Unearth The Voyage
Hidden in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood lies a magical place where childhood stories meet urban green space. Oz Park transforms the classic tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz into a living experience, complete with bronze characters, themed gardens, and playful nods to L. Frank Baum’s beloved fantasy. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Dorothy’s adventures or just seeking a unique city escape, this park offers something special for everyone.
From Renewal to Whimsy
Back in the 1960s and ’70s, this corner of Lincoln Park wasn’t the charming destination it is today. The city saw potential in a declining area and purchased a 13-acre plot in 1974, officially naming it Oz Park two years later. Why Oz? Author L. Frank Baum lived nearby in the 1890s, penning his famous stories just blocks away.
Local leaders decided to blend urban renewal with literary homage, creating a green space that celebrated both community revitalization and storytelling magic. The Oz Park Advisory Council stepped in to raise funds and guide thematic developments. Today, families gather where neglect once stood, proving that imagination and civic pride can transform neighborhoods into places where wonder and everyday life walk hand in hand.
Sculptures of the Land of Oz
Picture a Tin Man crafted entirely from chrome car bumpers, standing tall at the corner of Lincoln, Webster, and Larrabee. Sculptor John Kearney brought Baum’s characters to three-dimensional life with four major installations: the Tin Man arrived in 1995, followed by the Cowardly Lion in 2001, the Scarecrow in 2005, and Dorothy with Toto in 2007.
Each statue was funded through creative community campaigns, including engraved pavers that let donors leave their mark. Tens of thousands of dollars poured in from neighbors who wanted these storybook figures guarding their park. Walking the pathways feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with larger-than-life bronze companions waiting around every bend. Kids climb near them, photographers frame them against Chicago’s skyline, and everyone leaves with a smile.
Themed Gardens, Playlots & Community Spirit
Stroll through the Emerald Garden and you’ll understand why this park feels like stepping into another world. Vibrant flower beds burst with color, inviting quiet walks and peaceful moments among the blooms. It’s more than just pretty landscaping—it’s a deliberate nod to the Emerald City itself.
Dorothy’s Playlot takes the magic further, offering swings, climbing structures, and imaginative play spaces designed with that yellow-brick-road spirit. Children race across rubber surfaces while parents relax on nearby benches, soaking in the storybook atmosphere. This isn’t just about aesthetics; the park’s design fosters genuine community connection. Neighbors meet for picnics, families celebrate birthdays, and the once-neglected area now pulses with laughter and life, showing how thoughtful design creates lasting neighborhood bonds.
A Visit Worth the Yellow Brick Road
Located at 2021 North Burling Street, Oz Park delivers multiple experiences in one visit: art appreciation, garden exploration, playground fun, and neighborhood culture all rolled together. Fans of Baum’s stories will geek out over the literary connections, while casual visitors simply enjoy Chicago’s quirkiest green space.
Timing matters—early morning or golden hour provides the best natural light for photographing those iconic statues. Pack a picnic basket, let the kids burn energy at Dorothy’s Playlot, and pause by each character for selfies and stories. Bring your camera and an open mind.
Whether you’re literally following painted yellow bricks or metaphorically chasing childhood memories, this park rewards curiosity. It’s proof that urban spaces can surprise, delight, and transport visitors somewhere magical without leaving the city limits.
