Welcome to one of Chicago’s more charming and unexpected landmarks, the Obama Kissing Rock. Located near 53rd Street and South Dorchester Avenue in Hyde Park, this site marks a sweet moment in history for one of the city’s most famous couples — Barack and Michelle Obama. This location was originally the site of a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop, where, in the summer of 1989, a young Barack Obama took Michelle Robinson on their first date. After enjoying two scoops of ice cream, the future president and first lady shared their first kiss on the curb outside the shop. The moment has been forever memorialized with a plaque attached to a 3,000-pound boulder, installed by the neighboring shopping center in 2012. The plaque quotes Barack Obama from an interview where he fondly recalls, ‘I kissed her, and it tasted like chocolate.’ Today, the Baskin-Robbins has been replaced by a Subway sandwich franchise, but the memory of that first date remains a delightful story in the narrative of their lives. This rock serves as more than just a marker of a personal milestone; it is a testament to the Obamas’ deep roots in Chicago. The Hyde Park area is significant for the couple, as it’s where Barack Obama lived for over 20 years and where Michelle Obama grew up. Just a short distance from this site, visitors can explore more of the Obamas’ Chicago, including their former neighborhood near Hyde Park and other local spots they frequented. The Obama Kissing Rock stands as a unique piece of history, offering a personal glimpse into the lives of two figures who have had a profound impact on the city and the nation.
About the Author
