You’ve probably seen the photos. That perfect, sweeping shot of the Chicago skyline where the John Hancock building looks like it’s practically touching the lake. Usually, those shots come from a specific cantilevered deck that juts out over the water. That’s Milton Lee Olive Park.
Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a glitch in the city’s matrix. You have the chaos of Navy Pier just a few hundred yards away—screaming kids, overpriced popcorn, the Ferris wheel—and then you walk through a gate into what feels like a private estate. It’s quiet. Like, eerily quiet for being in the middle of a massive metro area.
Most people just call it "Olive Park." They go there for the "Gram," or for wedding photos, or to propose. But there is a whole lot more going on here than just a good backdrop for your engagement session.
The Hero Behind the Name
It’s easy to walk past the plaque and not think about it. But the park isn’t just named after some local politician or a wealthy donor. Milton Lee Olive III was a kid from Chicago. Well, he was 18. Basically a man, but still just a kid.
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In 1965, he was in Vietnam. During a patrol in Phu Cuong, someone threw a grenade into the middle of his group. Olive didn’t run. He grabbed the grenade, shouted "I've got it," and fell on it. He saved four other soldiers. One of them was his platoon commander.
Because of that, he became the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor for the Vietnam War. President Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated this park to him in 1966. When you’re standing there looking at the water, it hits a little differently when you realize the peace you’re enjoying was bought by a teenager who decided his life was worth less than his friends'.
Architecture That Tricked the Eye
The park was designed by Dan Kiley. If you aren’t an architecture nerd, just know he’s basically the godfather of modern landscape architecture. He’s the guy who did the Gateway Arch grounds in St. Louis and the South Garden at the Art Institute.
Kiley had a weird challenge. He had to build a park on top of a water filtration plant. Specifically, the Jardine Water Purification Plant.
The park sits on a peninsula made of landfill. Kiley’s big idea was to use five massive circular fountains. Each one is a different size, and they’re meant to represent the five Great Lakes.
- They’re connected by diagonal paths.
- The grass isn't flat; it rolls in "swells" like the lake.
- The whole thing is framed by honey locust trees.
Funny thing about those fountains: they used to shoot water 50 feet into the air. But Chicago is, well, the Windy City. The wind would catch the spray and drench everyone within a quarter-mile radius. Now, they usually keep the water at a much lower, more "polite" height.
What Most People Get Wrong About Visiting
People think because it’s right next to Ohio Street Beach, it’s just an extension of the beach. It’s not. There’s a gate. And there’s security because, again, it’s literally sitting on the city’s water supply.
Wait, is it free?
Yes. Totally free. But the hours are specific. Usually, it’s open from 7 AM to 8 PM. If you show up at 9 PM hoping for a romantic late-night stroll, you’re going to be staring at a locked black iron fence.
Can I bring my dog?
Actually, yeah. Dogs are allowed, which is great because the paths are perfect for a walk. Just keep them on a leash. There was a weird scare back in 2019 about dogs getting sick from the grass, but that hasn't been an issue for years.
Where do I park?
Don't. Or at least, don't try to park at the park. There is no parking lot. Your best bet is to park west of Lake Shore Drive and walk, or just take an Uber to the corner of Grand and Ohio. If you try to park at Navy Pier, you're going to pay $30+ just to look at some grass. Not worth it.
The Photography "Secret"
If you’re there for photos, the "money shot" is the cantilevered deck. It’s a concrete platform with black granite benches that hangs over Lake Michigan.
If you want the best light, show up about 90 minutes before sunset. The sun drops behind the Willis (Sears) Tower and the John Hancock, and the whole city turns this weird, glowing orange.
Pro tip: Everyone flocks to the deck. If you want a unique shot, go to the very north end of the park. You get a perspective of the filtration plant’s industrial architecture mixed with the lake that most tourists completely miss.
Making the Most of Milton Lee Olive Park
Don't just treat this as a quick stop on your way to the Ferris wheel. It’s a place for actual reflection.
- Bring a blanket. The grass is surprisingly well-maintained because there aren't thousands of people stomping on it every day.
- Check the wind. If the lake is "angry," the wind at the park will be 10 mph faster than it is on the street. Bring a jacket even if it feels warm downtown.
- Walk the Allee. The row of honey locust trees at the entrance is stunning in the fall when the leaves turn bright yellow.
The park is a rare example of "functional art." It protects the city's water, honors a hero, and provides a literal platform to view one of the greatest skylines in the world. It’s a ten-acre peninsula of sanity in a city that rarely sits still.
Your Next Steps for a Visit
If you're planning to head out there this weekend, start by checking the weather—specifically the wind speed. If it's over 15 mph, the lakefront can be brutal. Pack a light lunch (there are no concessions inside the park gates) and enter through the Ohio Street Beach side. Walk past the "Hymn to Water" statue and make your way to the farthest fountain to see the Great Lakes representation up close. If you're a photographer, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the skyline from the cantilevered deck.