The North Side of Chicago is a terrific vacation spot. While it is flavorful, exciting, and packed with things to do, it is also more expensive and congested than the South Side. Many people avoid the South Side of the Second City because of unfounded rumors and irrational fears. Like anywhere else, this blanket rumor is simply not true.
Know Where to Go in Chicago
The North Side of Chicago has its own “seedy” and high-crime areas just as the South Side. The South Side, like the North side, has its excellent sections filled with tradition and flavor. Just as is true when an outsider is touring any part of the United States, knowing where to go and not to go makes all the difference.
A Brief History of the South Side of Chicago
At the turn of the century, the South Loop was overwhelmed by railroad tracks. Those stations have been long demolished, and only the Dearborn (1885) remains.
The era just after World War II saw industry move out, and many of the buildings were abandoned. Overall, the area experienced considerable decline, and as rail traffic decreased sharply after the war, the rail yards were gradually abandoned.
In the 1970’s a group of business leaders formed a committee proposing that the rail yard space be used for middle-class housing. The result was successful, and many of the abandoned warehouses were restored.
Even the area around the Magnificent Mile, defined as Michigan Ave. between Congress and Roosevelt, was once quite non-glamorous. But at the turn of the century, big hotels went up along the Mile, and it’s become a nicer and nicer place to visit.
South Chicago Must-Sees
- Touring Chicago by Neighborhood
The accompanying illustrated map shows where all the neighborhoods of Chicago are located; it’s also available in poster size at no charge. There are many neighborhoods that are enjoyable to visit including the following: Clearing (Midway Airport), Garfield Ridge (also near Midway), West Lawn, Archer Heights (A very Polish neighborhood featuring the restaurants Gil-Mart and Bobak’s,) Hyde Park (University of Chicago), Kenwood, Bridgeport, Pilsen, Hyde Park, Chinatown, IIT campus, McKinley Park, Beverly and the entire South Loop area.
- Museum of Science and Industry
This interactive museum is located at 5700 S Lake Shore Drive. Their phone number is (773) 684-1414.
- Chicago Architecture Foundation
The Chicago Architecture Foundation building is on Michigan Avenue, a block south of the Art Institute on the west side of the street. Their phone number is (312) 922-3432.
- Blues Music
Chicago is known for the blues, and there are many places to hear the best of the best on the South Side. Among the many are:
- Lee's Unleaded Blues on S. South Chicago Avenue has a crowd that runs the gamut--everyone from elderly Blues lovers to college students.
- Celebrity Lounge on E. 83rd Street charges a cover fee on weekends, however during the week, it's absolutely free.
- The 7313 Club is located on S. Halsted Street. This club is an authentic blues joint, complete with red carpeting and wood paneling.
- Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile in Chicago
- The Field Museum of Natural History
- The John G. Shedd Aquarium
- Adler Planetarium
Also nearby is Soldier Field—the home of the Chicago Bears.
Visit Chicago—All of It
This article has only barely touched on all the fantastic places to see when in Second City. Take these ideas and jump off from there; the internet can suggest all sorts of wonderful places.
Chicago, like all big cities, is in a constant state of flux. Formerly high-crime neighborhoods are now very trendy and friendly to visitors. Likewise, places that were very nice in the past have undergone negative changes. It’s a good idea to plan a trip carefully. Always phone before checking a place out and don’t be afraid to ask questions about its surrounding neighborhood.
Careful planning will allow the traveler more “bang for the buck” on Chicago’s South Side. A tourist must always be careful, but should also be open-minded. Enjoy some time in the Second City; Chicago is truly first-class.
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