Lincoln Park Things To Do: A City Guide for Tourists

Lincoln Park, located on the north side of Chicago, is a vibrant and lively neighborhood renowned for its world-class attractions and activities. It is the oldest public park in Chicago, stretching 7.9 miles along the lakefront and providing a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With its incredible views, stunning architecture, and plethora of activities, Lincoln Park is the perfect place to explore and enjoy Chicago’s culture and history.

A Brief History of Lincoln Park

In the early 1800s, the area now known as Lincoln Park was nothing more than a neglected sandbar off the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Then, in 1836, the Illinois legislature designated the area as a public park and named it Lake Park. The park was later renamed to honor President Abraham Lincoln, who had been assassinated two years earlier.

Over the years, Lincoln Park underwent numerous renovations, including new pathways and buildings. In 1869, then-Mayor Roswell Mason declared that the park would be “…open to the people forever.” He was true to his word, and today Lincoln Park remains one of Chicago’s favorite destinations.

Overview of Lincoln Park

Today, Lincoln Park is a bustling hub of activity. It encompasses over 1,200 acres of land and is home to over 24,000 residents. It is also home to a variety of attractions and activities, including museums, theaters, gardens, beaches, bike paths, and more.

The most popular attractions in Lincoln Park include the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Chicago History Museum, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. In addition to these attractions, there are also numerous restaurants, bars, pubs, and shops located throughout the park.

Unique Experiences in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is full of unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in Chicago. For example, visitors can explore the iconic theater district on Lincoln Avenue or enjoy the classical music of the Grant Park Orchestra at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. They can also explore the Lincoln Park Conservatory and its beautiful botanical gardens or admire the stunning views from the top of the John Hancock Observatory.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the lakefront or take a boat ride down the Chicago River. There are also numerous bike trails throughout the park that provide stunning views of the skyline and lakefront.

Popular Activities in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is full of activities that will keep visitors entertained all day long. Here are some of the most popular activities in the park:

Shopping

Lincoln Park is home to numerous shops and boutiques located along North Avenue and Armitage Avenue. From vintage clothing stores to high-end retailers, there is something for everyone in this vibrant shopping district. Visitors can also explore Lincoln Park’s historic shopping district on Lincoln Avenue and Armitage Avenue, which features unique boutiques and specialty shops.

Dining

Lincoln Park offers a variety of dining options for visitors to enjoy. From traditional American fare to fine dining restaurants and everything in between, there is something for everyone in this diverse neighborhood. Popular restaurants include Bongo Room, M Burger, Kuma’s Corner, and The Publican.

Nightlife

Lincoln Park offers plenty of nightlife options for visitors looking to have a good time. There are numerous bars and pubs located throughout the area that offer live music, dancing, trivia nights, and more. Popular bars include Remedy Bar & Grill, The Pony Inn, Red Ivy Bar & Grill, and Schubas Tavern.

Tours in Lincoln Park

In addition to exploring Lincoln Park on your own, visitors can also join one of the many guided tours offered in the area. Here are two popular tours that you can book:

Architecture River Cruise

Architecture lovers will love this tour! Cruise along Chicago’s famous river and admire the city’s stunning architecture from a unique vantage point. Learn about Chicago’s rich history as you cruise past iconic buildings like the Tribune Tower and Willis Tower. Listen to informative commentary from your guide as you sail past some of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. Book an Architecture River Cruise here.

Ghosts & Gangsters Tour

Explore Chicago’s dark past on this spooky tour! Discover stories of gangsters, ghosts, and murder as you wander through some of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods. Learn about Al Capone’s reign of terror in 1920s Chicago and discover haunted buildings throughout the city. Your guide will provide entertaining stories and informative commentary throughout your tour. Book a Ghosts & Gangsters Tour here.

Conclusion

Lincoln Park is an incredibly diverse neighborhood full of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From exploring its historic theater district to admiring its stunning architecture or enjoying its vibrant nightlife scene, there is something for everyone in this vibrant park. Whether you’re looking for a day full of sightseeing or an evening spent enjoying a delicious meal and a few drinks with friends, Lincoln Park has it all!