Located just north of downtown Chicago and sitting right along Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park is an affluent neighborhood 20 minutes from our apartment rentals in downtown Chicago that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history junkie, in search of food and drinks, shopping or looking for various entertainment options—this is the place to be. Below, we’ve listed some popular attractions for you to check out during your free time. So grab your loved ones, grab your friends and throw on your shoes, you’ve got a busy schedule ahead of you!
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Dedicated to connecting people with nature, Lincoln Park Zoo offers a free and family-oriented experience for those looking to explore and learn about more than 1,200 animals. Ranging from wolves and monkeys to reptiles and birds, this 35-acre attraction allows people the opportunity to witness species from all over the world—making this the perfect spot for animal lovers. Open 365 days a year, Lincoln Park Zoo also features a calendar of events to help with bringing the community together. With fitness classes, dining events and much more to offer, “keep your life wild and free” with the zoo’s ongoing slate of events. Be sure to check out some of their upcoming events below:
- Saturday, May 18 – Party For The Planet
- Sunday, June 2 – Run For The Zoo
- Friday, June 14 – Craft Brews at the Zoo
- Sunday, June 16 – Father’s Day BBQ Brunch
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
125 W. Fullerton Parkway
A hidden garden of beauty, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a tucked-away spot located in close proximity to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Originally part of a Victorian garden built in 1889, the garden was a beautiful display of aquatic plants. As time continued to pass, the garden lost its popularity until architect Alfred Caldwell came along for its redesign. His idea behind the creation was simple: to create the vision of a river making its way through a Midwestern prairie. After the redesign, Caldwell’s Lily Pool once again deteriorated and loss popularity until the Chicago Park District overhauled it for restoration. Re-opened to the public in 2002, this historic landscape is now a place to go if you’re ever in the mood to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is open from 7:30am to dusk from April until November, weather permitting, and is a 20-minute drive from our South Loop apartments.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Founded in 1857 by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located at the intersection of Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park. With the intent to expand the public’s knowledge of nature and environmental science, the museum works to teach the public about the environmental issues in the Midwest. Choose from a wide range of exhibits such as the Butterfly Haven and Hands-on-Habitat, as well as attending featured programs listed on their calendar of events. General admission is for adults, for students and for children ages 3-12.
Lincoln Park Cultural Center
2045 N. Lincoln Park West
For those looking to expand their skills set or occupy their free time, the Lincoln Park Cultural Center offers a wide variety of classes and programs throughout the year for people to partake in. Housed in a red brick building, the center was built in 1927 and served as the park’s administrative headquarters. Now, the facility is used to host a variety of dance classes, fitness classes, art workshops and more. Classes range in price and are dedicated to pushing your limits mentally, physically and creatively. Be sure to check out their website for more information!
Now, once you’ve begun digging through your agenda for the day, it’s only a matter of time before you become hungry. Throughout Lincoln Park, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options to satisfy your appetite. With various cuisines to choose from, this unique and diverse restaurant scene has something for everyone. Below, we’ve included a list of restaurants for you to check out (but we promise, there are way more options than what we’ve listed below).
- Pizzeria Bebu – 1521 N. Fremont St.
- North Pond – 2610 N. Cannon Drive
- Athenian Room – 807 West Webster Ave.
- Del Seoul – 2568 N. Clark St.
So grab your best walking shoes, grab your camera and get to exploring! You won’t regret it.
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View All Posts by Krystyna Dudka