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Visitor Resources

Getting Around

Chicago is an energetic city with much to offer. Here are some ways of getting around:

  • By train:
      • Metra Electric District Line. This is a commuter rail line operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) connecting Hyde Park to downtown Chicago and beyond. Hyde Park stations are located at 51st-53rd Street, 55th-56th-57th Street, and 59th Street, and tickets can be purchased from Ventra Vending Machines at any of these stations or through the Ventra mobile app.
      • Green and Red Lines. These are two rapid transit lines operated by CTA connecting South Side neighborhoods like Hyde Park to other parts of Chicago. Take the #55 Garfield bus from 55th Street and Woodlawn Avenue towards Midway to get to the Green Line station (320 E. Garfield Boulevard) or Red Line station (220 W. Garfield Boulevard). Tickets can be purchased from Ventra Vending Machines at any CTA station.
  • By bus:
  • By car:
      • Taxi services like Curb and Arro, and rideshare options like Lyft and Uber, are another convenient way to get to your destination quickly and comfortably.

Finally, Divvy bikes from Lyft are a great way to explore the neighborhood or go for a ride along the lake. Click here to learn more: https://divvybikes.com/.

Parking in Hyde Park

Ample free street parking is available around the Rubenstein Forum. There is also free parking some blocks east of the Forum, at the corner of E. 60th Street and S. Stony Island.

In addition, the University manages several parking lots around campus. For rates and locations, please visit: https://safety-security.uchicago.edu/en/transportation/driving-parking/visitor-parking/. The Kimbark South lot, located at 6021 S. Kimbark Avenue, is the closest to the Rubenstein Forum.

 

Dining in Hyde Park

There are several dining options within walking distance of the University of Chicago campus. Here are just a few of them listed by proximity to the David Rubenstein Forum:

60th Street

57th Street

55th Street

53rd Street

Woodlawn Tap on 55th Street and The Promontory on 53rd Street are ideal spots for gathering over drinks. And Plein Air Café on 58th Street and Woodlawn, next door to the Seminary Co-op Bookstore, is a great place for getting coffee.

Safety

Hyde Park is generally considered to be a safe and walkable neighborhood. As is true for any large American city, following some common-sense safety measures can enhance your experience of visiting Chicago.

  • Report suspicious activities to the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) at 773.702.8181. Look for “blue light” emergency phones to quickly contact UCPD.
  • Do not wear your conference badge outside the meeting venue to avoid attracting attention.
  • Walk with purpose and be aware of your surroundings (avoid using your cell phone or listening to music).
  • Walk with others and choose busy and well-lit streets.
  • Do not carry large sums of cash.
  • If driving, park as close as possible to the meeting venue and choose well-lit streets. Do not leave any valuables in your car, and do not sit in your parked car for extended periods of time.
  • If using rideshare, wait for your driver indoors if possible, confirm your driver’s identity before entering the vehicle, ride in the back seat, and do not share any personal information with your driver.
  • If someone tries to rob you, do not fight to keep your items. Call 911 when it is safe to do so.

For more information, visit UChicago’s Safety and Security website here: https://safety-security.uchicago.edu/en. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.