Some “experts” on visiting colleges will tell you that visiting in the summer isn’t worthwhile—the students are all gone, the campus is dead, and classes aren’t in session.
At Chicago, summer is really when the campus and city come into bloom. Students come from high schools and colleges all over the country to take summer classes. Mayor Daley’s summer festivals and parades kick in—there is a festival every weekend until Labor Day. Students who have summer jobs, research positions, or internships on campus and downtown flock to baseball games and outdoor concerts. We invite you to get the summer version of the Chicago experience and seek out activities in the city after your tour and information session are over. And we hope, for just this one visit, you’ll get a lasting impression of Chicago weather.
Summer in Chicago (the city)
Chicago’s lakefront
Chicago’s lakefront is lined with beaches, including the 57th Street beach in front of the Museum of Science and Industry, a few blocks from campus. You can swim there (yes, the lake does get warm enough, eventually) and see the museum while you are at it.
Visit a museum
If you are up for museum going, you should not miss the Art Institute of Chicago, downtown, about a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute train or bus ride from campus. This is a great one.
Walk in the park
Next to the Art Institute is the new Millennium Park. It is worth the walk across Monroe Street to see the Frank Gehry bandshell, the undulating Gehry footbridge, and the enormous reflecting Kapoor bean. On the right night, you will be able to hear a free concert at the band shell.
Attend a festival
If your timing is even better, you can catch part of a festival season that begins in early June with the Chicago Blues Festival and ends with the Labor Day Chicago Jazz Festival. All are outdoors, all free, with the lake shore and Burnham Harbor as the backdrop and Chicago’s magnificent skyline in front.
Watch a ball game
And if you have time, go to a White Sox game at US Cellular Field or to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. We shall simply mention that the University is White Sox land, though we understand that you might wish to see the Cubs to enjoy the quaintness of Wrigley and to support the American pastime.
Summer in Hyde Park
Chicago’s campus is still thriving during the summer. The food court in the Reynolds Club moves outdoors to grill up summer specialties, and student music and arts groups perform outside all day and evening. Students run several summer camps in areas from athletics to theater, so don’t be surprised if a group of kids crosses your path.
Though it houses the vast majority of students and professors, Hyde Park is far more than a “college town.” It is the home of cultural traditions that go back for years, including the 57th Street Arts Fair. You’ll find that Hyde Park is as lively as ever during the summer.
Hyde Park Art Center
The new Hyde Park Art Center just opened down the road at 51st and Cornell, and exhibitions will be going up every two weeks during the summer. Come see Chicago’s oldest community art venue in its new space!
Tour Robie House
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, considered the archetype of his famous Prairie Style, is right on campus. Tours of the interior and Robie House’s historic neighbors start periodically throughout the day.
Ultimate Chicago
Are you an Ultimate Frisbee fan? The humongous Ultimate Chicago summer leagues and tournament take over Washington Park every summer. Join a clinic or pick-up game, or just watch in one of the most beautiful parks in Chicago.
57th Street Art Fair
On June 7 and 8 the whole city seems to flock to the 61st annual 57th Street Art Fair—the oldest juried art fair in Chicago—which draws artisans and performers from across the Midwest. Since classes are still in session, see student performances and art projects as part of the festivities.
Hear Student Bands
All summer long, WHPK sponsors student musicians and bands to play on the quads. Meanwhile, University Theater runs a Summer Shakespeare Festival, also outdoors.
