Washington Square Park
Chicago’s oldest existing small park, Washington Square Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll after your visit to 360 Chicago Observation Deck! A mere 10-minute walk from west of Michigan Avenue, the park is located at 901 N. Clark Street in the Washington Square Historic District. Set across from the nearby Newberry Research Library, you can find another Chicago find worth exploration.
The three-acre park was historically renowned as an epicenter for public speeches and free speech demonstrations since it’s construction in the 1840’s. Today, the city pays tribute to the park’s past by overseeing the Bughouse Square Debates every July, coined after the park’s longtime nickname. Held in conjunction with the Newberry Library’s annual book sale, the debates are meant to recreate that historic atmosphere. The rest of the year, the park offers a pleasantly manicured respite for pedestrians to enjoy. Scattered benches and its beautifully restored fountain provide a place for rest, serenity, and reflection amidst a busy day exploring Chicago.
Click for Accessibility
