Best Arts and Culture Places in Lake Station

"Photo courtesy of Courtesy of the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago. Photo by Chris Strong. No, it's not the University of Chicago waving its intellect at the rest of us (although it is on the campus), but rather this Hyde Park museum is named for brothers David and Alfred Smart, the original publishers of Esquire magazine."

"In the warmer months, kids of all ages will love visiting the outdoor sculpture garden and all year long families can try their hands and Family Day on the first Saturday of the month. Located on the University of Chicago campus, students, faculty and alumni often contribute to the exhibitions."

"Founded in 1974, the Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago and is home to acclaimed special exhibitions and a permanent collection that spans five thousand years of artistic creation."

"I like the Hyde Park Art Centre because it’s main goal is to make art more approachable and accessible to people in all walks of life. I love this, and I love the diverse and ever-changing selection of artists they choose to exhibit. But it’s not just exhibitions here, there is also a big focus on community programming, classes and courses too."

"For the art lovers coming to visit the city, this is one of the can’t-miss stops. The Hyde Park Art Center is always free and open to the public and hosts visual works from a variety of the world’s top artists. While some exhibits are permanent, others rotate throughout the year with a number of other museums in the country."

"Hyde Park Art Center is more than a gallery; it’s also a community center that offers a production space as well as studio art classes, exhibitions, artist talks, and residency programs. Photo Credit: Museum of Contemporary Photography"

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"The Renaissance Society is a kunsthalle-style museum that presents about 4 exhibits a year from international artists. It focuses on contemporary art and is located at the University of Chicago."

"The Beverly Arts Center is a multifaceted space that hosts regular programs on dance, film, theater and music. There is also a gallery space here that presents a rotating and diverse program of visual arts. Past exhibits have included works by local Chicago cartoonists, printmakers, photographers and painters, as well as programs focused on the LGBTQ community."

"A focus on mid-career artists sets this gallery apart from the pack. It features contemporary American and European works that range from abstracts to landscapes. Open afternoons Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment."

"It was very informative with regards to the black soldiers during the war & their contributions. The DuSable Museum has jazz in the park and there was plenty of jazz lover’s there. The bands were fantastic and the weather was great."

"Every Tuesday throughout the year, The DuSable Museum of African American History offers free admission to its Chicago museum. Children under 5 and DuSable members are also free."

"This museum features the “Freedom Now” mural, a wooden bas-relief depicting over 400-years of African-American history. Entry is free on Sunday."

"I’ve had burgers from fudruckers, shake shack, Culver’s, I’ve had burgers from 5 star restaurants.. these guys are definitely up..."

"Breakfast: Monday – Friday 7 – 10:30 am, Saturday 7 – 11:30 am, Sunday 8 – 11:30 am Lunch: Monday – Friday 10:30 am – 3:30 pm, Saturday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm Dinner: Monday – Wednesday, Saturday 3:30 – 8 pm, Tuesday – Friday 3:30 – 9 pm, Sunday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm. Hold up… a soul food buffet?. Does this list get any better!?"

"The gimmick at this Hyde Park landmark is allowing customers to “see your food.” But for loyalists, Valois is no novelty the cafeteria-style restaurant has been an essential part of the community since 1921. This all-day restaurant switches out items depending on the time of day. Church groups assemble for breakfast and politicians make sure to be photographed here during election season."

"President Obama cites Valois, a cafeteria-style restaurant, as one of his favorite spots in the city. He likes their breakfast, specifically the eggs and turkey sausage. Open since 1921 (making its home in a few locations over the years), the open kitchen churns out daily specials like prime rib, corned beef and cabbage, patty melts, rice pudding, and peach cobbler."