Happy International Womens’ Day: Great Historic Sites to Celebrate Women’s History Month In Chicago and Illinois

It’s not only Women’s History Month but it’s also International Women’s Day.  Today we’re going to talk about some amazing historic sites to visit that celebrate the amazing progress and contributions women have made and continue to make.

Great Spring Break Day Trips to Sites

Celebrating Womens’ History in the Chicago Area

Who says learning can’t be fun?  Why not head over with your friends and family to these amazing historical sites and destinations, and make a nice memorable day out of it at a nearby eatery.

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum; 800 S Halsted Street, Chicago IL

The Hull House museum was co-founded in 1889 by JAne Addams and Ellen Gates Starr as a settlement house for European Immigrants; by 1911 that one house had expanded to 13 buildings.  Nowadays, two of the original settlement buildings have been converted into a National Landmark, Meeting Center, and Museum.  The Hull Home and the Residents’ Dining Hall are host to many educational and informational programs and special speaker events regarding current social issues.  It is a way to honor the legacy of Jane Addams and the many residents of Hull-House who helped pass critical legislation and policies on health, education, free speech, labor laws, immigration, and other topics.  It’s been an integral part of cultural and political and social history in Chicago!  You can stop by the grounds and visit in person, sign up for a lecture or event, or even take a virtual tour from wherever you are right now!

Where to Eat Nearby: Boston Blackie’s on S. Riverside, The Marq on W Adams Street, Thai Bowl on W Taylor Street, Tuscany Taylor on W Taylor Street, Green Street Local on S. Green Street, The Outpost Mexican Eatery on W. Harrison Street, Portillo’s Hot Dogs on W Taylor Street, Busy Burger on W Taylor Street, Chilango Mexican Street Food/Litos Empanadas on W Taylor Street, Chez Joel Bistro Fancais on W Taylor Street , Two Shades Cafe in W Taylor Street

Jane Addams Memorial Park 550 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL

With nearly 4 and a half acres of beautiful, quiet space across from Navy Pier and at the edge of Ohio Street Beach, this park once was home to a 6-piece sculpture series honoring Jane Addams created by Louise Bourgeois titled “Helping Hands;”  the sculptures  were vandalized and later moved to Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens thanks to a restoration and relocation effort.  Today the park is a beautiful green oasis with many walking paths connecting it to Olive Park Woodland, Milton Lee Olive Park, and the beach.

Where to Eat Nearby: XOCO at N Clark Street, Barrio on W Kinzie Street, Little Goat Diner at W Randolph Street, Bub City at N Clark Street, Cindy’s Rooftop on S MIchigan Avenue, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap at E. Superior Street, Tempo Cafe at E. Chestnut Street, Moti at W Huron Street

Chicago Women’s Park 1801 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago IL

Covering 3 and a quarter acres and the former site of the Vietnam Veterans Museum, the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, aka “the South Loop.”  There’s a beautiful indoor playground, a wonderful cafe, and event space/meeting room area at the park’s fieldhouse facilities.  In addition, renovations have been completed on 3 fitness studios, the Kids’ Club Room, and the new Kids Science Labs which host field trips, summer camp, and science workshops for children.  It’s a great place for families and friends to meet and have a wonderful day out, especially in nature.  You can spend time enjoying the warmer Spring days at he community gardens, the walking paths through the landscaped garden grounds, and viewing the relocated “Helping Hands” sculpture commemorating Jane Addams.  It’s also close by to the Widow Clarke House and the Glessner House if you’d like to make a whole day out of it!  Be sure to check out the local community calendar for an updated list of the park’s classes, events, and special programming.

Where to Eat Nearby:  Goddess and the Baker, Hanabusa Cafe, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, Sweet Bean, Cafecito, Heritage Outpost, Dollop Coffee Co, Patisserie Coralie, Lasalle Cafe Luna, Mojo Coffee, Saucy Porka, Nutella Cafe, Cafe Michelle

Other Fabulous Women Centric Destinations to Visit for Spring Break:

Frances Willard House, Ida B Wells-Barnett House and Grave, O’Hare Rotunda, Illinois Suffrage HIstoric Sites and Markers Trail, DuSable Museum, Ruth Page Center for the Arts

Posted in Arts and Culture, Local Things To Do | Comments Off on Happy International Womens’ Day: Great Historic Sites to Celebrate Women’s History Month In Chicago and Illinois