McKinley Park

Located on Chicago’s southwest side, McKinley Park is a neighborhood shaped by industry, immigration, and reinvention. Its history traces back to the city’s meatpacking era, and remnants of that legacy can still be seen in the surrounding architecture and layout. Over time, the neighborhood has evolved into a mix of residential streets, green space, and local businesses that reflect its working-class roots and ongoing growth.

At the center of the neighborhood is McKinley Park itself—a 70-acre park that’s been part of the area since the early 1900s. With ballfields, a lagoon, walking paths, and a public pool, it serves as both a landmark and a gathering space throughout the year.

The housing stock in McKinley Park is a blend of brick bungalows, townhomes, and walk-ups, with some structures dating back more than a century. The streets are lined with mature trees and wide sidewalks, giving the neighborhood a steady, lived-in feel.

Community life in McKinley Park often revolves around hyperlocal events and initiatives. The seasonal farmers market is a favorite, bringing together growers, vendors, and neighbors on weekends. A number of organizations focused on arts, education, and advocacy have taken root here, many of them operating out of repurposed storefronts or historic buildings.

You’ll find a mix of dining options and shops across the area—from long-standing taquerias and family-owned bakeries to newer cafes and takeout spots. Commercial strips along Archer Avenue and 35th Street offer a practical mix of retail and services, making daily errands easy to manage.

McKinley Park is well connected by transit, with Orange Line service and several CTA bus routes running through the neighborhood. For those commuting by car, proximity to the Stevenson and Dan Ryan expressways keeps much of the city within reach.

McKinley Park has a pace and presence all its own—rooted in history, defined by movement, and always shaped by the people who call it home.