Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is Chicago's leafy lakefront neighborhood wrapped around its namesake 1,200-acre park, home to the free Lincoln Park Zoo, the Conservatory, and North Avenue Beach. Polished and family-friendly rather than edgy. Fullerton station connects the Red, Brown, and Purple lines right into it.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Lincoln Park Zoo free?

Yes. Lincoln Park Zoo is free to the public and open year-round, one of the last free major zoos in the country. Parking and some special experiences cost extra, but general admission is free. It opens as early as 8am.

Is Lincoln Park good for families?

Excellent for families. The free zoo, conservatory, nature museum, beach, and open parkland make it one of the most kid-friendly areas in the city. Everything is close together within the park itself.

When is the best time to visit Lincoln Park Zoo?

Right at the 8am opening, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds. The zoo, Nature Boardwalk, and North Avenue Beach are all most peaceful in the morning. Late spring through fall offers the best weather.

Is Lincoln Park walkable from downtown?

It's a few miles north, so walking the whole way is a haul, but the lakefront trail makes a pleasant long walk or bike ride. Most visitors take the Red or Brown line up, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

How do I get to Lincoln Park on the CTA?

Fullerton station is the hub, served by the Red, Brown, and Purple lines. Armitage station covers the Brown and Purple lines. Both are about a mile west of the zoo, so plan a walk or catch a bus east toward the lakefront.

Is parking available near Lincoln Park Zoo?

There's a paid lot near the zoo that fills quickly on nice weekends. Street parking is tough and permit-heavy. Taking the L to Fullerton and walking or busing east is usually less stressful.

How long should I spend in Lincoln Park?

Half a day covers the zoo, conservatory, and a lakefront stroll. Make it a full day if you add a museum, the beach, and a meal in the surrounding neighborhood. The park itself is huge.

What is there to do in Lincoln Park besides the zoo?

The Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago History Museum, North Avenue Beach, and miles of lakefront trail. The park itself has harbors, gardens, and open green space. The surrounding streets have upscale shopping and dining.

Nearby in Ask Chicago

• Soloway coffeeCafé0.51 km · 6 min walk
• Pequod's PizzaRestaurant1.05 km · 13 min walk
• Collectivo CoffeeCafé1.08 km · 14 min walk
• Lincoln Park ZooAttraction1.46 km · 18 min walk
• Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumMuseum1.48 km · 18 min walk