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HomeHumboldt Park Hike

Humboldt Park Winter Hike - Saturday January 23, 2021




A handful of LSSC members joined hostess/tour guide Kathy Kirby on Saturday, January 23, for a winter hike in her neighborhood. Lucky lady!

Welcome Humboldt Park, a 208-acre oasis of lagoons, gardens and a stunning fieldhouse, sheltered from the congestion of North and Division Avenues by Humboldt Boulevard.


The 4-mile walk, round-trip, sailed around this park that hit its heyday in the mid1900s. The landmark buildings, including the Armory, the Puerto Rican Heritage Museum and stables, were part of the development. The park opened in 1877. Credit is given to developer William Le Baron Jenny and landscape architect Jens Jensen who designed the boat house, formal gardens and refectory building. 


A highlight of the walk was viewing the pond where Chance the Snapper, the famous alligator who captured the imagination of Chicagoans last year, held court before capture. The handsome bronze bison sculpted by Edward Kemeys (he also did the lions at the Art Institute) stand watch over the formal garden, designed by Jensen.


Before returning to Kathy's backyard for hot chocolate and sweets, the group stopped by the colorful mosaic that identifies the home of A. Frank Baum, creator of "The Wizard of Oz". Several of us made a promise to return in the summer to ride the Swan Boats..


Good job, trip leader Kathy, baker and  sweets-maker Margaret, and photographer Dina Petrakis.


Margaret Sheridan

Assistant Event Leader