Hi everyone, how are you?
My go to answer to that question is “Better than I think I am” :)
Before I share about my day trip to Illinois Beach State Park, I want to pass along some photos and a Video of what Fall looks like in Garfield Park (the actual park, not the neighborhood or Conservatory) One of the “Flight of Butterflies” is there too. The Park includes a rather grand Gold Domed Fieldhouse complete with a basketball gym and an outdoor swimming pool.
Garfield Park Fieldhouse
The Garfield Park Fieldhouse, constructed in 1928 as the West Park Commission administrative headquarters, is one of the most lavish buildings on Chicago’s west side. Designed by architects Michaelsen & Rognstad this "Gold Dome Building" has a 23 carat gilded dome. The building's Spanish Revival style was inspired by a 1915 exposition in San Diego's Baiboa Park, which influenced design throughout the nation. fieldhouse's ornate facade includes a sculptural figure of Robert Cavalier de LaStille,
explorer of the Upper Midwest. The interior rotúnda also has impressive details, including marble panels by the renowned sculptor, Richard W. Bock.
The West Park staff, which had operated out of small Union Park offices since the 1880's, was suffering from a space shortage by the 1920's. A major 1927 bond issue funded the construction of this flamboyant Garfield Park building for offices, a police department, and public functions including a restaurant and skater's room. After the 1934 consolidation of the independent park commissions into the Chicago Park District, the administrative headquarters became Garfield Park's Fieldhouse. In response to increased recreation needs, a gymnasium and outdoor swimming pool were constructed on the west side of the building in 1983.
CLICK HERE for a Video created from my photos.
On Friday, October 18, 2024 I made a Day Trip to Illinois Beach State Park which is along Lake Michigan and nearly extends to the Wisconsin State Line.
I started at the North Dunes Nature Preserve because it was the most accessible from a Metra Train Station, in this case, the Winthrop Harbor stop on Metra’s Union Pacific North route. From there it was an easy 20 minute walk to the North Point Marina and then Lake Michigan and the North Dunes Nature Preserve Trails and Beach.
The weather was great and not a surprise, it was Windy :)
The area in general was similar to Fort Sheridan (previous blog post) with Dunes replacing the Ravines, restored natural areas and with the constant presence of Lake Michigan with its waves, colors, sands, pebbles, driftwood, stones, occasional birds, lone sail boats (how do they do that out on the Lake?), etc. Even on what I think was a pretty common day along the shore, it seems that the Lake is relentless in attacking the shore in spots despite the obvious attempts by humans to “control” it. I can only imagine what the views would be during a storm, winter or summer. That is on my list of things to do/see but time will tell :)
I created two Videos from my photos, hope you enjoy them:
I didn’t quite make it as far South in the Park as the Illinois Beach State Park Hotel or the South Beach area, but will make that section on another trip.
Also, did you notice that I snuck in some “Beach Art”? I plan on making a habit of it every time I visit a Beach :)
Well, if you have read this far, it is your lucky day, I have a recipe idea for you :)
Mediterranean Chickpea (Garbanzo beans) Salad
I didn’t measure anything, just added amounts that complimented the Chickpeas.
Hope you try it, of course you are free to substitute to your taste, Bon Appetit/Buen Provecho/Buon Appetito :)
Enjoy the Full Moon ☆ !!
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