Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Chicago Casual Traveler: Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, Governors State University, University Park, IL (Will County)

Destination of the Day: Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, Governors State University, University Park, IL (Will County)

Easily one of the least appreciated attractions in southern suburbs is the somewhat hidden Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park on the campus of Governors State University (GSU) campus. Similar in style as the better known Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park (border of Chicago/Evanston and Lincolnwood/Skokie) this park provides a great reason to tour the campus grounds with 27 works. Now a few notes about the campus: 1) while the names sounds grand, this a strictly a commuter campus so do not expect a traditional college atmosphere, 2) on last visit the walk between the METRA station and the campus was NOT pedestrian friendly so wear good solid shoes, 3) it is an isolated campus so weekends the complex may be very quiet with restricted access to facilities (restrooms etc), although west of the campus there is a gas station, and 4) GSU's Center for the Performing Arts does host some impressive performances so check its schedule for programming. One additional note for METRA rides: very few METRA Electric Line cars have restrooms and even fewer stations include shelters and open restrooms.

Address:
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
http://www.govst.edu/sculpture/
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484-0975

Getting There:
Public Transit (always confirm schedules)-
METRA:
http://metrarail.com
-Use METRA's Electric Line to University Park station
-Take walking path to Stuenkel Road
-At Stuenkel Road, turn east and follow until one of GSU's driveways or walking paths

Auto (always confirm route)-
-Take I-57 to the 211th Street/Lincoln Highway/Route 30 EAST exit (Exit 340)
-At South Cicero Avenue, turn south
-At Stuenkel Road/West University Parkway, turn east and continue to GSU


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