Exploring Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood is just north of the city's busy downtown and home to Chicago's largest park, free zoo and several museums. Lincoln Park is one of Chicago's largest neighborhoods but you would not be able to tell that walking down the tree lined streets where neighbors, students, and tourists mingle among the many open air cafes and shops.

Long known as a playground for Chicago's yuppies Lincoln Park has become the playground for most of the city and those who come to visit. The Lincoln Park neighborhood is easy to reach from downtown on either the el or using the buses. In the summer the best way to get to Lincoln Park is with a walk, jog or bike along the pedestrian paths that follow the lakeshore all the way north.

Here are some of the places to explore in Lincoln Park

The Park

Lincoln Park is more than twice the size of New York's Central Park and a lot more accessible to residents of the city. The park runs for six miles alongside Lake Michigan and covers twelve hundred acres. In the summer the lawns are strewn with sunbathers, picnickers and families playing games.

The paths and trails are popular with joggers, bicyclists and cross country skiers. Small lakes dot the park, beginning in May you can rent paddleboats at both South and North Lake.

Lincoln Park Zoo,2200 North Cannon Drive

Chicago's free zoo is one of the city's more popular tourist attractions and the exhibits continue to expand and improve every year. Lincoln Park Zoo sits right between Lincoln Park and the lakefront beach providing a convenient location for an all day outing.

Popular with families is the petting zoo and working farm. Check the zoo's website to find out the regular milking and grooming times for the animals and make sure you catch one of the demonstrations.

Lincoln Park Conservatory,2391 North Stockton Drive

Within walking distance of the zoo is the Lincoln Park Conservatory. A haven in the winter and a great way to round out a visit to the zoo the conservatory is also free to all visitors. The glass conservatory covers three acres of beautifully maintained gardens of all types.