Humboldt Park is a vibrant
neighborhood located on the near west side of Chicago. Butting up to Wicker
Park and Ukrainian Village, Humboldt Park offers some compelling reasons to “Go
West, young man.”
The huge, metal Puerto Rican flags
that demark the heart of this vibrant neighborhood proudly display its Puerto
Rican and Latino tradition. This stretch on Division Street known as the Paseo
Boricua is full of authentic Latin food, music, art and architecture and is a
must-see for any Chicago visitor. The park, with which the neighborhood shares
a namesake, is expansive and equipped with everything an avid park-goer needs
for a day of fun. Running and walking trails, ponds, grassy areas, and gardens
provide amazing scenery, while soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and fitness
center appeal to the athletic minded visitor.
One quarter of the population in
Humboldt Park is from Puerto Rican descent, making this neighborhood the
epicenter of that culture in Chicago. The Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and
Culture resides within Humboldt Park itself and offers a multitude of ways to
explore Puerto Rican culture, including art exhibitions, art workshops, and
lecture series. After leaving the Institute, be sure to look for the
collection of murals throughout the neighborhood depicting its creative vision,
rich culture and active community. These murals reside mostly along the Paseo
Boricua.
Continue the Humboldt Park
experience with choice cuisine. Local favorites like La Palma, La Plena,
Borinquen, and Papa’s Cache Sabroso serve up traditional Puerto Rican food
bursting with flavor, character, and pride. Each of these establishments offers
world class food with family owned charm, making Humboldt Park a perfect place
to indulge your culinary fantasies. After that, take another loop around
the park to digest and enjoy a neighborhood that is as lively as it is
beautiful.
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