Loyola Park
21.5-acre park with 2 gyms & outdoor athletic fields & courts, plus a lakefront walking trail.
Loyola Park is rated 4.6 / 5 from 1,562 Google reviews and sits about 1.2 km (15 min walk) from Howard station.
General overview
About Loyola Park
Loyola Park is a large Chicago Park District lakefront park in Rogers Park, adjoining Loyola Beach on Lake Michigan. It is known for its broad beach, open lawns, sports facilities, playground, fieldhouse, walking paths, and the colorful Artists of the Wall murals along the lakefront seawall. General park and beach access is normally free.
- Free public lakefront park and beach
- Artists of the Wall murals along the seawall
- Lake Michigan views, sandy shoreline, and walking paths
- Playground, athletic fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts
- Fieldhouse offering seasonal recreation programs
- Open lawns suitable for picnics and casual recreation
Things to do here
Loyola Beach
Relax on the sand or swim in Lake Michigan during the official guarded beach season. Swimming is normally permitted only when lifeguards are on duty and conditions allow.
Artists of the Wall murals
Walk beside the painted lakefront seawall, a long-running community art project featuring murals that are periodically renewed.
Lakefront walking and jogging
Follow paved and informal paths through the park and along the shoreline for views of Lake Michigan.
Sports and recreation
Use the park's courts, fields, and open spaces for activities such as basketball, tennis, baseball or softball, soccer, and general fitness, subject to availability and permits.
Playground visit
Families can use the children's playground and nearby open recreation areas.
Chicago Park District programs
The fieldhouse has historically hosted youth and adult recreation, fitness, arts, sports, and seasonal programs. Offerings and fees vary.
Picnicking
The lawns provide informal picnic space, although groups, amplified sound, equipment, or organized events may require a Park District permit.
The park is in Rogers Park along Lake Michigan. Public transit, cycling, or walking can be easier than driving on busy summer weekends. Check lakefront weather, beach-swimming status, and any water-quality advisories before entering the water.
No booking is normally needed for an ordinary park or beach visit. Register ahead for Park District classes and obtain permits for organized events, reserved athletic use, large groups, commercial activity, or certain equipment.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Loyola Park is about 1.2 km (~15 min walk) from Howard station on the Chicago "L".
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Honeybear Cafe
Restaurants · 13 min walk
★ 4.5
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Places to visit · 14 min walk
★ 4.8
Indian Boundary Park
Places to visit · 25 min walk
★ 4.7
Hampton Inn Chicago North-Loyola Station
Hotels · 26 min walk
★ 4.4
Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant
Restaurants · 31 min walk
★ 4.1
Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston by IHG
Hotels · 36 min walk
★ 4.0
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Loyola Park from Howard station?
Loyola Park is about 1233 m (roughly 15 min walk) from Howard station on the Chicago "L". Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Loyola Park rated?
Loyola Park has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 1,562 reviews.
What's near Loyola Park?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Honeybear Cafe, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Indian Boundary Park.
Is Loyola Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Loyola Park: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Is there parking near Loyola Park?
Google lists these parking options near Loyola Park: free parking lot, paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking.
Is Loyola Park good for children?
Yes — Google lists Loyola Park as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Loyola Park?
Yes — Google lists Loyola Park as dog-friendly.
Is Loyola Park free?
General entry to the outdoor park and public beach is normally free. Classes, leagues, rentals, and permitted events may have fees.
Can visitors swim at Loyola Beach?
Usually only during the official summer beach season, in designated areas, while lifeguards are on duty and no swim ban or advisory is in effect. Lake conditions can change quickly.
Are lifeguards present year-round?
No. Lifeguard service is seasonal and limited to posted operating hours.
Does the park have restrooms?
Restrooms are generally available through the fieldhouse or seasonal beach facilities, but their hours may be shorter than outdoor park hours.
Is parking available?
Visitors generally rely on neighborhood street parking, which can be scarce and subject to posted restrictions. Transit, cycling, walking, or rideshare may be more convenient.
Can I bring a dog?
A leashed dog may generally use eligible park areas, but dogs are normally prohibited from the swimming beach unless it is specifically designated for dogs. Service-animal rules differ.
Can I barbecue or hold a party?
Small picnics are usually possible, but grills, large gatherings, tents, amplified sound, athletic reservations, and organized events may be restricted or require permits. Confirm current Park District rules.
What are the wall murals?
Artists of the Wall is a community mural tradition along Loyola Park's lakefront seawall. The murals make the shoreline walk one of the park's distinctive attractions.
Is Loyola Park associated with Loyola University Chicago?
The park is near the university and shares the Loyola name, but it is a Chicago Park District public park rather than a university facility.
Is the park accessible?
Paved routes serve much of the park, but beach sand can be difficult for mobility devices. Ask the Park District about current accessible routes, beach access, and accommodations.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.