Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beach (16) wedding (15) beautiful (14) event (14) great (12) lake (10) parking (9) clean (8) Chicago (8) golf (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 L W. 2 years ago on Google
    Accompanied my spouse to attend a friend's memorial gathering. Beautiful lakefront backdrop. Couldn't stay long due to her asthma. Not enough disabled parking spaces. Restrooms at opposite ends of the building, but clean. Wheelchair friendly. Great place for special events.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nikki B. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is a historic giant! If you're looking for a place to have a killer party or a fabulous wedding look no further. Very decadent and fantastic views of lake Michigan from multiple rooms. You also have access to the lake. Imagine your wedding starting near the lake and finish the reception in a magnificent room viewing that same lake were you said I do! The lobby is spectacular and ginormous! They also have golfing not that this has anything to do with the facility itself. I will post pictures at a later date. This is the wedding facility for the Obama's!
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kiljoong K. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 228 reviews
    A beautiful architecture with rich history - showing its age in some spots and perhaps not as well kept up as it could be. It is one of those places that would’ve been so much more popular had it been located on the north side. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit just to walk around for an afternoon.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Stephanie S. 2 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful space with wonderful lake views and access to the beach just a short walk away! Can't wait for things to open back up post-COVID.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Josephine D. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a mental escape during the pandemic.I enjoyed riding the Divvy bike there, taking pics, dipping my feet in the lake, listening to the Earth and all that was being communicated. My favorite was a sign in the sand that read, β€œ Help each other”.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 j L. 1 year ago on Google
    It's was LITERALLY A " Night of OPULENCE" an event hosted by Chicago very own... Mr Vance White, the even was filled with high fashion, delicious food, live music and a DJ who knew how to read the crowd. Tonight event had a great purpose... supporting The School of Opulence, by showcasing it's stable...the art of ballroom. It brings ALL culture together in peace, good health, through awareness, and wellness. Thank you, Vance! Job well DONE!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Elizabeth P. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is historic and beautiful. The architecture alone is something to marvel at. Walking in you can imagine the old timey galas that took place here. Currently it is used for a variety of events. Rooms can be rented out for private events and decorated to suit your event. Catering can be brought in, if it is from the city of Chicago's approved list. The backyard of the cultural center is lake Michigan! All of this is park district property and free for anyone to enjoy. There is also golf here. Parking however is not free anymore. There are paid meter boxes.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Danielle S. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 608 reviews
    I came here for a free concert ( which was awesome). But the insude is breathe taking its for sure a great place for a wedding or an event. The beach is also located just behind the center. There is a restaurant/bar also in the far back. And of course a golf course thats a must to be explored.

  • 5/5 Dan R. 9 months ago on Google β€’ 169 reviews
    This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Chicago. It was a former country club and has been very well-kept since the park district took it over. It’s an awesome place to have a wedding and the views from the room and ballrooms are breathtaking. There’s a nice 9 hole golf course on site and paid parking in front. This is a must see if you visit Chicago. It is open to the public during certain hours.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kymberly T. 11 months ago on Google β€’ 73 reviews
    I drove past the Place my navigation said make a U-turn. I’m born and raised In Chicago never know this beautiful please was there! I enjoyed the architect and design of the interior. Fever candle light concerts Offered a wonderful show Pure Soul presents Awesome show and Megan Vocal is outstanding.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kerry S. 9 months ago on Google β€’ 28 reviews
    I feel like I found a secret gem. We came to the South Shore Cultural Center to attend a wedding. We were early so why not jump in THE Lake. The view was spectacular, the beach was clean and there were plenty of lifeguards. The little cafe staff members were very friendly and diligent. Just such a wonderful afternoon!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 olenka w. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the atmosphere and the beach area. The nature trail is beautiful. Great place for any outdoor activity. And if ur a golfer, it's a great place to golf.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Vanessa J. 5 years ago on Google
    I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life and just ventured to this gem last weekend. I was taken aback by the majesty of the entryway, the proximity to Lake Michigan crashing to the shore, the wildlife sanctuary, it was beautiful. This was a poetic stroll and friends I was just dropping my daughter off at Golf Camp!! Yup, it’s also a public golf course. Highly recommend this location for strolling, golfing, or just a nature photo shoot. The actual building would make a magnificent backdrop for a wedding. The interior was a scene from The Great Gatsby.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Angelane B. 1 year ago on Google
    The Cultural Center was clean but outdated. The event space spacious. I enjoyed the event held there. The security staff was very friendly and professional
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Yolanda D. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was nice but thr company I was there for didn't give good directions or display proper signage to find the right area to go to. We shouldn't have to pay to park there either. This city nickles and dimes you to death here. Its no wonder we are having a mass exodus of Chicago and Illinois period.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Whitney N. 1 year ago on Google
    We went for a banquet. Very nice venue. The head waitress was very rude. The men waiters were so kind. Big space. Bathroom was about 200 ft from room we had.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Michael S. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a nice place. The building itself and supporting structures is just beautiful.. The ballroom can be rented for parties and has the 'bygone Era' feel without feeling out of date. I don't golf,, but the golf course is cool in an area you wouldn't expect it to be in. HOWEVER, the private/public beach in the back I love!. It's guarded from the city by the building itself that looks like a fort (oh hey, it was one once). The crowd is a mix of mainly locals and Hyde Park folk who want to enjoy a quiet beach. There is also a small bird path next to it. I go here and crochet for hours just to chill. There is a cafe and the one time I ordered from them I was happy with my meal. This beach has the feel of a secret gem, so maybe I shouldn't have reviewed this.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Anthony S. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great time. They could have had the grass mowed though!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Corazon R. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a surprise birthday party for my brother. πŸ₯³ Aside from having to walk a bit of a distance from the parking lot and then through a seriously pitted and wet (it had just rained) grass/dirt path🀨, then getting rained on again but quickly drying when the sun🌞 came back out.πŸ€£πŸ˜„ We had a GREAT time with family and friends!πŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ™πŸ½πŸ₯°πŸ₯°
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Tre N. 2 years ago on Google β€’ 298 reviews
    Beautiful Chicago parks destination with gorgeous halls for event rental, views of the lake and Jackson Park golf course clubhouse. The best beach in the city, bonfire pits and (former) home of Al Capone's stables (allegedly πŸ‘€).

  • 4/5 Edith D. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 277 reviews New
    Attended a work Christmas party. The decor was nice. Security available. Staff polite and professional.

  • 5/5 Frank A. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 141 reviews New
    Great space for an event. Caught a symphony event at this venue.

  • 5/5 Donna T. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 137 reviews New
    Went in to show friends the beautiful facilities. Wonderful security guard took us into some of the locked rooms. It was beautiful! Very kind of her to give us a peak. She told us about the summer concerts that are held at the site. We will look into those events as we love this building. It is a paid parking lot, but the prices are cheap. I want to come back and walk the lakefront from this location. It is a popular wedding and event venue. The building is beautiful and well maintained. The grounds are gorgeous. Beautiful flowers during the summer.

  • 5/5 Theresa M. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 71 reviews
    A beautiful venue for a wedding. The views are spectacular and the the whole place is elegant!

  • 4/5 shaybaye4 1 month ago on Google β€’ 39 reviews New
    It has a beautiful view of the lake, enough parking and the room we were in had great space. Unfortunately myself, family and friends were in attendance for my son father's funeral ⚱️ hopefully the next visit will be under better circumstances.

  • 5/5 Bettina A. 8 months ago on Google
    Enjoying Rhonda Flowers DJs in the beach is a wonderful free event to enjoy. The beach is clean and safe. You can even grab a snack or cocktail. It's a good time beach.

  • 5/5 Kim L. 8 months ago on Google
    Timeless Gifts' production was wonderful!! This fantastic group led by musical director & producer of the show,my BFF, Joan Collaso, hard work always pays off!! The performers were ages 8+ and did a phenomenal job! Thank you Joanie!!

  • 5/5 Tee C. 8 months ago on Google
    Neo soul Candlelight experience was Absolutely wonderful. I hope to see these kind of experiences more often .It was worth traveling too .

  • 3/5 Dania S. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 3 reviews
    I was at the venue for a wedding. There was no staff available to find out if we had to pay for parking. There was no staff available to instruct you where the bathroom was located. There were few seats so the elderly could sit while we waited for the festivities. The bathroom had no attendant to replenish supplies. And the security guy clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed. My niece's wedding was fabulous. The venue IS a great place to have a wedding with adequate staffing.

  • 5/5 Al 1 year ago on Google
    Went for a wedding and the place was gorgeous and spacious! Very clean and able to fit hundreds of people!

  • 5/5 Ms G. 11 months ago on Google
    I took my students on a field trip.. the venue was beautiful.

  • 5/5 Cassandra K. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice ambiance and intimate crowd. Acoustics were good πŸ’•

  • 5/5 Jessica B. 10 months ago on Google
    I love the look of this place and how quiet it is. We went to a Candlelight concert here. The parking was fine, had good directions to where we needed to go and the atmosphere was peaceful.

  • 4/5 Keith H. 11 months ago on Google
    Clean. Perfect location. Excellent event. A real South Side Jewel. Have been a few times now & EACH time has been more impressive than the last.

  • 5/5 Mycheal M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beach is great for little kids water not too deep. Perfect shore line like a semi private wave pool at times. Beautiful wedding scene. Lots of space and seating for a family get together or special occasion. The inside and butterfly room is gorgeous. Golfing. No pets. Other things to do inside call for more information about the historic events

  • 5/5 King Emanuel F. 1 year ago on Google
    So I went to visit the beach area behind the SSCC. It was super cool and very clean. The parks committee did a great job maintaining the area. There was lots of parking on the campus. I very pleased to see a few food vendors as well. They also had lifeguards on-site too. I really enjoyed sitting in the nature garden that was adjacent to the sandy beach area. It was a wonderful experience. Safe and clean for the entire family.

  • 5/5 Jacqueline R. 2 years ago on Google
    It was really nice except the mosquitoes. I got a chance to wade in the water with my grand kids, and my great nieces. We all enjoyed ourselves.

  • 5/5 Rouow W. 1 year ago on Google
    Took the grill out with the family to grill, saw a number of families doing the same. Everyone had their music at a respectful level. There is a path that leads through the butterfly/bird sanctuary that will take you to a couple of fire pits surrounded by cement slabs. Cool secluded spot to hang out with ya friends or a loved one. Bring something comfortable to sit on.

  • 5/5 Merlin B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great historic place. Has a great event space with a deck out back. Golf course. Nice picnic area with beach access to lake Michigan. Great low key spot for family day or a date with that special someone.

  • 5/5 Frederick B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place has a great venue for Art and many other Experiences you might want with a shared value to entertain the entrance for certain events.

  • 5/5 Jan A. 2 years ago on Google
    Went there recently to view an Art Exhibit by Dayo. I’m was very impressed on how clean and well maintained the South Shore Cultural Center has always been. It’s always a treat and I most enjoy visiting during the summer. The exhibit was fantastic and a must see.

  • 4/5 Sonie R. 2 years ago on Google
    We were actually out back at a barbque never been inside the place but the outside was fine family fun with quick access to the beach

  • 5/5 Louis B. 2 years ago on Google
    Oldie but still a great place to host events I throughly enjoyed the staff food and ambiance

  • 5/5 Denise T. 2 years ago on Google
    I went just to relax peace quiet and I walked the Nature Scavenger Hunt it was very relaxing. I will return in the near future. 😊😎

  • 5/5 Brenton P. 2 years ago on Google
    I been coming here since a shorty. The best part is the parking lot after hours. Iykyk. However, the nature walk is exclusive as well

  • 5/5 Marc A. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Architectural Design inside. Great place to host an event or wedding. Lake Views πŸ₯³πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡²πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mu S. 2 years ago on Google
    We hang out at the Beach as much as we can. So peaceful!

  • 5/5 Bill M. 2 years ago on Google
    Magnificent building, lovely beach, nature preserve. A hidden Chicago jewel.


Call (773) 256-0149 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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