Why is it called Calumet Park? Let’s uncover the story behind this 198-acre urban oasis in Chicago.
Calumet Park is named after the Calumet River. The Calumet Region of southeast Chicago and northwest Indiana is drained by this river. The name “Calumet” comes from the Norman-French word for “pipe”, or “chamulet”. Early French explorers used this term. They were referring to Native American “peace pipes” when trading with them.
Planning for Calumet Park started in 1904. The initial acquisition was 40 acres of land. The Olmsted Brothers created initial landscape plans. They were noted urban landscape architects. The East Side population grew quickly. People thought the original plans were not good enough. So, the plans were revised and more land was acquired.
The original Calumet Park opened in 1905. Later it was enlarged. A fieldhouse was built in 1924. It was located at 98th Street and Avenue G. Calumet Park reached its current size in the 1930s. It grew to 198 acres.
Calumet Park offers lakefront beaches at 96th, 98th, and 99th Streets. A biking and hiking trail will eventually go nearly 60 miles. It will stretch around the southern end of Lake Michigan. It will end in New Buffalo, Michigan. Currently, about 25 miles of the Marquette Greenway are complete.
In August 2003, the park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fieldhouse became a Chicago Landmark on October 4, 2006.
The Illinois-Indiana border meets Lake Michigan near Calumet Park’s southern tip. The boundary line separates the two states. It continues northward into the lake, offshore from the beaches.
Calumet Park provides much more than just open space. The park features two gymnasiums. There is also a fitness center. You can find the Lake Shore Model Train exhibit here. A gymnastic center and sewing studios are available. There is even a woodshop.
Outside, Calumet Park includes a beach. A boat launch is on site. An artificial soccer turf is available. You will also find picnic groves and a playground. Softball, football, and soccer fields are here too.
Calumet Beach is a great escape. Enjoy the cool waters of Lake Michigan here during the summer. The beach season starts the Friday before Memorial Day. It ends on Labor Day. Beach hours are from 11 am to 7 pm. Restrooms and food concessions are available. An ADA accessible beach walk is provided.
Distance swimming is available at the beach’s south end. Swim 10 yards north of Taylor Pier. Keep parallel to the shore.
Calumet Park continues to evolve. It provides recreational and community resources. It also preserves important history. The park stands as a testament to vision and community growth. It serves Chicago’s East Side neighborhood. Calumet Park offers a space for recreation, reflection, and connection. It connects people to nature.