If you are exploring the rich history of Chicago, Illinois, learning about Riverview Park offers a unique window into the city's past. Established in 1904 by William Schmidt on his private skeet shooting range, this historic 74-acre amusement park was located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago's North Center community area.
Owned and operated by the Schmidt family for its entire lifetime, the park grew to become a prominent cultural landmark where major events took place, including a historic speech by IWW leader Bill Haywood to a crowd of nearly 80,000 people. While the amusement park closed its doors in 1967 due to financial decline, white flight, and racial tensions, its memory lives on throughout popular culture and local history.
Today, you can visit the former site of the grounds, which now houses the Riverview Plaza shopping center, Richard Clark Park, DePaul College Prep, and Chicago Police Area 3 Detective Division. Additionally, the park's legacy lives on through classic pinball machines inspired by its attractions, references in popular music, and its original Riverview Carousel, which was relocated and still operates today at Six Flags Over Georgia.
What to see at Riverview Park
- Located in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood
- Established in 1904 by William Schmidt
- Former site of historic public speeches and events
- Legacy preserved in popular culture and pinball history
Visiting tips
Visit Richard Clark Park or the Riverview Plaza shopping center to stand on the historic grounds where the park once operated.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Riverview Park is easy to reach on Chicago’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Buckingham Fountain and Chicago Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Chicago travel guide.
See the full Chicago travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.