Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Harold Washington Library Center

Harold Washington Library Center

Highlight • Monument

Harold Washington Library Center

Name: Harold Washington Library Center
Rating: 2

Recommended by 17 hikers

Save

Location: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Harold Washington Library Center

hikers

1. View of the Chicago River – Chicago Riverwalk loop from Van Buren Street

20.7km

05:16

70m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Expert

5.0

(3)

hikers

2. Cloud Gate (The Bean) – Riverfront Path loop from Washington

16.0km

04:06

50m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

3.0

(1)

hikers

3. Cloud Gate (The Bean) – Riverfront Path loop from Harrison

10.2km

02:35

20m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

Tips

AeroPetr ✈🌍

May 4, 2021

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest public library in the world with interesting architecture. The library forms part of the Chicago Public Library System. Construction on the building itself began in 1986 and the doors opened in 1991. Those interested in learning more about the history and/or the institution can do so in a detailed Wikipedia article:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Washington_Library
But a visit alone is impressive enough...

Translated by Google •

Bumble-Bee

September 15, 2022

In 1993, the roof was ornamented with seven large, painted aluminum acroteria designed by Kent Bloomer with owl figures by Raymond Kaskey.[8] The acroterium on the State Street side depicts an owl, a symbol of knowledge due to its association with the Greek goddess Athena. The acroteria on the Congress Parkway (now Ida. B. Wells Drive) and on the Van Buren sides contain seed pods, which represent the natural bounty of the Midwest. The acroteria angularia each contain an owl perched in foliage.

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Washington_Library)

Beyond the Horizon

February 5, 2023

This imposing library opened in 1991 and is named after the city's first African-American mayor, Harold Washington. The architecture of the library is an example of modern art and houses an impressive collection of books, magazines, artwork and more.

The library also gives you an amazing view of the city and surrounding buildings that you shouldn't miss.

From the Harold Washington Library, you can also explore the Loop district, known for its theaters, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the historic Theater District and Millennium Park for a taste of Chicago's vibrant life.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 160 m

Weather

Saturday 8 November

8°C

2°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

BP Pedestrian Bridge

Lake Shore Park

Navy Pier

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Start of Historic Route 66 (Chicago)

12th Street Beach

Ohio Street Beach

Equestrian Monument at Congress Plaza

View of Chicago Skyline and Trump Tower from the River

Oak Street Beach

Lake Street and Dearborn Street

View of the Chicago Skyline from Adler Planetarium

Harold Washington Library Center

1. View of the Chicago River – Chicago Riverwalk loop from Van Buren Street

2. Cloud Gate (The Bean) – Riverfront Path loop from Washington

3. Cloud Gate (The Bean) – Riverfront Path loop from Harrison

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️