Jens Jensen designed the park to feature only native plants, such as hawthorns and crabapples, to reflect the Illinois landscape.
The park's stone council rings, a signature Jensen element, were intended to encourage social interaction and democratic discussion.
Columbus Park is the largest of the three major parks designed by Jens Jensen in Chicago.
The landscape design intentionally hides the surrounding city to create a pastoral 'prairie' illusion.
The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Columbus Park is a historic 135-acre landscape designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen as a masterpiece of the Prairie School style. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, notable for its integration of native plants and naturalistic stone structures. The park features a nine-hole golf course and a public swimming pool. It is situated on the far west side of Chicago, bordering the suburb of Oak Park. The design emphasizes natural lighting and horizontal lines intended to mimic the Midwestern prairie horizon. Visitors can access a refectory building, which serves as a central hub for park activities. The landscape includes winding lagoons and open meadows designed to provide a sense of seclusion within an urban environment. It remains one of the most complete examples of Jensen's design philosophy in the Chicago Park District system.
The stone bridge overlooking the lagoon, which captures the intersection of Jensen's architectural stonework and native greenery.
Walk the perimeter paths during early morning hours to see the native flora at its most vibrant.
Check the Chicago Park District website for seasonal golf course conditions and pool availability.
Bring a camera to capture the natural stone bridges and council rings.
Do not attempt to walk through dense, unmaintained vegetation areas which are designated for wildlife conservation.
The outdoor swimming pool is typically only open during the summer season; golf course access is weather-dependent.
Maintain the integrity of the natural landscape by staying on designated paths and disposing of waste in provided bins.
