Situated on the north side of downtown and along Chicago’s stunning lake shore, Lincoln Park is the city’s largest park; an inviting green space where the entire day can be spent enjoying the outdoors. Excellent bike paths and walking trails make exploring Lincoln Park a breeze and with its miles of beautiful beaches and myriad of sporting courts available it’s the perfect place to get some exercise or simply relax with a picnic or good book.
One of the biggest park attractions is Lincoln Park Zoo. Open 365 days a year the zoo is always free making this an excellent family destination. Founded in 1868 the zoo is one of the nations oldest. Animals from around the world are housed here, from birds, bears and sea lions to big cats, primates, reptiles and more, the many permanent exhibits, habitats and enclosures offer a fascinating insight into the animal world. Kids too will enjoy the excellent farm animal petting area.
While famous for its many statues and memorials Lincoln Park would not be complete without a memorial dedicated to the man for which the park is named – Abraham Lincoln. Completed in 1887, the famous Standing Lincoln statue is considered to be one of the finest Lincoln sculptures of the nineteenth century and several replicas can be found around the world including Parque Lincoln in Mexico City and Parliament Square in London. Other historic sights include the equestrian Grant Memorial of 1891 resting on its imposing white stone base and the Lincoln Park Conservatory built between 1890 and 1895 featuring historic green houses and beautiful outdoor gardens.
Lincoln Park is located along seven miles of lake shore bordered by North Avenue and North Clark Street on its southern and western edge and Hollywood Avenue and Hollywood Beach on its north. A taxi from downtown is about $12 to Lincoln Park Zoo with bus routes 22, 36, 151 and 156 all stopping at the zoo’s west gate.
