Calumet Park

Calumet Park is a 198-acre lakefront recreation area on Chicago's East Side with extensive facilities for activities. The park features two gymnasiums, a fitness center, multiple sports fields, and roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline.

The South Park Commission started developing this area in 1904 with 40 acres of land and expanded it substantially during the 1930s. A fieldhouse built in 1924 became a key landmark and still serves the community today.

The community center here offers classes like gymnastics, woodworking, and sewing that draw people from the neighborhood together. Rotating model train exhibitions also draw collectors and families to see hobby displays.

Beach access from Lake Michigan happens at three entry points near 96th, 98th, and 99th Streets. Plan your visit for summer months when all facilities are fully operational.

This park marks the start of a 60-mile cycling route that runs around the southern end of Lake Michigan to New Buffalo, Michigan. The path draws cyclists looking to explore the shoreline on two wheels.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1905

GPS coordinates: 41.71790,-87.52940

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04