South Shore
Free things to do in South Shore 6 places
A historic lakefront neighborhood on the South Side, South Shore is a center of Black culture and community, known as Michelle Obama's childhood home. Its crown jewel is the South Shore Cultural Center with its grounds and beach, complemented by Rainbow Beach and the arts-focused Stony Island Arts Bank.
South Shore Branch Library
Libraries · Cottage Grove (Green)
A Chicago Public Library branch in South Shore. Free to enter, with public Wi-Fi, quiet study space, and books for anyone — a dependable free indoor stop.
Rainbow Beach Park
Beaches · Cottage Grove (Green)
A broad, uncrowded South Shore beach with 140-plus acres of parkland, dune gardens, sports courts, and a natural area. Free to enter, it offers relaxed lakefront swimming and open space far from the downtown crowds.
Stony Island Arts Bank
Cultural centers · Cottage Grove (Green)
A radically restored 1923 bank building reimagined by artist Theaster Gates as a gallery, media archive, and community space on the South Side. It holds collections like the Johnson Publishing library and vinyl archives, plus rotating exhibitions and a tea salon. Free to explore.
South Shore Cultural Center Park
Parks · Cottage Grove (Green)
A free 64-acre Chicago Park District park in South Shore. It features a beach, tennis courts. Open daily and free to enjoy.
Ashe Beach Park
Beaches · Cottage Grove (Green)
A free 2-acre Chicago Park District park in South Shore. It features a beach, tennis courts. Open daily and free to enjoy.
South Shore Beach
Beaches · Cottage Grove (Green)
A tucked-away beach on the grounds of the South Shore Cultural Center, framed by the center's elegant clubhouse, gardens and a small nature sanctuary. It feels like a hidden retreat and is one of the quietest guarded beaches in the city. Great for a peaceful swim and a stroll around the historic grounds.
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