Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool — Attraction in Chicago

This is a beautiful spot, but please DO NOT book your special event here until AFTER they are re-open to the public / done with the construction!!!

I’ve been hearing stories from other photographers talking about how it was not communicated to them that there would still be construction supplies laid out, or that there would be way less mess than there really was. Unfortunately today, our intimate wedding group fell victim to this, as the whole pavilion area was pretty much unusable, which was not communicated to them.

To top it off, the employee who was there to let us in (slightly heavy set, middle aged white guy), interrupted the entire wedding ceremony and SCREAMED at me for standing somewhere I shouldn’t have while taking photos. Which yes, my bad, this was a misunderstanding and I took a path I assumed was clear, but was not. Regardless, the way he reacted was as if I was ripping out plants and destroying the property or something, not an exaggeration. There are so many more respectful, graceful ways he could have gone about that, rather than damn near ruining the most important moment of this poor couple’s lives. He threatened to fine us/kick us out, despite no prior offenses from us. The bride was crying, everybody was flustered, and THEN accused us of trespassing on the way out (???)

Absolutely ridiculous. There’s some huge faults in their communication they need to work out, along with (hopefully) suspending and re-training this dude who threw a tantrum because I was standing on a rock I shouldn’t have been. I wish I got his name, this was on...

Places of solitude. Solace. Elements of renewal. Stone to ground. Support. Water to refresh. Reflect. Only the sound of a gentle waterfall, to mask the noise of the outside world. It's deliberate. Built in, perfectly blended. Circular benches, winding paths of stepping stones taking you in, to the clearing. Water lilies, for hope, renewal. Happens without conscious awareness. It's why you feel better after being here. Calmer. If you take the time. Although it's not deliberate, places like this are out of the way. They should be hidden, sadly less accessible for some but it's not for everyone. You have to want to find it. This was a favorite place as the Rookery, part of the Zoo. I felt so bad when it closed for so long. Grateful that it was renewed, revitalized. Its ecology stabilized, without invasive flora, fauna. Historic. National landmark. Returned to it's original name. Idyllic. Peaceful. Restful....

I lived in Chicago for 9 years, and really wish I had known about this place sooner! It is absolutely an oasis in the middle of the city. I mean, there are lots of cool parts of Lincoln Park, but this one really stands out. Partially, or perhaps mostly, because it is enclosed. You can’t see the rest of the park or the city, so you’re entirely surround by water and plants and bugs and birds. Fortunately I didn’t notice any mosquitos (phew!) which is surprising given the amount of standing water. And the birds!! I’ve never gotten to be so close to such huge and majestic birds!! Like 3 or 4 of them, different varieties (I wish I could give you more details). This will definitely be a place I return to again and again when I am back visiting this city. I wish I could see what it looks like in each season..... too bad I’m never coming back in...