What can you do in Lincoln Park, Chicago? Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s top neighborhoods for outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, museums, and local eats. From visiting the free zoo to biking the lakefront, there are endless things to do in Lincoln Park for every kind of traveler.
Why Is Lincoln Park in Chicago Worth Visiting?
Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood has it all: top-tier restaurants, lakefront beauty, kid-friendly attractions, lush greenery, and historic charm. With all there is to do, you certainly do not want to skip a visit to this neighborhood.
While many articles highlighting Lincoln Park only focus on general “things to do”, this guide will help you explore the neighborhood like a local both by bike and on foot. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or want to be a tourist in your own city, Bobby’s Bike Hike can help you explore Lincoln Park to its fullest!
How to Spend a Day in Lincoln Park
Morning: Breakfast & Scenic Views
To start your day in Lincoln Park, you will want to be properly fueled. Grab breakfast at the Bourgeois Pig Cafe or some brunch at the Blue Door Farm Stand. If you want to splurge on a sweet treat, try a donut or two at Beacon Donuts.
After, take a 10 to 20-minute walk over to the historic Lincoln Park Zoo and learn about a diverse array of animals from around the world for free! The zoo opens as early as 8 a.m., which is the best time to visit on weekends to avoid the crowds.
Near the zoo you can take a stroll through the Lincoln Park Conservatory, enjoy the serenity of the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and stop by the Nature Boardwalk to catch an iconic view of the Chicago skyline.
If you happen to visit Lincoln Park on a Saturday or Wednesday during the summer, be sure to check out the Green City Market. This outdoor farmers’ market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is a great place to spend some time in the morning.
Suggestion: If you want to see Lincoln Park as well as some of Chicago’s other famous neighborhoods like Wrigleyville, the Gold Coast, and Streeterville, check out our morning Bikes, Bites, & Brews Tour. Rated best Chicago sightseeing bike tour of 2024 by TripAdvisor, this 4.5-hour tour also lets you sample Chicago’s staple foods and local beers.
Midday: Lunch & Culture Fix
If you’re feeling peckish after your visit to the zoo, stop by R.J. Grunts for some lunch or Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop for a quick pick-me-up.
Lincoln Park’s activities don’t just end at amazing food and stunning scenery—after lunch, stop by the Chicago History Museum and/or the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Both are excellent choices for all ages.
Though, if you want to get the most out of an afternoon in Lincoln Park, consider joining a bike tour around the neighborhood with Bobby’s Bike Hike! Our 3-hour Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour is an excellent way to see a few of the top sites of Lincoln Park in a short time. Cruise by the Nature Boardwalk, stop by the zoo, learn about the area from an expert local guide, and tour other iconic neighborhoods like Old Town, Streeterville, and the Gold Coast.
Online reservations are recommended, especially on weekends!
Evening: Parks, Pints, & Patio Vibes
After a full day of adventuring, for dinner head over to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder to try their signature pizza pot pie or take a walk to North Avenue Beach and enjoy lakeside views from Castaways Beach Club. If you’d prefer to enjoy some live music, visit Kingston Mines for quality blues to end your night.
Is Lincoln Park Walkable?
Lincoln Park is incredibly walkable, which is one of the many reasons why it’s so popular. There are countless paths, wide sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly streets that seamlessly connect the parks, restaurants, and attractions.
Though, for those looking to cover more ground without exhausting their feet, guided bike tours are a fun, easy alternative to see the area.
Can You Bike in Lincoln Park?
Definitely! To get to the neighborhood, you can bike about three miles up the scenic Lakefront Trail from downtown. The park’s interior paths are all bike-friendly, though visit early to avoid congestion with pedestrians.
If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one from Bobby’s Bike Hike! We offer 2-hour, 4-hour, and full-day rentals, and we also provide a lock so you can park your bike to explore.
What Neighborhoods Are Closest to Lincoln Park?
Chicago is made up of 77 neighborhoods, making Lincoln Park just one of the many to traverse. Lincoln Park borders Lakeview on the north, Old Town on the southwest, and the Gold Coast on the south. These areas are all filled with their own unique charm, local eats, and architecture. In addition, they are all walkable and bikeable! The neighborhoods surrounding Lincoln Park are definitely worth a visit if you find yourself with some free time in the city.
Things to Do in Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Zoo
Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country—and it’s free! The zoo is primarily funded through zoo members and generous donations. Here you can find nearly 200 unique species of animals from around the world, including birds, primates, reptiles, mammals, and more. This is one of the many inexpensive family-friendly activities in Chicago.
Nature Boardwalk & Honeycomb Pavilion
Just south of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Nature Boardwalk consists of a large pond outlined by a lush, natural garden with quiet walking paths. This area is a preserve for local wildlife to thrive. Here you will also find the Honeycomb Pavilion which provides a fantastic photo opportunity with the Chicago skyline.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Located on the north end of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lily Pool is a hidden gem. This quiet oasis is tucked into a corner of dense trees, blocking out the noise from nearby traffic. This pool used to be part of a Victorian Garden in 1889 until it fell into disrepair. Alfred Caldwell, a landscape architect, rebuilt the pool in the 1930s, but it began to deteriorate again until the Lincoln Park Conservancy raised money to revitalize this serene space in the early 2000s. Today it remains a perfect place for quiet reflection.
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum details the storied life of the city and celebrates a few of the many diverse cultures that make Chicago what it is. Here you can learn about how the city and its people have overcome serious hardships and how that has led to the “Second City” we know today. This museum is a great stop for history buffs or those looking to dive deeper into Chicago’s past.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Near the zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been educating the public about natural history for over 160 years with hands-on exhibits showcasing regional wildlife. The museum features a butterfly haven, live animals, and a glimpse into what Chicago looked like before people settled here.
North Avenue Beach
One of 24 public beaches along Chicago’s lakefront, North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular places to relax along Lake Michigan. You can lounge on the sandy shore, enjoy a drink at Castaways, or join a round of beach volleyball while soaking in the sun and skyline views.
Should You Visit Lincoln Park During Your Chicago Trip?
Lincoln Park is one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, offering a rare mix of history, nature, and top things to do in Chicago.
What other neighborhood do you know that’s outfitted with a 1,200-acre park, top-tier restaurants, a free zoo, museums, and beautiful lakefront views?
FAQs: Lincoln Park
Yes, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most tourist-friendly neighborhoods. It’s walkable, full of top attractions like the free zoo and museums, and offers great dining options.
You can visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, explore the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, stroll the Nature Boardwalk, or relax at North Avenue Beach—all free to enjoy.
The best way to see Lincoln Park is by foot or bike. Lincoln Park has bike-friendly paths and connects to the scenic Lakefront Trail. You can bring your own bike or rent one from Bobby’s Bike Hike. Walking also gives you the chance to enjoy the neighborhood’s local cafes, shops, and street art while taking in the sights at your own pace.
Lincoln Park is known for its namesake park, historic zoo, lakefront trails, and charming neighborhood vibe. It’s also a hotspot for brunch, biking, and cultural attractions.
You can do either! Bobby’s Bike Hike offers guided tours of Lincoln Park that include fun narration, local history, and stops at iconic spots like the zoo and lakefront. Prefer to go at your own pace? Rent a bike for 2 hours, 4 hours, or a full day and cruise the neighborhood solo with a free map and local tips.
Tips for Exploring Lincoln Park
Visit Early for Fewer Crowds: Lincoln Park Zoo, the Nature Boardwalk, and North Avenue Beach are especially peaceful in the morning. The zoo opens at 8 a.m., making it one of the best times to explore before the crowds arrive.
Bring Comfortable Shoes (or a Bike!): The neighborhood is very walkable, but it covers a lot of ground. Whether you’re walking or biking, dress comfortably and prepare for a day of movement.
Snap Skyline Photos at the Honeycomb Pavilion: The Honeycomb structure near the Nature Boardwalk offers one of the most iconic skyline photo ops in the city—perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.
Use Public Transit or Bike from Downtown: Parking in Lincoln Park can be tricky. Skip the hassle by biking up the Lakefront Trail or hopping on the CTA Red or Brown Lines.
Ready to Explore?
While Lincoln Park is worth taking a full day to explore, it’s even better as part of a larger tour of the city. Let Bobby’s Bike Hike guide you through Chicago’s most beloved neighborhoods—Lincoln Park included! Whether you’re a foodie, photo-hunter, or casual cruiser, there’s a perfect tour to help you see it all. Grab a bike or join a tour to upgrade your Chicago adventure today!
