Columbia Basin and Japanese Garden
Project 120 and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC) planted 160 cherry trees in the Columbia Basin section of Jackson Park (directly south of the Museum and Industry) on the south side of Chicago to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the 1893 Columbian Exposition held in the area and the 50th Anniversary of the JCCC. Jackson Park is one of the best birding areas in Chicago.
Details
Location
The cherry trees are located directly south of the Museum of Science and west of Columbia Drive in Jackson Park, Chicago. The Japanese Garden is a short stroll further south on Wooded Isle (near 6401 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago). A map may be found here.
Managed By
Website(s)
Distance from Downtown Chicago
8 miles from the center of town
How To Get There
Accessibility
There are accessible parking spaces nearby, and the Japanese Garden is accessible. The restroom mentioned below at the Jackson Park Driving Range is not accessible.
Things To Do
Birdwatching (black-capped chickadees, Canada geese, hawks, kinglets, mallard ducks, nuthatches, sparrows, thrushes, woodpeckers), Hiking, Wildflowers
Fun Facts
The Japanese Garden is located on the site of the Japanese Pavilion at the 1893 Columbian Exposition
Other Information
Metered parking lots are located nearby, and there are restrooms adjacent to the Jackson Park Driving Range, 63rd Street and Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.
Eats
Pick up delicious baked goods at the bakery in Medici on 57th located at 1327 East 57th Street, Chicago, prior to exploring Columbia Basin and the Japanese Garden.
Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting
Best Time To Visit
Cherry trees are likely to bloom late April or early May but a heatwave in early April 2021 resulted in peak blooms around April 10. The Japanese Garden is best in spring with azaleas and trees in bloom.
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