West Town in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Humboldt Park
A green place for people and wildlife
Photographed By Sean Flynn
1. Humboldt Park Marker
Welcome to Humboldt Park, a sanctuary in the city. A sanctuary is a place of refuge, or protection. A walk along the park's pathways will lead you past wildflowers, lagoons and tall trees. Look and listen to find birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other wildlife.
Humboldt Park was part of the West Parks System designed in 1871 by engineer William Le Baron Jenney. Graced with a central lagoon, flower gardens and curving paths, Humboldt was connected to Garfield Park and Douglas Park by wide, tree-lined boulevards.
In 1906, landscape architect Jens Jensen began to shape his Prairie style of landscape design in Humboldt Park. He added a "prairie river", stony brooks and native Illinois trees, shrubs and wildflowers.
Look at the map and follow the paths to enjoy the scenic areas of Humboldt Park.
Erected by Chicago Park District.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Jens Jensen series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 41° 54.332′ N, 87° 42.014′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Humboldt Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jens Jensen (approx. ¼ mile away); The Boulevard System (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Humboldt Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); L. Frank Baum (approx. half a mile away); Logan Square Boulevards (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Logan Square Boulevards (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ukrainian Village (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
More about this marker. The front of the marker includes a map of Humboldt Park. The back has a list of park regulations.
Photographed By Sean Flynn, September 27, 2023
2. Humboldt Park Lagoon
View from the boathouse
Photographed By Sean Flynn, September 27, 2023
3. Alexander Von Humboldt statue
This statue for Humboldt Park’s namesake, the Prussian naturalist and explorer Alexander Von Humboldt (1769–1859), is east of Humboldt Drive near the entrance to the boat house. Donated by Frances J. Dewes, a Germany native and Chicago brewer, the monument was created by German sculptor Felix Görling. The statue was unveiled on October 16, 1892, before a crowd of thousands of German immigrants.
Photographed By Sean Flynn, September 27, 2023
4. Humboldt Park Marker and bike kiosk
Photographed By Sean Flynn, September 27, 2023
5. Humboldt Park Boat House
The Humboldt Park Boat House was designed by Schmidt, Garden & Martin, an architectural firm known for prairie-style buildings, and constructed in 1907. It was renovated in 2002 after spending more than a decade vacant, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2023, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 29, 2023, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
