South Side

Diverse describes South Side Chicago Illinois, south of the Chicago River. Its neighborhoods range from working class to wealthy, and include ethnic groups from the earliest immigrants the Irish, Italian, Polish and Lithuanian to Chinese, African-American and Hispanic. It all means there's lots of variety. The vibrant nightlife reflects the diversity in bars and restaurants. There is much to do during the day too. Here you can watch the White Sox play, or see the Frank Lloyd Wright House. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry housed in a building erected for the 1893 World Fair, aka the World Columbian Exposition. Stroll the shoreline parks for miles. Plan to picnic or swim at the beach. Explore Chicago's Chinatown. Visit the University of Chicago situated in Hyde Park where you can also see the impressive Jewish synagogue KAM Isaiah Israel. A rich cultural history blossomed here, evidenced in the many art museums and galleries such as the DuSable Museum of African American History, National Museum of Mexican Art, National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, and the David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art. Musicians of the African-American community helped create a unique Chicago sound.The Great Fire of 1871 initiated growth of the South Side as rich and poor both fled the center of the city. Prairie Avenue became the domain of the rich. Today's Prairie Avenue has a few of their grand mansions remaining. Meanwhile poor African-Americans were squeezed into slum areas; you can learn their story at Bronzeville Visitor Information Center.