Park Community Church is located in downtown Chicago, but don’t let that scare you. Sure, a big city can be intimidating, but we promise the people of Chicago are friendly and will make sure you have a blast while you’re here for Cultivate.

Park is located at 1001 N Crosby St, a little over a mile west of the Magnificent Mile (a.k.a. Michigan Avenue) in the River North neighborhood.




For people who are driving…

Park is conveniently located right off Interstate 90/94. From the expressways (Kennedy or Edens, Eisenhower towards Wisconsin, Dan Ryan) exit Ohio and head east, getting in the left lane toward end of ramp. Turn wide left onto Orleans and head north approx. 4 blocks to Chicago Avenue. Turn left and head west 3 blocks to Larabbee Street. Turn right heading north on Larabbee Street. Follow Larabbee to where it splits and you’ll see Park right in the middle.

Parking, well, it’s the city. Parking is not cheap or easy to find. Park has a limited number of onsite parking spaces, so if you’re driving, get there early. There is also street parking around Park, but make sure you pay attention to the signs, the last thing we want you to do is have to take a trip Lower Wacker Drive, trust us, it’s scary. Otherwise, we will have validated parking available at an adjacent parking garage located at 950 N Kingsbury. It will be about $10 for the day, just so you know.

For people who want to have a true urban experience and want to take public transpo…

If you are coming from suburbia, you’ll more than likely find your way into the Windy City via Union Station or Olgilvie on the Metra or AMTRAK. From there, find your way to the Brown Line stop at Washington… ask anyone at either of the stations, they can point you in the right direction.

Hop on the northbound Brown Line (toward Kimball) and prep for a quick ride around the Chicago Loop. You’ll want to get off at the Chicago stop.

From there, you can either hoof it about four blocks or catch a cab… the bus isn’t worth waiting for. You’ll want to head west (away from the tall buildings) on Chicago Avenue towards Larabbee. Head north on Larabbee (right) for another block or so and you’ll see Park at the corner of Larabbee & Oak Street.

If you’re coming from O’Hare on the Blue Line, take the Blue Line to Chicago Ave, and we’d recommend a cab from there, it’s kind of a long walk.

Nearest CTA stops: Chicago Brown Line, Chicago Blue Line, Chicago & State Red Line.

You’ll want to get a Day Pass or a 3-Day Pass for the CTA if you’re planning on using public transportation while you’re in Chicago. Read more about where to purchase passes here.

Top 10 Tips for Riding the CTA

1. Hang on for dear life.
   
2. Keep hand sanitizer handy.
   
3. Don’t look at anyone directly in the eye.
   
4. IF you are on the Red Line and go underground you will lose cell phone service, do not panic.
   
5. You must listen to your iPod at all times (if you have one).
   
6. Funky smells are part of the experience, cherish them.
   
7. Use discretion when approached by panhandlers. They probably make more money than you do in day.
   
8. Do tip musicians… they deserve it.
   
9. When you hear the words, “Doors closing,” the doors ARE closing.
   
10. If you don’t want to look like a tourist, put your card in facing you with the tabbed corner to the left. If you don’t hear a “beep” do not move forward, you will experience pain if you do.
    
    Cab Etiquette
    One of the many aspects of city life that may be unfamiliar to some of out-of-towners is a ride in a yellow taxi cab. Taxis are a cheap and efficient way to get around and to ensure you won’t get lost.
    
    When looking for a cab, stand on the curb, not in the street… if you don’t get bit by a car, you’ll get by a biker. Look for cabs with a yellow light by their cab number… that means it’s free.
    
    Standard rate is $2.50 (plus $1 for each additional person) and fare depends on how far you go. Suggested tip is $1, or $1 + $1 per bag if you get help with your luggage. Always exit cabs on the sidewalk side of the car… again, so you don’t get hit by a car or a biker.
    
    Do wear your seatbelt because erratic driving is the hallmark of Chicago cab drivers. Interesting smells are complimentary.
    
    Make sure to note the cab number you’re in case you leave anything behind. Wallets and iPhones are not usually returned, just FYI.
    
    

What’s Nearby
 
In the Neighborhood
Park is in a unique neighborhood, it used to be known as Cabrini-Green, one of Chicago’s toughest public housing developments. Today, the neighborhood is an experimental community blending mixed level income housing in over 800 residences in 8 city blocks.

The neighborhood is still in transition and makes for an exciting place to do ministry and observe what God is doing through the ministry of Park.

The 600 West Chicago building is right down the street from Chicago featuring Kitsch’n River North (as seen on Rachel Ray’s $40 Dollars Day)… it’s a kitschy restaurant with a groovy vibe, eclectic menu and Rachel’s pick: chicken and waffles, served all day.

Motel Bar has a relaxed vibe and is a causal spot that’s a bit more low-key.  For the more liberal of you, they also have a great beer and wine selection.

@Spot Café serves Chicago-roasted Metropolis Coffee and offers a great café menu of light bites including soups, salads and paninis.

If you really want to wine and dine while you are here, Japonais is one of Chicago’s premier spots for Japanese food and sushi. But it’s also a bit pricey. Just sayin.

The Magnificent Mile
Park is located about a mile West of Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile which has shops and restaurants galore. It’s about a $5 cab ride (one way) from Park, or about a 15 minute walk.

On Michigan Avenue you’ll find the John Hancock Center with the Cheesecake Factory in the basement, WaterTower Place (a fantastic shopping center), H&M (picture a Euro version of Old Navy if you’ve never been), Border’s, the Apple Store (let’s be honest, the cool kids rock a Mac), Grand Lux Café, the Museum of Contemporary Art and more.

A short distance south of the Mag Mile you’ll find Millennium Park and the infamous “Bean”… you must get a picture in front of it, as well as Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago and the newly-opened Modern Wing (it’s fab).

North Avenue Collection
North Avenue is also not too far from Park, it’s a bit more tame than the Mag Mile and is home to Crate & Barrell, The Container Store, Express, the GAP, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and more. And, the centerpiece of the North Ave Collection is the world’s third largest Whole Foods. You owe it to yourself to experience it. There are no words.

Other Places Not to Far Away
If you consider yourself pretty artsy, wear skinny jeans, make your hair look messy on purpose or enjoy a vegan lifestyle, you may want to check out the Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods! They are a short bus ride from Park and offer everything the hipster inside you wants to love but has to hate.

If you need to get some do-it-yourself furniture or want to experience the shops of Michigan Avenue underneath one roof, Woodfield Mall and IKEA are about 45 minutes from downtown Chicago in Schaumburg.

Nearest Coffee

For you caffeine junkies, no need to fear. Park Community Church has a great coffee bar and proudly serves Intelligentsia Coffee. Intelligentsia is roasted in Chicago and LA and has some great offerings that we’re confident will meet your caffeine needs.

Down the street from Park, @Spot Café also serves up Metropolis Coffee, another Chicago roaster. If you’ve never been to a Peet’s Coffee & Tea and you have a car, there’s a Peet’s not too far away at North Ave & Sheffield, definitely worth the drive.

And if you must absolutely have your St. Arbucks, there is one close by at Division & Clybourn.

If coffee isn’t your thing, than you owe it to yourself to check out Argo Tea, another local Chicago hot spot. They have amazing loose leaf teas, coffee and more.

Chicago Deep Dish

The debate over who makes the best Chicago deep dish pizza is an ongoing saga that we honestly think will never come to end. So, rather than taking our word for it, we’ll let you know the top three and leave the decision up to you. And if you do happen to hit up all three, well… Park has an automatic defribulaytor on hand.

Gino’s East
Gioradano’s
Lou Malnati’s (Mark Batterson’s fave)

The Best Chicago Hot Dog

So besides being known for calorie and cheese-laden deep dish pizza, Chicago is also known for it’s hot dogs. A classic Chicago dog consists of a Vienna frank, onions, relish, tomato slices, hot peppers, spicy mustard, and a dill pickle slices, dusted with some celery salt. Notice the one missing ingredient: ketchup.

So, there are a few different places where you can partake of this local delicacy…

Hot Doug’s
Rockstar Dogs
Portillo’s
The Weiner Circle (don’t ask for a chocolate shake, trust us!)

Make a Weekend of It…

Chicago has a lot to see and offer (even in October when it could possibly already be freezing), so we encourage you to make a weekend of it and come to Chicago early! There’s plenty to see and do, and if you need recommendations, let us know. We’d love to help.

And, you are more than welcome to check out Sunday services at Park Community Church. Park meets at 9 AM, 11 AM and 5:30 PM.

Some Top Restaurant Picks (that aren’t usual tourist stops)…

The Melting Pot – fondue like you’ve never had it before.
Feast – one of the finest restaurants in Bucktown,.
Café Ba Ba Reeba – Spanish tapas, paella and sangria.
Goose Island Brewery – great burgers and home brews.
Piece Pizza – a great alternative to deep dish pizza.
Fogo de Chao – let the carnivore in you go wild with this amazing Brazilian BBQ. Skip a few meals to get your money’s worth.
Quartino – excellent Italian close to downtown.
Rose Angeli’s – a quaint Italian restaurant tucked away in Lincoln Park.
Signature Room Lounge at the John Hancock Center – skip an expensive meal at the Signature Room and get an $8 Diet Coke and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the Lounge!
Sushi Samba Rio – a hip sushi spot with a great vibe and incredible sushi rolls.
Whole Foods, Lincoln Park – we’re not joking, it’s amazing

What’s Going on That Weekend…
Find out what’s going on Chicago the weekend before Cultivate. Check Metromix for concerts, arts, music, theater and more!