Lincoln Park features green space galore within the hustle and bustle of the city. Between the Lincoln Park Zoo, Alfred Cadwell Lily Pond, and North Avenue Beach there is an outdoor adventure awaiting. Past the parks, indulge in Macaroons from Vanille Patestrie, or grab a Charburger from The Weiner’s Circle. Create your adventure in Lincoln Park.
Transportation
Buses in Lincoln Park
Although this area does not have an “L” it is serviced by several bus routes. Clark Street offers both the 22 bus and the 36. The 151 bus stops right at the Zoo!
The Clark Street bus, 22, is a night bus and offers 24/7 services. However, there are fewer night buses.
Via Car
This area tends to get pretty busy and in the past, we have struggled to snag street parking, especially by the zoo. Spots exist, it just gets crowded fast! We have tried to go to the zoo on a whim in the car and after spending 10-20 minutes looping around looking for parking we gave up. This is one Chicago area I highly suggest taking transportation to.
However, if you need a vehicle there are a few things I would suggest. First off, use an app like Spot Hero to snag a parking spot before you go. This will save you the hassle and time of making loops! I would also suggest knowing how far away from your destination you can or would like to walk. Most parking garages are going to be a bit far and honestly the farther you get from the zoo the cheaper parking becomes.
Finally, if you’re thinking why hasn’t she mentioned zoo parking?! I’ll be honest we rarely use the zoo parking lot. It’s about $30-$40 a day.
Shopping
Stanley Gallery Antiques has all your antique lighting needs. This unique antique shop offers a window into the past with its finds.
Find new to your closet pieces while recycling your clothing at Crossroads Trading. Look for fun items in this consignment-type store. Their pieces are in good condition and usually right on trend!
Activities In Lincoln Park
Peggy Notebart Nature Museum is a fantastic museum created specifically with children aged 2-7 and their families in mind. This museum features several indoor playgrounds, along with child-friendly museum exhibits and Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a free-flight room where you can see and interact with butterflies. Here there is a small chance of a butterfly landing on you. Illinois Resident free days or donation days, are on Thursdays.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool transports you away from the city and embraces you in nature’s beauty. This hidden gem is a peaceful space. It is only open during the spring and summer.
Walk indoors through beautiful flowers in the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This greenhouse is the perfect way to experience the outdoors while being indoors making this a great winter or rainy day activity! It is free, however, make sure to snag up reservations online before you go.
Girrafees, seals, lions, polar bears, and other animals also call Chicago home, at Lincoln Park Zoo. This zoo offers free admission. With habitats inside and outside this year-round zoo keeps you and the animals nice and warm.
Have a Chicago Beach Day at Lincoln Park’s North Avenue Beach. This beach offers sand volleyball quarts and concession stands. This beach also connects to the Lakefront Trail.
The Chicago History Museum makes learning fun with interactive displays and unique artifacts. Make sure to check out the cable car when you go! Check out my adventure here for more on this museum.
Dining, Treats & Drinks in Lincoln Park
Dining & Drinks
Wander down Clark for a Pint or a Corned Beef Sandwich at the Galway Arms for right around $15 per person. They have an amazing outdoor patio (with heaters) that makes it functional year-round! This Irish Pub offers cute inside booths, tables, and bar seating if indoor dining is your thing. I highly recommend the Hot Toddy.
Grab a Martini at Frank’s Bar. This cute old-fashioned bar offers several unique Martini’s including Key Lime Pie, Malted Milk Ball, and Tiramisu.
Get a Chicago classic at The Weiner’s Circle at this old-fashioned diner. Please note that this restaurant can be a bit rough around the edges. If you are looking for polite service this might not be for you! Check out my experience here.
If you are looking for a not-your-typical sandwich shop? Stop on in at The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park. Along with specialty sandwiches like Truffle BLT and Buffalo Chicken starting at $9, this location serves booze. Try their Adult Arnold Palmer or their selection of beer and wine. Not every sandwich shop doubles as a bar!
Gaslight is a great sports bar/pub with fantastic outdoor dining. Check out the weekly specials including a Thursday deal featuring pizza and a domestic pitcher of beer for $25.
Show off your knowledge in Trivia, sing away during karaoke or cheer on your favorite turtle during turtle races at these weekly events at The Tin Lizzie. This bar offers appetizers and pizza.
Collectivo Of Lincoln Park is a great place to grab a coffee and get to work. It has a great year-round outdoor patio with heaters.
The Treats
Vanille Patisserie offers a great selection of macaroons starting at $2.75 a piece and including flavors like Pistachio, Cookie Dough, Rose, and Mango Passion. Not only do they offer even more sweet treats, but they also have an afternoon tea.
Looking for donuts? Try Firecakes. This local Chicago chain offers unique flavors including Old Fashioned Pistachio, Wildflower Honey Glazed, and seasonal options.
Walkability
Lincoln Park has a lot of green space that is very friendly to pedestrians. These park areas take you away from roads and the city buzz, placing you into nature. These green spaces are well-lit for pedestrians, making it possible to walk around at night. There are plenty of crosswalks throughout the area as well. There are also tunnels and a pedestrian bridge that allows you to safely cross Lake Shore Drive and get to the beach.
Know Before You Go to Lincoln Park
This area is very walk-heavy, even if you end up taking a vehicle. Most of the activities like the zoo and museums require steps. It is really easy to start racking up the miles. I have, almost by accident walked over 7 miles just wandering around this area. Make sure you have water and snacks on hand if possible. I would also suggest having a plan for where you’re going to eat beforehand. From the zoo/green space areas, it might take a few minutes to get to dining. More affordable food options and sit-down restaurants will be located away from the parks closer to Clark Street or beyond. Yes, the zoo does have a restaurant and concessions.
Lincoln Park offers several fun events throughout the year. I always suggest seeing what is going on the day you are going. In the summer there is a Farmers Market and during the Holiday, the Lincoln Park Zoo has zoo lights.
Explore more of Lincoln Park
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