Looking for things to do in Lincoln Park, Chicago? As one of Chicago’s biggest neighborhoods, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or checking out potential places to live, here are the most popular Lincoln Park activities and attractions that make this city unique.
6 Fun Things to Do in Lincoln Park During Your Visit
Lincoln Park is located on the North Side of Chicago. It’s known for its natural and scenic landscapes—even in the vibrant Windy City. It has the perfect balance of metropolitan and natural lifestyles to suit all your preferences when visiting here.
Below is a guide on what to do in Lincoln Park with various budgets and directions on getting around Chicago.
1. Stroll Through Lincoln Park
The first thing to do at Lincoln Park is go to the park itself! It’s not just in the name. Lincoln Park is Chicago’s biggest park, with 1,214 acres, 15,000 trees, and native habitats. Even if you’re not an avid hiker, this massive park has something for all nature lovers.
Some of the most popular pitstops include:
Lakefront Trail
Located right along the Lake Michigan shoreline, you can stroll or rent a bike through 18-mile paths with waterfront and Chicago skyline views. You can easily access multiple trail entrances from Ardmore Ave on the north to 71st on the south. Depending on where you’re entering from, many bus stops, subway stations, and parking garages are all along S Lakeshore Dr.
If you want to access the main entrance of Lakefront Park, the Van Buren St train station is the closest via the Orange or Red Line, and it’s a 10-minute walk from there. The Adams/Wabash’s Brown Line and Jackson’s Red Line subway stations are also close by. The nearest bus station is Dearborn & Harrison via Bus 22, 24, and 62 for less than a 20-minute walk.
For parking, the closest garage is on S Michigan Ave and is less than a 15-minute walking distance. Remember, the Lakefront Trail stretches miles long, so you can access closer public transportation access if needed. If you don’t know what to see in Lincoln Park, this is a great place to start.
Don’t miss out on this limited-time experience when looking for unique activities in Hyde Park. Chicago Restaurant Week is an annual award-winning culinary event that actually lasts for 17 days, not a week. You can take your tastebuds on a cultural adventure with over 350 restaurants across the city.
Abraham Lincoln and Gardens
Known as the “Standing Lincoln,” connect with presidential history by visiting this famous 12ft bronze monument and relaxing in its surrounding award-winning gardens. The park is named on behalf of Abraham Lincoln, after all.
It’s located behind the Chicago History Museum off of W La Salle Dr and E North Blvd. Plenty of bus stops and subway stations are nearby if you’re coming from various places around the area.
The nearest bus station is North Ave & Clark Terminal, where you can take Bus 9 or 72 for a short three-minute walk to the landmark.
Or take the Brown Line to Sedwick train station, and it’s less than a 15-minute walk. If you’re driving, you can find parking garages on W North Blvd at the park entrance or inside the park on N Stockton Dr within a few minutes walk. Parking is also available across the street on W North Blvd.
Judy Istock Butterfly Haven
The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is one of the best family-friendly Lincoln Park activities and is the largest butterfly house in Illinois. It’s an exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and included in admission to the museum.
You can have a fully immersed experience with over 40 exotic butterfly species that free-fly around you. They have daily butterfly releases at 2pm and even butterfly yoga sessions!
General admissions range from $8 to $15 for children to adults, with free admission for children under 2. It has a designated bus stop at the Cannon & Nature Museum/Fullerton stop via Bus 76, with onsite parking available. Fullerton train station is a little over 20 minutes away by walking (one mile) via the Brown Line.
South Pond Pavilion
The South Pond Pavilion isn’t your average pond. It’s a modern nature boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo with a beautiful wooden and fiberglass arc hovering over the walking path inspired by a tortoise shell. You can take stunning social media-worthy shots with this massive 1,400 sq ft open-air structure and scenic views—especially at nighttime when it lights up.
And don’t worry, the Lincoln Park Zoo is free, so you can enjoy the South Pond separately if you prefer. It’s located on N Stockton St, with the Stockton & Armitage train station only one minute away via Bus 151 and 156. Or get off the Sedgwick subway station, which is less than a 20-minute walk via the Brown Line.
You can also park inside the zoo off of Fullerton or at the Chicago Historical Society lot on North Ave and N Stockton Dr.
2. Shop Along Armitage Avenue
Also known as the Armitage-Halsted hub, is Lincoln Park’s unofficial wine district. It’s a vibrant corridor full of wine bars, boutiques, and restaurants. It offers outdoor patios and casual seating when in season. Shop from independent jewelry shops to cozy bookstores with plenty of food to eat in between.
From farm-to-table dining at the Blue Door Farm Stand to French dining at the Chez Moi, it’s a food lover’s paradise. There are three bus stops right by the entrance at Armitage & Halsted, Halsted & Armitage, and Armitage & Fremont. The Armitage subway station is also on the same block, less than five minutes away. Multiple parking garages are along W Armitage Ave, too.
3. Enjoy the Lincoln Park Conservatory
Located next to the entrance of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is an amazing botanical garden that makes you feel like you’re in another world. Surround yourself with thousands of plants, tropical plant exhibits, and annual flower shows inside a Victorian-style glass house. Admissions are free, but reservations are required. Parking is available onsite.
The Stockton & Webster bus stop is a three-minute walk via Bus 151 and 156. The Fullerton subway via the Brown Line is less than a mile away.
4. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
If you’re looking for low-budget things to do in Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo has free daily admissions. It has over 200 diverse species, from African penguins to Japanese monkeys and more. There are monthly educational science and animal conservation events for children and adults only with onsite bar locations with a live DJ.
Hop off the Stockton & Webster bus station via Bus 151 and 165 or the Fullerton subway station via the Brown Line, which is a 20-minute walk. Remember, Chicago is a walkable city! Or, if you’re driving or taking a taxi, there’s a parking lot onsite at Fullerton Pkwy and Cannon Dr.
5. Enjoy the Performing Arts at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company
The Steppenwolf Theatre has been a historical theater company in Hyde Park since 1974. You can watch a variety of performing art productions, such as historical fiction plays and stand-up comedy. Ticket pricing depends on seating location and event type.
If you’re a local, there’s a three-tier membership package where you can enjoy the benefits of flexible ticket credits to a behind-the-scenes experience. There’s a Metra train station at North/Clybourn via the Red Line, which is only a two-minute walk away from the entrance. The nearest bus stop is a little over 15 minutes away at North Ave & Troop via Bus 9 and 72.
6. Relax at North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches because you can enjoy Lake Michigan from Chicago. If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Lincoln Park, this beach offers kayaking, canoeing, public chess tables, and swimming, with bike rentals available.
Its 22,000 sq ft of lakefront views bring various amenities, like designated grill areas, beachside burgers, ice cream cafes, jazz music, and cooling refreshments. You can get away from the city here and relax from walking all day.
Many train and bus stations are nearby, depending on which part of the beach you’re entering from. The closest subway to the main entrance is the Metro Clybourn/North Station, which is open 24 hours, but it’s around a 30-minute walk. Or take a bus onsite at the Lake Shore & North Ave bus stop via Bus 151. Metered parking and paid lots are available on-site.
Find the Best Places to Live in Lincoln Park with TLC Management
Are you a Chicago local or live in the suburbs nearby and are interested in moving to Lincoln Park? TLC Management has luxury Lincoln Park apartments for rent in one of the most sought-after locations in Chicago. It’s a short walk from lakefront views, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and many dining options nearby.
From upscale amenities like stainless appliances to a Wi-Fi business center and quartz countertops, we’re passionate about premium rental living—as it should be.
Find your dream Lincoln Park apartment or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com for more information today!
