Contrary to popular belief the Magnificent Mile doesn't end at Bellevue Street. Seven magnificent miles of beaches, open space, woodland, recreation paths, and beautiful scenery extend from Magnificent Mile to the northernmost reach of Lake Shore Drive. This is Lincoln Park, one of the most visited urban parks in the United States. What started out as Cemetery Park in the 1800s changed from a city of the dead to a city of life when Chicago leaders decided to change the cemetery to a park. It was around this time that President Abraham Lincoln was assasinated. From this time forward Lincoln Park is a green oasis in the shadows of a grand skyline. Lincoln Park is a gateway to Lake Michigan. Along the seven magnificent miles of shoreline are beaches and harbors (Belmont and Diversity). The Lakeshore Path is the ribbon of concrete parallel to the Lake Michigan shoreline that connects Lincoln Park to Navy Pier, Grant Park, and numerous shoreline destinations. Lincoln Park is a home for Chicago wildlife. The world renown Lincoln Park Zoo is a part of the park. It is home to many animals including giraffes, bears, tigers, hundreds of others. In the southern part of the zoo is the Lincoln Park Zoo Boardwalk a success story in bringing an ecosystem back to its original condition. It is the home of wood ducks, turtles, frogs, rabbits, and other wildlife. Within the magnificent miles of Lincoln Park are ponds, wildlife refuges, and woodland that attract several animals including beavers. Lincoln Park is a home of culture. It houses the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago Natural History Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and monuments that include Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grant. Lincoln Park is a place to be healthy. There are baseball diamonds, a skate park, soccer fields, and numerous sports facilities. walking The paths wind through these magnificent miles of greenery and shoreline. Lincoln Park is a place to enjoy life. I have enjoyed Lincoln Park on my feet and through the windshield of a taxi cab to Wrigley Field. Stuck in bumper to bumper traffic I envied the active people jogging on the Lakefront Trail with the expense of Lake Michigan reaching to the horizon. Just like my experience stuck in traffic in Grant Park, I wanted to jump out of the stopped cab and spend time outdoors with nature. Fortunately I'd get to spend hours at Lincoln Park a few days later when we visited Lincoln Park Zoo (I wrote a separate review on it). Lincoln Park Zoo was so charming that I wanted to extend the Lincoln Park Experience. My family and I reached a deciding vote to walk through Lincoln Park to the south preiphery along North Boulevard which would bring us to State Parkway and ultimately to Embassy Suites. The charming spell never ended. Immediately outside the zoo, stood the Conservatories landscape of blooming plants and picture perfect grass. Strolling southbound, the grand skyline of the Lincoln Park District complimented the canopy of mature trees above a rolling terrain of golf course green grass sprinkled with blooming plants. The curves of the walking path exposed my vision to the south pond, the Ben Franklin Monument, the downtown skyline with a John Hancock Building that grew closer with each series of steps, and aesthetic tunnels. Chicago is a city of several magnificent miles. After Lincoln Park transitioned to State Parkway, we continued walking Chicago's magnificent miles until we arrived at Embassy Suites. read more

Such a cute park for any type of event, I had a friend get engaged here, I have done a picnic date, rode my bike and taken a leisurely walk early in the morning and late in the holiday season! read more

The park is not bad but what is in the park is awesome! I feel like Lincoln Park is the perfect answer to NYC's Central Park in the city of Chicago because it's very vibrant in the summer, and there are lots of things to do in the park. Most of all, it's all free! The park is well maintained by the city and there are many areas outside of the Conservatory and the Zoo where biking, picnicing, jogging and just a nice stroll is possible. The lily ponds are a fantastic attraction and it's nice to throw down some picnic blankets and sit near the pond on a nice summer day. The park is also close to many eateries and coffee joints so refreshments are aplenty. read more

Lincoln Park is an awesome place to run. I love that the trails are groomed, hard-packed dirt. It's so scenic, and you'll definitely see other people out running and walking. Just be careful if you see some hardcore guy running really fast coming towards you. I got yelled at by one while I was running in a large group because he had to move over a little to get around us. Okay, I was technically on his side of the trail, but we're all trying to have to nice run in the park, right? Oh well, I didn't let him ruin my lovely morning. read more

Lincoln Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is my favorite park in Chicago. With everything to do on the lakefront it seems like Lincoln Park gets overlooked a bit and I'm ok with that. Lots of nice hills and valleys and open areas with shade or sun. A few nice ponds mixed in. A truly hidden gem in the city. read more

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Doesn't get much more Chicago-ey than Lincoln Park. If you like the zoo, make sure to go back in winter for Zoolights. It looks beautiful and will get you in the holiday spirit even if you are a grump! I really like the natural areas within the park and the fact that they brought a little of the marshy-ness back to the land. The nature boardwalk is a great spot for pictures with the skyline and nature all in one place. I took public transit. I don't think I'd ever want to drive there. No way. Also worth seeing: Conservatory, alfred cadwell lilly pond, tons of rad statues, the beach, North pond, & the Migratory Bird Sanctuary if you are into birding (because you are awesome like that). Fun facts you may not have known: *Around 1860 was called Cemetery Park as it was situated just north of the city burial ground *They moved about 20,000 bodies from the cemeteries to another site to expand the park *They've found bodies during construction as recently as 1998 *There remains one mausoleum of inn keeper Ira Couch Now that I've creeped you out, have fun at the park! read more

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This park is a nice walk from Miracle Mile but it's a nice view if you start from the bottom which you can get from Lake Shore where it turns by the Drake or even up a bit by Division to cross Lake Shore from underneath. If you take the walk on the trail along til you get to the lip and then turn around, that is the view of Miracle Mile you see in movies with the Hancock Center in the back ground. This part of the park that sticks out is where you have to get to by where the volley ball courts are along the beach. From here you can walk under Lake Shore again to North Ave and take it to North Clark and if you walk south you will be in a wonderful North Chicago neighborhood of Near North Side just south of Lincoln Park. I love doing this walk and will always do it when we visit Chicago. read more

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The park itself is a gorgeous space full of beautiful trees, waterways, and light rolling hills. The neighborhood is the fanciest (and most polarizing) in Chicago from frat house/dormitory/squatters to luxurious $20 million dollar homes. It's on the lake which makes it a highly desirable place to live. Ample restaurants and bars, and the largest farmers market in the city. A good family neighborhood where the BMW X5 is the standard family car. A top rated CPS elementary school, Lincoln Elementary to boot. OZ park is huge and the real estate nearby is something to marvel over. Easy proximity to downtown, with perhaps the prettiest street in all of Chicago- tree lined Armitage. read more

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One of the great urban parks! Protected, on the lake, used and abused by the population, filled with monuments, a few public buildings/museums, lots of trails, generally clean and safe, with ample beaches, and a free public zoo. There are a lot of festivals, walks and events through the warmer months here. A national treasure as "they" "say" read more

Today we spent about five hours walking throughout all of Lincoln Park and we loved every minute. It's absolutely one of the most outstanding parks anywhere (and I say that as someone who has traveled extensively throughout the world). Not only is the park HUGE and really beautiful, but it's incredibly well-maintained and full of many lovely statues. Also, it's literally next to a Great Lake and there's even a beach. The neighborhoods surrounding the park on the west are beautiful....one of the highlights was the Lincoln Park Conservatory (see my separate review) and we also took some extra time to visit the Chicago History Museum (see my separate review). We've been to Chicago many times over the years - although we were last here more than twelve years ago - and Lincoln Park was the definite highlight of our visits. read more

This is not one of the world's great parks, but it sure is a nice one, and the one that I grew up with. A century ago as Chicago was developing and growing into the second largest city in America, someone had the brilliant idea to block off a half mile wide strip of lakefront from the far north side all the way to Oak Street beach and the start of Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile). Once you reach the loop downtown, the park turns into Grant Park, which then goes further south until it becomes Jefferson Park, which stretches halfway to Indiana. There is no park at the Chicago river on the north edge of downtown, where the old fort Dearborn used to stand. Lincoln Park has a zoo, a giant greenhouse (the conservatory), a rookery (a rocky wet area for water fowl to dwell), a number of harbors, a number of museums, playgrounds, gardens, beaches, a riding trail for horses, and lots and lots of statues and hot dog stands. It includes hills, boathouses, dog walking paths, a golf course, a Totem pole, a tomb, and even a Viking Ship. It may not be one of the world's best designed Parks, but it is certainly one of America's most effect urban beautifiers: because without it, the Chicago Lakefront could look like Gary, with steel mills and commercial shipping ports all up and down the waterline, as it is in New York. Hike here. )og here. It is an urban oasis of the highest caliber. read more

We live in Lakeview so having lincoln park so close by is a huge plus. Make sure to go to conservatory and the zoo. One down side is finding parking especially on good sunny days (besides the expensive parking provided by the zoo) Book ahead via spot hero app. You can find a deal for $6. read more

Lincoln Park is the older and wiser brother to Grant Park in downtown Chicago. Sure, downtown is nice with your museums and big metal jellybean, but Lincoln Park has a zoo and a beach. So there. Seriously, Lincoln Park is home to many attractions besides the free and awesome zoo and beach. This park is north of the loop and is in a bit more upscale neighborhood. Unfortunately, access is a little difficult on public transit, so plan ahead if venturing here. There are many nice paths and large fields for any and all park activities or just strolling around. This second park in the second city is worth a visit or three. read more

Lincoln Park - Saturday Afternoon at the Chicago Air & Water Show - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this park! Probably one of my favorite parks I've been to in any area I've visited. It is very historic looking and everything that is near by is so convenient that you can walk there so easily. This isn't a hard park to find and there is so much to do in the park itself and surrounding it. It is easy to navigate through and to find your way around. This park and Millennial park are two of the best parks I've been to in Chicago. Great alternative to Central Park and very similar in style. Definitely somewhere to check out if you either live in Chicago area or if you are visiting. It gets cold so bring a jacket but plenty of shops nearby to walk to or coffee to grab and enjoy the neighborhood. read more

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Chicago's answer to Central park, filled with beautiful landscaping, tennis courts, basketball courts and the Lincoln Park zoo. The benches and trails were easy to navigate and fun to explore. The large statue of Lincoln is the only one known of him standing and that makes it unique! I absolutely LOVED this place. Apparently there are even hidden graves in the park, not far from the Bishop's home. Spend some time exploring but don't freak out if you see a lovely lady and her cat sitting among the flowers, she's quite friendly and her cat is extremely photogenic! read more

A nice place to stop and take a break from everyday life Nice quiet sitting areas we stopped here to stretch our legs from a long drive read more

I didn't get to explore too much of what Lincoln Park had to offer. I was able to ride a bike along side the park which was very lovely and I like how they separate the bike and passenger lanes. I'm also thankful the cars weren't near by so it was one less thing to worry about. The park was very beautiful and and it was create to walk along it. read more

I have lived in and around Chicago for most of my life and have never really taken the time to enjoy Lincoln Park...until now. My recent rehab and physical therapy means Kukla and I are taking longer than normal walks where she gets to sniff and I get to enjoy the flora and fauna. Since we live on the lakefront it only makes sense that we spend our time wandering around Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park is bigger than just the park area adjacent to the neighborhood "Lincoln Park". It's a little more than 1,200 acres along the lakefront including things like North Pond Nature Sanctuary, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Goethe's naked statue with his hawk, Lincoln Park Zoo, tons of playing fields, some dog parks, the South Lagoon Flower Garden, tennis courts, restaurants, and many more things Kukla and I have yet to explore. If you're a native Chicagoan or you're only here for a visit, you've gotta take the time to check out at least a bit of Lincoln Park. There's something to do, eat, explore, or see all year 'round. read more

I used to live elsewhere. Logan Square, Humboldt Park... even Rogers Park. Each neighborhood had its own little "something" to offer but I always avoided the "uber-pretentious" Lincoln Park. I mean, that's where all the snobs live, right? I could not have been more wrong. Last summer, I moved, not only TO Lincoln Park but right ON the park and I am in my favourite neighborhood by a long shot. The park is beautiful, well maintained and relaxing. The conservatory is gorgeous - take a book and have a seat among the orchids on a rainy day. Stroll through the zoo, visit Caldwell Lily Pool or stroll along the paths. I don't ever want to leave this neighborhood as long as I live in the city. True story. read more

The park is everything that is great about Chicago. Sprawling greens, a beautiful lake, some of the nicest residences in all of Chicago and great restaurants within a short walk. I may almost call it the perfect American park. However I don't love the transplants pissing all over the sidewalks on Lincoln Ave late at night after leaving the bars. Respect this town you cornfed little shits or gtfo! read more

When you visit, try not to kill yourself. It will be difficult, but I know you have it in you. Between the crowded streets, drunken and rowdy 19 years olds, and the Gin Mill, its a real clusterfuck. Stay away. read more

when you're on vacation you're not supposed to be working out but when you're eating that much deep dish you've got to burn those calories off somewhere. This is the place if you're looking for nice jogging trails. Its got a beautiful backdrop, seemed safe and lots of people watching. read more

awesome view of the city! Has the zoo and farm here at the park! Great view of the city! read more

Lincoln Park's reviews thus far have been co-opted by lumpenproletariat critics of the neighborhood's bourgeois trappings. I care not for politics, comrades. I'd rather rap about the actual park. Hey, the park is decent. Softball/kickball fields aplenty, a basketball court, undeveloped green space for sundry goings on, people that don't mind if you pet their dogs, a sprinkling of homeless sunning themselves on the benches (Proof positive that the leisure class and penniless alike can enjoy Lincoln Park.), and a fantastic set of public facilities (Though the spigots are too close to the wash basins which, I think, spoils my handwashing efforts.). For the weak or thrill-seeking, be advised that some of the fields aren't wonderfully maintained--likely due to heavy use--so watch out for divots, gigantic holes, dog feces, etc., which can lead to bodily harm or, you know, a barrage of E. coli. read more

Keep your eyes peeled for hidden paths and areas! This park is really big! If you are like me ; a Chicagoan who yearns to spend time in nature, this park is an urban oasis. When at Lincoln park, I love strolling on the nature boardwalk with my dog. Just north of the pond, behind cafe Brauer, are beautiful flower gardens The park is great, and tourists are more rare than you might think! (Unless you go to the zoo) Enjoy! read more

I see the Lincoln Park area nowadays as a mix of Good vs. Evil: The Good: The park itself - big & beautiful, nice mix of nature and attractions (Nature Museum, zoo, beach, lagoon, etc.) The surrounding environment - wander down some of the side streets & you'll see many well-maintained urban gardens and nicely preserved Victorian architecture. Amenities - the closer you live to the lake, the more shops & services you'll have within walking or biking distance - no need to own a car. The Evil: Resident demographics - housing costs in LP are outrageous, so it should be no surprise that the resident population tends to be obnoxiously upscale. Amenities - I'm old enough to remember when the Lincoln Park area actually had an interesting, diverse mix of people & shops. Not so any more, the arrival of money has driven out many of the funky independent shops that I remember from years ago, if you take a walk on any of the main retail streets in the area you'll see lots of upscale boutiques, chain establishments, and sports bars - the kind of suburbs-in-the-city places where the well-to-do seem to find comfort. The non-resident drinking class - I am constantly amazed at how many folks are willing to leave the comfort of their far-off suburban existence each weekend to drive into the city to drink and hoot and puke all over Lincoln Av. I suppose it's easier at the LP bar scene to get away with the kinds of bad behavior that would get them thrown out of the local TGI Fridays in their home 'burbs. read more

Millennium Park may be the most popular in Chicago, but I will definitely put Lincoln Park on your top 3 MUST DO list if you are in town, here is why: 1. Some of the best restaurants all mixed up in this area. Great cupcakes, great pasta, ethnic places 2. The man made Lake is amazing, it overlooks the city skyline. 3. Lincoln Park zoo and Lincoln Park zoo petting areas 4. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond 5. Lincoln Park Observatory 6. Scenic brownstone houses 7. Walk east for a few blocks and you are at Lake Michigan! So all in all, you probably can get to experience the most aspects of Chicago if you come here. There are nice benches and shady areas paired with scenic houses. Sea gulls and joyous kids playing nearby. Great dining options and many to choose from. Cross the bridge at the man made lake and you will feel like you are on top of the world! And best of all, everything is FREE FREE FREE. When you get tired, try out a new restaurant nearby...what better way than to spend the day? Lincoln Park is great for family, for a date, gatherings and all other occasions. read more

I'm from NYC and this park was simply gorgeous compared to the crap we have in NYC. It was spacious and clean, and there were no homeless infestation. People were respectful and even the goons were nicer, I take that back there were no goons! I went on a holiday weekend so I guess the subways there were acting up , so the thug commute got derailed ,which works perfectly for me. Ok well NYC has good parks but the people there are ugly and disrespectful. As for Lincoln Park I can safely say you will not get raped at this park at midnight . read more

I have always enjoyed Lincoln Park. It has the zoo, it is usually pretty easy to find parking nearby and it has easy access to the beach. I give the park 4 stars for its location and the zoo. Those are really its 2 redeeming qualities. read more

Been here several times. It's a huge beautiful park with lots of trees and flowers. The kids area is nice. Can't beat a beautiful park by the lake! A must visit for tourists! read more

Lincoln Park is Chicago's largest public park and is named after Abraham Lincoln. There's lots to see and do within the park including: Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago History Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, etc. The park was across the street from our hotel, but we didn't have time to explore and see any of the above. We rode our bikes through the park and stopped to take a picture with the Abraham Lincoln statue though. read more

One of the coolest neighborhoods in Chicago. There is a huge variety of shops, restaurants, and parks. My favorite part of the neighborhood is the expansive park. The park has some really nice ponds and tons of green space. The parks in Chicago are some of the best in the country and Lincoln Park is one of the best in the city. read more

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When I used to live up in Chicago, one my day off I would come to the park just to relax and boy what a park. There is nothing like it in Cincinnati and I wouldn't expect so. After coming back to the park this past week, I reminisced about my awesome times and park and created a few new ones with some friends like playing Frisbee and such. read more

As a first time vistor, I liked Lincoln Park. I was amazed to visit the Conservatory and the Zoo, sans $ - anomalies in my experiences. I'd say the highlights were seeing the animated monkeys, gorillas, and the penguins. And watching the iparents and their kids react was just as funny as watching the animals. Well-maintained grounds, decent eateries (you know, hot dogs, popcorn). The Conservatory had some cool tropical plants to check out too. Worth a few hours of your time, esp. in early fall with the leaves are changing... read more

I love Lincoln Park. The zoo, the conservatory, the lakeside location. A great additiion to the city. I always stay in this area when I am in town. The neighborhood is full of good restaurants too. read more

Lincoln Park is beautiful! Not only does it offer up lovely views of the Chicago skyline, but as I wandered around I found a nature walk, a yoga pavilion, spots to rent bikes, and so many beautiful flowers. And the surrounding neighborhood is fantastic. Found so many great places to stop into, grabbed some lunch and just enjoyed the day. I could easily spend the day exploring, and I predict that during my next Chicago visit I will do just that. read more

This park was pretty large after looking at a map of the area. We found parking a few blocks away (got lucky actually and it was free parking) and walked over to the Lincoln Park Zoo. A lot of others were either running or riding their bikes through Lincoln Park. There were a lot of trees so on a hot day, there would be plenty of shade. We didn't walk that far around Lincoln Park because were there for the zoo. lol I would say it would be a great place for a picnic especially on a perfect weather day which would be in the 70s in my opinion. There were also a few places to eat nearby so you could grab a bite to eat as you're walking through Lincoln Park. read more

This park, located right next to the zoo, is jam packed with all kinds of slides, swings, a tire swing, sand pit, and cool bronze animal statues. Honestly, it's now my go to spot as long I am able to find a parking spot. That is the caveat when considering coming to this area, where am I going to park? Obviously during the summer it's probably a joke, but on this cool fall day it was a breeze. Get it, breeze? Bwahahaha...... Enjoy Suckas'!!! read more

Gorgeous! Lots of people playing sports and hanging out around here, even on a super chilly day. My BF and I took a stroll through the park to visit the Lincoln Monument, after a visit to the Chicago History Museum. I can only imagine that the summers here are flourishing with all kinds of people. Next time we're in town during warm weather, we will definitely take another stroll! read more

Beautiful place to live, go to school at, work, or hang out at. There's so much to do here for people of all ages.. Its a very well kept city that is filled with lots of cute little boutiques, cozy little cafes, and a huge zoo! A great place to hang out at at any time of the year! read more

Lincoln Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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