Humboldt Park

Start heading east on the wood-chipped footpath at Palmer Square’s northwest corner, or run up the sidewalk across the street to get a better look at the turn-of-the-century homes (1) lining the square. Head south along Humboldt Boulevard. At North Avenue, you’ll enter Humboldt Park (2). Continue along Humboldt Boulevard, a.k.a. Sacramento Avenue, as it curves through the park. On your left you’ll see the large Humboldt Park Lagoon (3) and the boathouse (4)(301 N Humboldt Blvd) designed by Prairie School architects Schmidt, Garden and Martin in 1906. Just before you reach Division Street, check out the formal garden (5) on your right—its entrance is flanked by two giant buffalo statues. Turn right (west) at Division Street and then follow Brenock Drive along the western edge of the park. As you curve back up to North Avenue, you’ll pass behind the Illinois National Guard Armory building (6). Make a left (north) at Humboldt Boulevard and run up the other side of the road for variety’s sake, back to Palmer Square.—Ruth Welte

Map illustration: Headcase Design