Chicago Literary Green Space
Oz Park: A Whimsical Journey Through L. Frank Baum’s Legacy
Chicago, Illinois, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published · Updated
Why it’s cool
This playful Chicago park honors author L. Frank Baum by populating a lush neighborhood garden with iconic bronze figures from the Land of Oz.
Decades before the Emerald City appeared on the silver screen, the man who dreamed it up called Chicago's Lincoln Park home. L.
Frank Baum lived in this very neighborhood during the s, and today, his literary legacy is etched into the landscape of a community park that bears the name of his most famous creation. What was once a simple urban renewal project starting in has evolved into a thematic tribute where the boundaries between the real world and fantasy blur.
Why It Stands Out
The primary draw for visitors is the collection of bronze sculptures scattered throughout the greenery. Local sculptor John Kearney crafted these figures, modeling them after the iconic character designs from the film adaptation.
As you navigate the paths, you will encounter the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man, along with Dorothy and Toto. The park’s dedication to the theme extends beyond the statues.
Children play in an area dubbed Dorothy’s Playlot, while those seeking a quieter experience can wander through the Emerald Gardens, a lush space maintained by local volunteers. This transformation from a neglected plot into a vibrant communal hub has made the park a cornerstone of the neighborhood, offering a clean and imaginative retreat for residents and travelers alike.
Another unique local destination is Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities.
Before You Go
The grounds are accessible every day from early morning until late evening. If you are looking for specific landmarks, the bronze likeness of Dorothy marks the entry point at the corner of West Webster and North Orchard.
Meanwhile, the Tin Man stands guard near the complex intersection where West Webster meets the diagonal paths of North Larrabee Street and North Lincoln Avenue. Travelers can also visit the Willis Tower Glass Platform while in the city.
Questions worth answering
Who is behind the bronze figures in the park?
A local artist named John Kearney sculpted the statues. He used the 1939 movie characters as his visual reference points.
Where should we look for the main entry points?
Find the Dorothy statue at West Webster and North Orchard to start. The Tin Man marks the other side where North Lincoln and North Larrabee meet West Webster.
What is the history of this green space?
The project began in 1974 as an urban renewal effort. We started with the original source and then built our own editorial to cover how it honors L. Frank Baum's time living in this neighborhood.
When can we visit the grounds?
The gates are open every day of the week. You can walk through starting at 6:00 a.m. until they close at 11:00 p.m.
More in Midwest
All Midwest places →
Willis Tower Glass Platform
Chicago, Illinois
Hovering 103 stories above the pavement, these clear glass cubes let you walk out past the skyscraper's edge for a dizzying look at the city below.
Tiffany Dome
Chicago, Illinois
Spanning a massive 200 feet, this luminous ceiling is widely considered the largest Tiffany-designed dome on Earth, showcasing tens of thousands of glass pieces and intricate zodiac motifs.
International Museum of Surgical Science
Chicago, Illinois
This museum pairs the elegance of a Versailles-inspired chateau with the visceral reality of medical history, featuring everything from barber-surgeon saws to heart valves.