Things To Do In Lincoln Park, Chicago

Located on the north side of the city of Chicago, Lincoln Park is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. With its tranquil lakefront, quaint streets, and vast array of attractions, Lincoln Park offers a unique experience for visitors looking to explore the Windy City. From outdoor activities and cultural attractions to local eateries and nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this lively and historic neighborhood. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the things to do in Lincoln Park, from attractions and activities to guided tours and nightlife.

History and Overview of Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is one of the oldest parks in the United States, having been established in 1868. It spans over 1,200 acres and is located on the north side of Chicago. Originally known as Lake Park, it was renamed in 1865 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. The area is home to a number of attractions, including the Lincoln Park Zoo, lakefront beaches, botanical gardens, and the historic Lincoln Park Conservatory. It is also home to several museums, including the Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium.

The park is popular with both locals and visitors alike. During the day, it offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its peaceful lake views and wide-open spaces. At night, it is a vibrant and lively area with a range of bars and restaurants. The park is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Chicago Blues Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, and the Taste of Lincoln Avenue.

Attractions in Lincoln Park

There are plenty of attractions in Lincoln Park to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the city’s most beloved attractions. The zoo was established in 1868 and has been a popular destination for families ever since. It features over 1,000 animals from all around the world, including gorillas, penguins, lions, tigers, kangaroos, and more. In addition to viewing the animals in their habitats, visitors can also explore interactive exhibits and educational programs about wildlife conservation. The zoo also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year such as animal shows, night safaris, and Wildvemberfest. Entry to the zoo is free but there is a charge for certain attractions.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a great family-friendly attraction located in Lincoln Park. Here visitors can explore interactive exhibits that focus on nature and the environment. The museum offers a range of educational programs, events, and activities for all ages. Visitors can view live insects and learn about local wildlife through hands-on activities. There are also regular programs such as insect tours and butterfly releases. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year such as nature summer camps, festivals, and more.

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is located in Lincoln Park and provides visitors with an in-depth look at Chicago’s past. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Chicago’s early days up through modern times. Permanent exhibits include displays on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the 1893 World’s Fair. Visitors can also explore interactive exhibits on Chicago architecture, transportation, sports, entertainment, and more. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year such as lectures, tours, film screenings, and more.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is an oasis in the heart of the city. This Victorian-style greenhouse was built in 1894 and houses thousands of tropical plants from around the world. Visitors can explore a variety of lush gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers such as orchids, ferns, palms, and cacti. The conservatory also hosts special events such as seasonal concerts and art exhibitions. Entry to the conservatory is free but there is a fee for certain special events.

Outdoor Activities in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park offers a number of outdoor activities for visitors looking to explore the great outdoors. Here are some of the most popular activities:

Lakefront Beaches

Lincoln Park offers several beautiful beachfront areas for visitors to enjoy during warmer months. North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Oak Street Beach is another popular spot for swimming and lounging in the sun. Visitors can also explore several other beaches such as Fullerton Beach and Ohio Street Beach as well as numerous bike paths along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

Boating

Lincoln Park is home to several marinas where visitors can rent boats for exploring Lake Michigan or relaxing on its tranquil waters. There are several boat rental companies in the area offering motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and more. Visitors can also take a cruise on one of the many tour boats that depart from various marinas around Lincoln Park.

Golfing

Lincoln Park has two golf courses that are open to the public—the Waveland Golf Course and Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf Course. Waveland Golf Course is an 18-hole public course with challenging terrain for experienced golfers as well as a practice range for those looking to improve their game. Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf Course offers both 9-hole mini golf courses as well as driving ranges with practice greens.

Biking & Running

Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan

Lincoln Park has several miles of bike paths that wind through its picturesque parks and along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. The 18-mile Lakefront Trail is especially popular with cyclists and runners looking to explore the area’s scenic views. The trail connects several parks including Lincoln Park itself as well as North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. Along with biking or running along its path, visitors can also stop at various points for picnics or just to take in the views.

Tours & Experiences in Lincoln Park

In addition to exploring attractions on their own, visitors can also take guided tours or experiences to get an even more in-depth look at Lincoln Park’s sights and attractions. Here are some popular tours:

Chicago Landmarks Tour

This guided tour provides visitors with an overview of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks including Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Millennium Park and its Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “the Bean”), Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel, and more. The tour also offers views of Lake Michigan as it passes through Lincoln Park and provides an opportunity to explore some lesser-known sights such as Maggie Daley Park or Diversey Harbor. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes transportation between sights as well as entrance fees for certain attractions included on the tour route. Book a Chicago Landmarks Tour here.

Northside Neighborhood Food Tour

This guided tour offers visitors a unique look at some of Lincoln Park’s best restaurants as well as other Northside neighborhoods such as Bucktown and Wicker Park. The tour includes stops at some of Chicago’s best bakeries, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more where visitors can sample local delicacies such as pizza, tacos, hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, gelato, and more. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes transportation between sights as well as entrance fees for certain attractions included on the tour route.Book a Northside Neighborhood Food Tour here.

Lincoln Park Bike Tour

This guided bike tour provides visitors with an overview of Lincoln Park’s sights from a unique perspective—on two wheels! The tour includes stops at popular attractions such as North Avenue Beach and Diversey Harbor as well as lesser-known gems such as Maggie Daley Park or Fullerton Beach House Café & Grill for a late lunch break or snacks along the way. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes bike rental as well as transportation between sights included on the tour route.Book a Lincoln Park Bike Tour here.

Nightlife in Lincoln Park

In addition to its daytime attractions, Lincoln Park also offers plenty of evening entertainment options for visitors looking to experience nightlife in Chicago’s hottest neighborhood. From trendy bars to upscale lounges to live music venues—there’s something for everyone in this vibrant area of the city! Here are some popular spots:

The Grafton Pub & Grill

Located on Clark Street near DePaul University’s campus—The Grafton Pub & Grill is one of Lincoln Park’s favorite spots for grabbing drinks with friends or catching up over dinner after work. The Grafton serves up classic pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips, mac & cheese, tacos—and more! Along with its tasty food menu—the Grafton also offers an extensive drink menu featuring craft beers on tap and signature cocktails like their signature Grafton Mule or Grafton Old Fashioned made with local spirits from Koval Distillery or Letherbee Distillers just blocks away from their bar! Live music performances occur several nights each week—so make sure to check out their website or Facebook page for upcoming events! Check out The Grafton Pub & Grill here.

Vinyl Tap Room & Lounge

Located on Halsted Street near DePaul University—Vinyl Tap Room is another popular spot for drinks and live music performances in Lincoln Park! Vinyl Tap Room features rotating craft beer selections on tap along with signature cocktails inspired by classic albums such Fine Line by Harry Styles—or Lemonade by Beyoncé! Vinyl Tap Room also hosts regular live music performances featuring local artists—so make sure to check out their website or Facebook page for upcoming events! Check out Vinyl Tap Room & Lounge here.

Conclusion

With its tranquil lakefront parks offered alongside bustling nightlife spots—Lincoln Park offers something for everyone looking to explore what Chicago has to offer! From outdoor activities such as swimming at North Avenue Beach or golfing at Waveland Golf Course—to cultural attractions such as Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum or Shedd Aquarium—Lincoln Park has plenty to offer for visitors looking for an adventure! And with guided tours such as the Chicago Landmarks Tour or Northside Neighborhood Food Tour—visitors can get an even more in-depth look at all that this vibrant neighborhood has to offer!