Lincoln Park
Chicago's largest lakefront park, where the conservatory, North Pond, Lily Pool, and the lakefront trail come together. Free to stroll.
Lincoln Park stretches about 11 kilometers (7 miles) along the shore of Lake Michigan and covers about 490 hectares (1,200 acres). It is the largest park in Chicago. Besides the Lincoln Park Zoo, highlights include the Lincoln Park Conservatory, built in the 1890s (free admission, with tropical plants and a fern room). Other attractions are the Lily Pool, designed by prairie-style landscape architect Alfred Caldwell; North Pond and its lakeside skyline reflections; nature trails; the Chicago History Museum; and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. In summer, the lakefront trail is busy with runners and cyclists, and North Avenue Beach is at the south end of the park. The park is open all day, and the conservatory is usually open from 10:00 to 17:00. Take Bus 151 or 22, or the Brown or Red Line to Fullerton Station, and walk from there.
Opening hours
Park open all day; greenhouses usually 10am–5pm
Nearby sights
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Wrigley Field
- North Avenue Beach
- Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
- 360 Chicago (John Hancock Center)
- Chicago Water Tower
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Magnificent Mile