An 11-kilometre stretch of parkland lining the shore of Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park covers close to five million square metres north of downtown Chicago. It stretches from Ardmore Avenue to the north and Ohio Street to the south. The park is home to public beaches, museums, gardens, a conservatory, pool and theatre, and activities ranging from archery and golf to tennis and basketball, making it a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike.
Named after the 16th President of the United States, Lincoln Park is built on the site of an old cemetery. Some of the gravestones and a large mausoleum are still visible in the grounds today, along with historic statues including one of Abraham Lincoln sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Head for the beaches by the lake in the summer and enjoy the cool waters. You can fish throughout the year and hire a boat. In the warmer months, there are outdoor concerts to enjoy at the Theatre on the Lake – the concert timetable and information can be found on the park’s website.
The park was first established with the intention of preserving the region’s wildlife, a tradition which continues in the park’s animal sanctuaries. See birds, turtles, frogs and beavers in the North Pond Nature Sanctuary, whilst in the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary to the north of the park, you will find more than 150 different species. Meanwhile, the 60,000-square-metre Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary attracts tens of thousands of birds. Each sanctuary offers walking trails and viewing platforms to spot these species in their natural habitats.
In the neighbourhoods surrounding the park, as well as around Lincoln Park itself, you’ll find a veritable array of restaurants, bars and shops. Throughout the park you will also find maps to help you find your way around.
