The Wizard Of Oz Comes To Life At This Whimsical Walk-Through Exhibit In Illinois
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 03, 2019
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Did you know there is a Wizard of Oz walk right here in Illinois? Located in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods, this park has been around for 45 years and celebrates everything you love about this iconic book and film.
Don’t fret about it being in the city. The park is located half a mile from the Armitage stop on the CTA Red Line, so if you’re willing to embrace public transportation, you can avoid traffic in the Windy City.
Established in 1974, Oz Park in northeast Illinois is situated in Chicago's beautiful and nature-filled Lincoln Park neighborhood. Also home to the Lincoln Park Zoo and a grand park that hugs Lake Michigan, this is certainly one of those places that make a trip into the city worth it.
This Wizard of Oz walk is 14.4 acres in total and features many fun sights and activities. Organized activities like soccer, t-ball, and a day camp are offered throughout the summer.
Stoll through this unique park to find all the classic characters from the movie. The park was built in honor of Lyman Frank Baum who wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and who settled in Chicago just a few miles from the location of this park in 1891.
In addition to the sculptures at this Wizard of Oz walk, there is also a magical spot known as Dorothy's Playlot. It is a playground for little ones to swing, jump, and slide all around. There is also a community garden where all sorts of fruits, vegetables, and flowers grow.
Fans of the books and movie will be blown away by this marvelous and little-known display. This is absolutely one of the best secret parks in the city, and you've just got to pay it a visit.
Oz Park is open daily between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., and there is no cost to enter. You can learn more about it on the Chicago Park District’s website here.
Address: 2021 North Burling Street, Chicago, IL, 60614