statue depicting the Blanik Mountain Knight – a monumental symbol of eternally valid ideals: freedom, democracy and humanity.
Despite its name blending contrasting elements of the mundane and the refined, the Midway Plaisance is, in fact, a spacious boulevard with a vast sunken grassy median that traverses the southern portion of the University campus, providing a striking view of the historic buildings on the way. Its entire length of the Midway is flanked by trees and adorned with landscaping that enhances its overall appeal.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the boulevard is situated adjacent to several vital components of the University of Chicago campus: the Graham School of Liberal and Professional Studies, the Harris School of Public Policy, the School of Social Service Administration, and the University of Chicago Law School.
In the 21st century, developments on the Midway have introduced an ice rink and a warming house (in 2002), while the Midway Crossings (2010–13) at Ellis, Woodlawn, and Dorchester Avenues stand as towering light installations, visually connecting the campus' northern and southern sections. Additionally, you can discover an older statue honoring botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus, as well as a statue depicting the Blanik Mountain Knight – a monumental symbol of eternally valid ideals: freedom, democracy and humanity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Midway Plaisance on Map
Sight Name: Midway Plaisance
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour
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Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
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Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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