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Tue / Jan 19
Party Earth Review Unlike its often status-conscious namesake neighborhood, Lincoln Park itself is a serene escape from the bustling city, providing access to a host of sandy beaches, cultural events, outdoor theater, water activities, and... ... read full review
2045 Lincoln Park West
(address of Lincoln Park Cultural Center)
Chicago, IL 60610
Brown, Purple Express, Red Lines: Fullerton, Belmont; Brown, Purple Express Lines: Sedgwick, Armitage, Diversey, Wellington; Red Line: Addison, Argyle, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Lawrence, Sheridan, Wilson
312-742-7726
Daily 6am–11pm
Lincoln Park, Chicago –
Unlike its often status-conscious namesake neighborhood, Lincoln Park itself is a serene escape from the bustling city, providing access to a host of sandy beaches, cultural events, outdoor theater, water activities, and wide open spaces.
Spanning nearly six miles, the park runs through the neighborhoods of Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Uptown, and Edgewater, and offers activities as diverse as the four areas it crosses.
Serious athletes can kayak and canoe on the lagoons stretching along the east side, or hit up the golf course and tennis courts scattered on the north end.
In the summer, North Avenue Beach on the park’s southern edge becomes a sea of preppy boys and sorority girls – many of whom descend on Castaways, a massive boat-shaped beach bar and grill near the lake – while those who want to catch the rays in a quieter atmosphere make their way to Foster Avenue Beach at the opposite end of the park.
Plenty of expansive lawns and winding paths keep the soccer players, joggers, and bikers happy, while animal lovers won’t want to miss the city zoo and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum at the center of the park, where winter-weary Chicagoans and frozen visitors alike will find an indoor butterfly haven where they can enjoy nature on even the most blustery days.
A large Hispanic population near Montrose Harbor to the north ensures a steady salsa beat from the boom box brigade on Montrose Beach, while grunge kids and punk rockers congregate nearby at the area’s only skate park.
Perfect for mellow bookworms, beach lovers, and athletes alike, Lincoln Park is a true urban escape year round.
Going for a run? There are a lot of winding paths to choose from, but stick to the main route. Handy park district signs mark every half mile, and on summer Saturday mornings, a running club sets up water/Gatorade stations along the route for marathon training groups and anyone else who needs a drink.
Athletes, jocks, beach lovers, cyclists, joggers, water enthusiasts, kayakers, boaters, golfers, sports teams, couples, families, and free spirits of all ages.
Highlights include:
Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 North Cannon Drive) open year-round. Zoo Lights in December, a holiday festival with warm drinks and Christmas decorations.
The Chicago History Museum (1601 North Clark Street).
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 North Cannon Drive).
Theatre on the Lake (2401 North Lake Shore Drive).
Beaches include:
North Beach, Foster Avenue Beach, and Montrose Avenue Beach, which also has a fenced-in dog beach.
Sporting options include:
A skate park (700 West Wilson Avenue).
The Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course (3600 North Recreation Drive).
A driving range (141 West Diversey Parkway).
Tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and running/biking paths throughout.
Options include:
Café Brauer (2021 North Stockton Drive) for the beer garden and postcard views of the lake.
Northstar Eatery (1765 North Stockton Drive) for traditional American cuisine.
Casual (and sometimes crazy) beachside diner Castaways Bar & Grill (1603 North Lake Shore Drive) for traditional bar food (May–September).
Street food vendors throughout.
Parking:
Metered parking at Belmont Harbor, Diversey Harbor, Montrose Harbor, Waveland Avenue tennis courts, and Foster Avenue Beach.
Nature Museum $9, History Museum $14. Restaurant entrées $8–$30. Driving range $9–$14, golf course $23–$26. Zoo and Conservatory are free. Parking free–$10 depending on location and season.
Anything goes. Appropriate golf attire for driving range and golf course.
Any warm, sunny days between May and October.
Wrigley Field (1060 West Addison Street), home of the Cubs and central to dozens of bars, clubs, and shops.
Lincoln Park User Reviews