Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chicago
The once-abandoned rail yards lining the Chicago River's edge have been skillfully transformed into a meticulously landscaped park that pays homage to the neighborhood's rich Chinese heritage. Its entrance is marked by four imposing columns, each standing at a towering height of 20 feet and intricately adorned with dragon designs, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese courtyards.
This green haven takes its name from Chinatown's most revered civic leader, whose bronze bust graces the park's pavilion. Initially envisioned with walled plazas reminiscent of the traditional gardens in Suzhou, China, the park now occupies 12 serene riverside acres. Here, you'll discover a children's playground, meandering walking paths, graceful gingko trees, and a bamboo grove that captures the essence of a Chinese landscape. The park is also home to a fieldhouse and a boathouse, the latter offering kayak rentals during the summer months. For a splendid view of the imposing Chicago skyline to the north, ascend the grand yellow-and-red pagoda. From March through December, you can embark on an affordable and picturesque water taxi ride to the Loop, departing from this location.
A true hidden treasure in Chicago, Ping Tom Park displays its beauty across all seasons and offers a splendid vantage point to admire the city skyline from the south. Don't forget to bring your camera along, as the park's picturesque charm is a sight worth capturing!
This green haven takes its name from Chinatown's most revered civic leader, whose bronze bust graces the park's pavilion. Initially envisioned with walled plazas reminiscent of the traditional gardens in Suzhou, China, the park now occupies 12 serene riverside acres. Here, you'll discover a children's playground, meandering walking paths, graceful gingko trees, and a bamboo grove that captures the essence of a Chinese landscape. The park is also home to a fieldhouse and a boathouse, the latter offering kayak rentals during the summer months. For a splendid view of the imposing Chicago skyline to the north, ascend the grand yellow-and-red pagoda. From March through December, you can embark on an affordable and picturesque water taxi ride to the Loop, departing from this location.
A true hidden treasure in Chicago, Ping Tom Park displays its beauty across all seasons and offers a splendid vantage point to admire the city skyline from the south. Don't forget to bring your camera along, as the park's picturesque charm is a sight worth capturing!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: 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.
Ping Tom Memorial Park on Map
Sight Name: Ping Tom Memorial Park
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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.
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such “forever free and open” space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S. Grant.
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
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you’ll find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
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
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour
Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy, having long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Holabird & Root, and others. The multi-layered Loop District, in particular, offers an extensive number of Chicago’s famous architectural “must-sees” – from modern skyscrapers to historic buildings... view more
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
Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques – all of which have turned an area once referred to as the “Cabbage Patch” into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.
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
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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