91St Street (Beverly Hills)

91st Street Beverly Hills Chicago Visiting Guide: Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

Perched atop Chicago’s picturesque Blue Island Ridge, the 91st Street–Beverly Hills area is a vibrant destination brimming with rich history, distinctive architecture, and a strong sense of community. Located on the city’s Far South Side, this neighborhood distinguishes itself with its rolling terrain—rare in Chicago—and its beautifully preserved homes spanning Tudor Revival, Prairie School, and other classic styles. Anchoring the community is the 91st Street–Beverly Hills Metra station, an architectural landmark dating to 1889, symbolizing both transit heritage and the neighborhood’s commitment to preservation.

Beyond convenient transit, visitors encounter lush parks like Beverly Park and Dan Ryan Woods, community-driven events, and a proud Irish-American legacy that shapes local culture. From indigenous Potawatomi roots through 19th-century settlement and railroad expansion, Beverly has evolved into a thriving, integrated community with a unique character. For those seeking an authentic Chicago experience removed from the city’s usual hustle, Beverly offers a harmonious mix of history, nature, and local spirit.

This guide provides essential information for visitors, including station hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and highlights of nearby attractions like the Givins Irish Castle, Longwood Drive Historic District, and Beverly Arts Center. Whatever your interests—architecture, local history, or cultural exploration—this report equips you to fully enjoy one of Chicago’s most memorable neighborhoods.

For detailed schedules and updates, consult:

Introduction & Historical Overview
Practical Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Neighborhood Geography, Parks, and Highlights
Station Architecture & Community Role
Exploring Architectural Heritage & Landmarks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Visitor Tips
Sources & Official Links

Historical Overview

Early Settlement and Indigenous Heritage

The land now known as Beverly Hills was first inhabited by the Potawatomi people, who lived here until 1833, when U.S. expansion forced their relocation. The earliest non-Native settlers arrived soon after, with DeWitt Lane settling near 103rd Street in 1832 and Norman Rexford opening a tavern near 91st Street.

Blue Island Ridge: Geographic Anchor

The Blue Island Ridge, Chicago’s highest natural point, elevates Beverly nearly 100 feet above Lake Michigan, offering scenic views and wooded landscapes that attracted affluent residents. The ridge’s “blue” moniker may stem from the blue wildflowers or the atmospheric hue seen from afar.

Community Formation and Growth

Residential development accelerated after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, as many Chicagoans relocated to the area. By 1890, Beverly’s northern section was annexed by the city, cementing its suburban character.

Railroad and the 91st Street Station

The arrival of the Rock Island & Pacific Railroad and the construction of the 91st Street–Beverly Hills station in 1889 transformed Beverly into a commuter suburb, making it accessible and attractive to professionals seeking a tranquil setting.

Naming, Demographics, and Cultural Evolution

“Beverly Hills” likely references either the Massachusetts town or the area’s hilly landscape. Predominantly English Protestant at first, Beverly’s demographics shifted in the 20th century with the influx of Irish Americans, establishing a lasting Irish-American identity. Today, the population is racially diverse, with strong community engagement and active preservation efforts.

Architectural Character

Residential streets feature a mosaic of Tudor Revival, Prairie School, Colonial Revival, and Queen Anne styles, including homes by Frank Lloyd Wright and the iconic Givins Irish Castle. The area is known for its owner-occupied, single-family homes, fostering a stable, engaged community.

Practical Visitor Information

Station Hours & Tickets

Operating Hours: Daily, approximately 4:30 AM–midnight. Check Metra 91st Street Station for updates.
Tickets: Purchase via Metra vending machines or the Ventra/Metra mobile app. Onboard purchase is available for an additional fee.

Accessibility

ADA-compliant ramps, platforms, and designated parking.
Pedestrian-friendly sidewalks; consult the Metra site for the latest details.

Getting There & Transit Tips

Served by the Metra Rock Island District Line (30–40 minutes from downtown Chicago).
Ample parking and bike racks near the station.
Arrive early during peak hours for parking or less crowded trains.

Tours & Events

Seasonal walking tours and community events are organized by local groups and the Beverly Arts Center.
Check community calendars for details.

Best Photo Spots

The 91st Street station’s historic architecture.
Blue Island Ridge’s panoramic views.
Givins Irish Castle and tree-lined residential streets.

Neighborhood Geography, Parks, and Visitor Highlights

Location and Boundaries

Beverly straddles Chicago’s 60643 and 60655 ZIP codes, bordered by Morgan Park, Auburn Gresham, and Mount Greenwood.

Parks & Green Spaces

Beverly Park: 13.56 acres, playgrounds, sports, open dawn to dusk.
Dan Ryan Woods: 257 acres, trails, Lookout Point, open 6 AM–11 PM.
Free admission to both parks; accessible facilities available.

Demographics

Approx. 20,000 residents, median age 43.4.
Integrated community with Irish, German, African, and Italian heritage.

Travel Tips

Spring to fall is ideal for outdoor exploration.
Wear comfortable shoes for hilly walks.
Check event calendars for local festivals.

Station Architecture, Preservation, and Community Role

Landmark Status

The 91st Street–Beverly Hills station is a centerpiece of the Beverly/Morgan Park Railroad Stations District, a Chicago Landmark since 1995 (BAPA History). Its preservation set a local precedent for authentic restoration.

Community Importance

Beyond transit, the station is a symbol of Beverly’s history and identity. The Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) played a key role in its preservation, helping maintain the area’s unique architectural character (BAPA About).

Getting There & Around

12 miles south of downtown, easily reached by Metra or car.
Parking available via Parkmobile App (Zone 211); bike racks on site.

Accessibility & Safety

ADA-compliant design.
Emergency contacts: Metra Police (312-322-2800), MetraCOPS app, Metra Safety (Metra Safety).

Exploring Architectural Heritage & Landmarks

91st Street Station: Victorian Gem

Designed by Charnley and Evans in 1889, the station is notable for its gabled roofs and cupola. The waiting room preserves original features, offering a tangible link to the past (SubwayNut; Chicago.gov PDF).

Blue Island Ridge

This glacial ridge creates the neighborhood’s rolling topography, setting Beverly apart from Chicago’s flat grid (Chicago Beautiful; BAPA).

Architectural Diversity

Homes along 91st and nearby streets showcase Tudor, Prairie, Colonial Revival, and Queen Anne styles, with notable contributions from Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin (Choose Chicago).

Givins Irish Castle & Longwood Drive

The Givins Irish Castle, built in 1886–1887, is a community landmark. The adjacent Longwood Drive District features historic mansions and architecturally significant homes (Choose Chicago).

Cultural Integration

Beverly is recognized as one of Chicago’s most racially integrated neighborhoods, with active community organizations promoting inclusivity (Chicago Beautiful).

Parks & Urban Design

Dan Ryan Woods, Barnard, Ridge, and Graver Parks add to the community’s inviting, village-like feel (Choose Chicago; Chicago Beautiful).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Metra station hours?
A: Daily, approximately 4:30 AM–midnight.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Via Metra vending machines, Ventra/Metra app, or onboard (fee applies).

Q: Is the station ADA accessible?
A: Yes—ramps, signage, and accessible platforms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, seasonally, via local organizations and the Beverly Arts Center.

Q: What are must-see attractions?
A: Givins Irish Castle, Longwood Drive Historic District, Beverly Arts Center, Dan Ryan Woods.

Q: Is there parking?
A: Yes, in the north lot; pay via Parkmobile App (Zone 211).

Conclusion & Visitor Tips

The 91st Street–Beverly Hills area offers a distinctive blend of Chicago history, architecture, and community. With easy access via Metra, ADA-compliant facilities, and a wealth of landmarks and green spaces, it’s an ideal destination for immersive urban exploration. For the best experience: