The Ferris Wheel was a central feature at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. Today, the Midway Plaisance Ice Rink is located on this site. Then photo by E. R. Walker, courtesy the Special Collections Research Center. Now photo by Robert Kozloff.
Originally designed as a linear park connecting Washington Park and Jackson Park, the Midway Plaisance was home to displays of cultures from around the world and the world’s first Ferris Wheel during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
Today this spot houses an ice rink where students in Alper and Crown house compete in the annual Chairman’s Cup broomball tradition. The Midway also has plenty of field space for soccer games and Frisbee during the warmer months. The construction of the Midway Crossings light bridges in 2013 created a enhanced walkway for pedestrians and a connection between north and south campus.
