Milton Lee Olive Park image

Milton Lee Olive Park

Tourist attraction Park

Secluded urban oasis on the water with city skyline views, serene paths & circular fountains. People often mention park, views, Chicago, skyline, view, city, walk, beautiful, beach, Olive,


Address

E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Website

tclf.org

Contact

(312) 744-6635

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (462 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: 7 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (36) views (28) Chicago (28) skyline (19) view (18) city (17) walk (12) beautiful (12) beach (11) Olive (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ajimon T. 11 months ago on Google • 588 reviews
    Wonderful park to sit and relax, or go for a walk or run while enjoying lovely views of the skyline. I did paid street parking on E Ohio St, it was 9.5$ for 2 hours. Then i did a short walk through the Ohio St. underpass to get to the park. The park is beautiful, its so pretty with wonderful beach and skyline views. There are a few benches where you can sit and appreciate the beauty of the lake and Chicago skyline. The sunset views are really pretty. There are also spots to setup your hammock.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lue 1 year ago on Google • 93 reviews
    Great place to go for a walk, jog, bike ride ext. It is right by the lake and Navypier. Definitely one of the best places to get pictures of the beautiful skyline.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samruddhi K. 1 year ago on Google • 217 reviews
    Hidden gem of Chicago, my favorite park in Chicago. Stunning view of the skyline and great place to catch the practice air show. Park is in need of maintenance, but overall it’s an amazing park, not much crowded even during summer. Definitely a good place for a photo shoot as well.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ahmed M. 2 years ago on Google
    Being a resident for 7 years in streeterville, a hidden spot known only by locals with amazing skyline views. Close to navy pier. Nothing else to do... but what else would you want with a view like this. Good dog park as well
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bruce J. 2 years ago on Google • 427 reviews
    A wonderful place for a walk or bike ride in any season with wonderful views of the city of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Lots of people take their dogs there while enjoying the views and giving their pets some exercise. If the water fountains were working it would be even better so thought should be given to restoring them.

  • 5/5 Courtney C. 1 year ago on Google • 33 reviews
    This is our (my dog + me) favorite place to go for a walk. It offers a beautiful view of the city. Does anyone know why it’s now locked up with a sign saying closed until further notice? I hope it reopens. It has enough space for shy dogs to walk without disturbance while also offering the space for friendly dogs to mingle and play. Truly we love it and I’m sure we’ve invaded dozens of proposal pictures here because it really does have some of the most beautiful views in the city! Please reopen soon❤️
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Job C. 2 years ago on Google
    Peaceful and relaxing place, perfect pictures of the city. Really amazing park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 SCG 2 months ago on Google • 225 reviews New
    Milton Lee Olive III Park is a hidden gem, one of those places that would never make it in a tourist’s guide book but is loved by locals who flock here with their dogs and enjoy magnificent views of the Chicago skyline. Located in between Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier, this park is dedicated to the memory of the first African -American to receive the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War. Because of the glorious views of the skyline, this little park is popular with wedding proposals. Apart from the great views, don’t expect much when visiting. Chicago has sadly neglected this park and it is in need of restoration.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MJ K. 1 year ago on Google • 81 reviews
    If you visit Navy Pier, please pay a visit to the Milton Lee Olive Park too! Unbelievable view of the Chicago city and lake, and very accessible whether you are walking or biking 💙😉 Also close to the Ohio Street Beach but the ambience is uniquely refreshing for walking, hanging out with friends, doing photoshoots, or reading! P.S. I have seen some people take wedding & engagement photoshoots here, and I’m sure they will be memorable 📷!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wojciech Z. 3 months ago on Google • 168 reviews New
    Great place to have a walk by the lake.

  • 5/5 Rousary P. 1 year ago on Google • 32 reviews
    This is a top skyline location for family photos, engagement photos, and wedding photos. Must See! It's also next to a beach which is awesome!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Henry C. 1 year ago on Google
    The views are amazing! 🤩 It's a great place to hang out or take a stroll.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert B. 1 year ago on Google
    Captain Bob loves this beach. When they constructed the Jardine filtration plant in the 60s, this beach naturally formed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nida s. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this place, the atmosphere of the morning is so fresh, the sun that shines on the skyscrapers of Chicago is so beautiful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff C. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a nice shaded park to walk through to take in the blue angels performance. Provides a repreve from the tourist noise and the mall of neighboring navy pier. It's not a very exciting park beyond it's location and view of the city. It is gated so I'm not sure if it's open all the time. It does end at the water treatment plant so you can't view east from this park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bil B. 4 years ago on Google
    I absolutely LOVE this park. Right at the end of Ohio Street and with a beach nearby, this is one of the absolute best parks in all of Chicago. It’s especially nice in the winter when no one is around and you’re all alone. It’s peaceful, big, and the views are spectacular. I highly recommend a visit to Milton Lee Olive Park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 鹿熙恩Luciole 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I really like it 😘 (Original) 很喜歡😘
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Timothy L. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a beautiful, albeit neglected park honoring a medal of honor recipient. Be sure to read his plaque. Great views of the city, day or night. Lots of people take wedding and engagement photos there. Especially at the bump outs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luiza P. 3 years ago on Google
    It’s really nice park when it’s open. But right now it’s CLOSE until further notice. Be careful 😉
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Florian R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Fantastic view of the Chicago skyline. Not very crowded. (Original) Fantastischer Ausblick auf die Skyline von Chicago. Nicht sehr überlaufen.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nurgül K. 11 months ago on Google • 115 reviews
    Swaths of green lawn gently undulate between the fountains, setting the pools at subtly different levels. The pattern of circular fountains and connecting paths becomes apparent when viewed from the nearby high-rise buildings along Lake Shore Drive. The park also features a statue, Hymn to Water, by Milton Horn. On June 19, 1966, the City of Chicago posthumously dedicated the park to PFC Milton Lee Olive, III (1946-1965), the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War. Along with the Art Institute of Chicago’s South Garden and Navy Pier, Olive Park is one of three Kiley landscapes in Chicago. Milton Lee Olive III (November 7, 1946 – October 22, 1965) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor — for his actions in the Vietnam War. At the age of 18, Olive sacrificed his life to save others by falling on a grenade. He was the first African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Vietnam War (Wikipedia)

  • 4/5 Steven G. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is pretty cool you can walk past all of the weird circles I’m pretty sure they were out there by aliens which would explain how the platforms over the water just levitates there without falling down. Magic.

  • 5/5 J F. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely stumble-upon of a park with unique views of the Chicago skyline. Great idea for wedding photos.

  • 5/5 Kato A. 4 years ago on Google
    Best view of the city and watch a wonderful sunset.

  • 5/5 Amy D. 4 years ago on Google
    Got married here...

  • 5/5 Christopher G. 4 years ago on Google
    If you looking for a peaceful place to have the best view of our skyline this is the place. Dogs love this place lots of room too run, chase things. Hammocks way cool.

  • 5/5 Rachel S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great views of the Chicago skyline with benches to sit on.

  • 5/5 Chris B. 2 years ago on Google
    Given its location, not as busy as you might expect. Had plenty of room to hang my hammock. Just be aware you will be subject to the audio choices of the play pen boats…and it’s a hit and miss.

  • 5/5 Michael Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Great park near the Oak Street Beach with benches, walking paths and stunning views of unmatched Chicago skyline. Great for late afternoon or early evening stroll or a midday picnic while taking in Chicago's ambiance

  • 4/5 M Miraz Hossain (এম. মিরাজ �. 2 years ago on Google
    It's nice quiet place Place for walk, sea views and cycling. Love to walk early in the morning and afternoon.

  • 5/5 Sarah L. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge park and great place to bring your dog for off leash practice. You can usually find dogs in the southeastern part of the park (past some of the bushes).

  • 5/5 Emily L. 3 years ago on Google
    Went here to run, we had coffee and crowd watching after. Worth it!

  • 5/5 Eric C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great open park

  • 5/5 Ivana C. 6 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous view of the Chicago sky line. It's often filled with bikers, walkers, and photographers. It's a nice wide path alongside the beach. Highly recommend for an evening stroll!

  • 5/5 Iam R. 5 years ago on Google
    Good for jogging and relaxing at the same time. From afar, you’ve got to appreciate the tall buildings and the navy pier.

  • 3/5 Yilin K. 1 year ago on Google
    I wasn't enjoy the park as much as I enjoyed the beach nearby!

  • 5/5 Eric F. 5 years ago on Google
    This is hands down of of my favorite parks in the city. Where to begin... It is perhaps the most overlooked park, as Navy Pier practically borders it to the Southeast, and millions of people go there, but millions also miss this park... It has huge beautiful old trees that lead you down a path to massive open fields perfect for dogs to run around in or play some pick up sports in. It has these huge, unique water drains that fill up after strong rains and create some amazing visual / photographic opportunities. The best though is hugging the park lakeside where you get panoramic views of Chicago's beaches, architecture, and lakefront that continues on for miles, on a clear day you day see all the way up to Northwestern University. There's also a raised ledge over the water which again is great for getting pictures or feeling like you're floating over the water in the face of some brilliantly laid out cityscape. It's simple, if you visit Chicago, visit this park. If you live in Chicago and haven't go, Go. I'm native to the city and love this spot for pitching a hammock and watching sunset!

  • 5/5 Ozgur S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice view of Chicago seaside. Very good place to relax and have a break from the city. Extremely calm and peaceful. Recommend everyone to visit.

  • 5/5 Marc A. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful views of the city. Excellent place to get lazy and enjoy the views. Nice pit stop after a good bike ride. What a beautiful city we have 😎

  • 5/5 Edward Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice park. Surprised to not see it super crowded. A nice get away of you are local.

  • 5/5 Stuart P. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful views of the lake with the skyline in the background. If you have never seen this, no matter where you live, ..go take a look. You will not be disappointed

  • 5/5 Sarah Nader P. 2 months ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    As a wedding photographer, Milton Lee Olive Park is a favorite spot for capturing stunning portraits. With its backdrop of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, it offers a picturesque setting that's hard to beat. The park's natural beauty provides a variety of backdrops, from lush greenery to urban landscapes, ensuring that every photo is unique. For couples looking for breathtaking wedding portraits against an iconic Chicago backdrop, Milton Lee Olive Park is the perfect choice.

  • 5/5 Ludwig C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to take a walk with the family, you get a great view of the Chicago skyline

  • 5/5 CJ 4 years ago on Google
    nice place for taking pictures!

  • 5/5 Arun K. 4 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 4/5 Kevin C. 4 years ago on Google
    Really nice view of the city, great place to take pictures.

  • 5/5 Dan M. 4 years ago on Google
    I'm going to try to make it to this park daily until it's too cold to be there. I've been trying to get there all summer. A decade ago, no one knew about this place. Before you go, please Google the name of Milton Olive...Its something to contimplate in this quiet spot!

  • 4/5 Kim L. 4 years ago on Google
    The views are absolutely beautiful

  • 5/5 Sarah N. 4 years ago on Google
    I just love view and space , I really feel like this park could be my go to place , when I need a peace of mind . The park is very clean and close to a beach

  • 5/5 Kashon F. 4 years ago on Google
    Great views. Amazing place to get married. Relaxing.

  • 4/5 Oleg B. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice views of Chicago, usually crowdy during summer, but definitely worth visiting at least once

  • 5/5 Jay H. 4 years ago on Google
    It’s a good place to have lunch and view the city, or just hang out, watch the boats drift of sail by

  • 5/5 Sashi A. 4 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous views!

  • 5/5 Jessica M. 4 years ago on Google
    Really nice. Not crowded

  • 5/5 Lupita C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Handsome (Original) Hermoso

  • 5/5 Ronald C. 4 years ago on Google
    This park honors Medal of Honor winner Milton Olive to me it's one of the greatest places in Chicago. Fitting for such a brave and selfless person to be remembered by us that live here.

  • 5/5 Diana S. 4 years ago on Google
    My favority place

  • 5/5 Miaina 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Safe Haven. Get there in the early morning to admire a beautiful view of the skyline and Lake Shore facilities. (Original) Havre de paix. S’y rendre le matin tôt pour admirer une très belle vue sur la skyline et les aménagements du « Lake shore ».

  • 3/5 Joseph L. 4 years ago on Google
    Kind of muddy this season so this review may be unfair. It has good views towards the back of the park but that is about it.

  • 4/5 Martina C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The park is nothing but the view of Chicago is beautiful! (Original) Il parco è nulla di che ma la vista su Chicago è bellissima!

  • 4/5 isaac a. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice!

  • 5/5 Rizelle Angelique P. 4 years ago on Google
    My favorite park in the city! I love the views and bringing my dog here.

  • 5/5 George C. 4 years ago on Google
    A great little beach close to navy pier. There were a lot of people playing vollyball and the people at the beach were nicer than usual. There were lifeguards on duty the whole time I was there and lots of people playing in the water. The parking is terrible, but that is to be expected in downtown.

  • 5/5 Charles W. 4 years ago on Google
    very nice little Park hidden away at north side of Navy Pier by the water treatment plant and the beach. A quiet place to sit and relax.

  • 5/5 Cole 4 years ago on Google
    fantastic view of the city

  • 3/5 Rami J. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice scenery, annoying lack of enforcement for the dog leash policy. Come here if you like loose dogs running all around you.

  • 5/5 Dan L. 4 years ago on Google
    Shady and clean with great views


Call (312) 744-6635 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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