What are old train stations in Hyde Park?

Answer 1

On a map of the Chicago World's Fair, 1933/1934 Century of Progress, the following Illinois Central Stations are shown: 18th Street, 22nd St., 29th St., 31st St., 35th St. and 39th St.

Perhaps the stairwell and railing you saw was a remnant of one these stations.

Also, you mention the 53rd Street station. You might find it interesting to know that during the summer of 1865, Mary Todd Lincoln and her son Robert Lincoln lived in a hotel located next to the 53rd St. station. For the full story see: http://www.hydeparkhistory.org/mtlincoln.html

Answer

The stairwell you saw may have been a remnant of the Madison Park stop of the Illinois Central suburban railroad and was at about 50th and Lake Park. That stop has long been closed.

The hotel where Mary Todd Lincoln stayed at was the first Hyde Park Hotel that stood near the southeast corner of what is today 53rd and Hyde Park Boulevard. It was built by the founder of Hyde Park, Paul Cornell. The 53rd Street station of the Illinois Central was not right next to the hotel but rather about two blocks west of the hotel.

Answer

Those also could be from the old Kenwood/Stock yards branch of the EL the kenwood went eats and the stock yards brach went to the west, they branched off of the englewood/jackson park branchbut was torn down and discontuned in the early 50's.