When most people think of Chicago, Illinois, they don’t think of it as a place for nature lovers. When it comes to Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, though, there are tons of opportunities to take in the great outdoors while still enjoying what the city has to offer.
Listed below are some of the most exciting and memorable things to see and do while you’re visiting Chicago’s most charming neighborhood:
1. See Beautiful Flowers at the Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory showcases a wide range of exotic plants and flowers in four different display houses.
2. Take in the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868 and is the fourth-oldest zoo in North America, as well as one of the country’s only free-admission zoos.
3. Sit in the Sand at North Avenue Beach
The Lincoln Park neighborhood is even home to a beach! North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Chicago.
4. Take a Picture With the Standing Lincoln Sculpture
If you’re looking to check out historical landmarks while in Lincoln Park, the Standing Lincoln Sculpture (or “Abraham Lincoln: The Man”), completed in 1887, is a great attraction.
5. Do a Deep Dive at the Chicago History Museum
Founded in 1856, the Chicago History Museum is considered Chicago’s oldest institution.
6. Learn About Butterflies at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is best known for its live butterfly house, which offers programs for enthusiasts to study and learn how to support Chicago’s butterfly populations.
7. Have a Zen Moment at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
If you want to take a break and enjoy some peace and quiet while in Lincoln Park, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a beautiful place to stop for a zen moment (or two).
8. Shop at Armitage and Halsted
The Armitage and Halsted area is full of boutiques where you can find everything from custom leather accessories to decor and home goods.
9. Try the Famous Chocolate Fondue of Geja’s Café
Geja’s Café, with its tasty fondue, regularly ranks among the top restaurants in Lincoln Park. It’s been serving locals and visitors for over 50 years.
10. Grab a Bite to Eat
There are plenty of other great places to eat in Lincoln Park, too, including the following:
- Pequod’s Pizza for authentic deep-dish pizza
- Small Cheval, a retro-inspired burger joint
- Summer House Santa Monica for a taste of West Coast
- Blue Door Farm Stand for tasty, farm-fresh fare
- Boka for seasonal, classic American dishes
- Cocina Tarascas Mexican Restaurant for some of Chicago’s best Mexican food
- Goose Island Brew House for delicious beers and snacks
- Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! for tapas, pintxos, and sangria
- Alinea for a multi-course tasting menu
- Mon Ami Gabi, a classic French bistro
- AVLI Taverna for tasty Greek food
11. Sip a Cocktail at The J. Parker Rooftop
The all-seasons J. Parker Rooftop restaurant and bar is the perfect place to grab a drink while you take in the views of Lake Michigan.
12. Listen to Chicago-Style Blues at Kingston Mines
Since 1968, Kingston Mines has been the place to go for live music. Kingston Mines plays every night of the week until 4 a.m.
13. Have a Laugh at The Second City
If you want to enjoy a comedy show, check out The Second City. It’s one of the world’s most famous comedy clubs.
14. Enjoy a Show at Steppenwolf Theatre
For those who want to enjoy more live entertainment, the Steppenwolf Theatre is a great place to go for a variety of unique plays and productions.
15. Take a Stroll Through Oz Park
Oz Park is named after the Wizard of Oz and features a variety of references to the famous novel.
16. Study or Work at the Bourgeois Pig Café
Bourgeois Pig Café offers delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, and smoothies and offers a quiet spot to read, study, work, or just rest your feet.
17. Get Caffeinated at the Best Coffee Shops
Lincoln Park is home to lots of coffee shops, including:
- Colectivo Coffee for coffee and a full cafe menu
- Printer’s Row Coffee Co., known for its handcrafted, single-origin coffees
- Philz Coffee, an adorable corner coffee shop with outdoor patio
- Werewolf Coffee, a unique shop with rotating coffee and espresso blends
18. Enjoy a Brew at the Old Town Ale House
Known as the best dive bar in Chicago, Old Town Ale House offers visitors a glimpse at the Chicago of the 60s and 70s.
19. Peruse DePaul Art Museum
To see some stunning artwork, DePaul Art Museum is the place to go for self-guided tours and tours led by museum staff.
20. Update Your Record Collection at Dave’s Records
As the sign on the door proudly announces, Dave’s Records offers all vinyl and no CDs.