North of Chicago’s Loop and Gold Coast neighborhoods, you find Lincoln Park. It is Chicago’s largest public park and was named after President Abraham Lincoln after he was assassinated. The park stretches for seven miles from Grand Avenue (500 N) on the south to near Ardmore Avenue (5800 N) on the north, just north of the Lake Shore Drive boundary at Hollywood Avenue.

Lincoln Park offers an assortment of fine restaurants, nightspots, boutiques, and theaters. It is a refuge for joggers, tennis players, golfers, cyclists, and softball players. Lincoln Park is an area rich with ornate homes, trees and history. It is even home to the world’s first Ferris wheel and the violent clashes of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. As the name implies, Lincoln Park is also home to a sprawling lakefront park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The neighborhood is also a live music hub, with numerous blues clubs and leading rock venues like Lincoln Hall.

Lincoln Park is home to DePaul University, as well as Lincoln Park High School and Francis W. Parker School. Lincoln Park High School serves as the sole neighborhood secondary education institution. It is even ranked as one of Chicago’s best public high schools. According to U.S. News & World Report, Lincoln Park High School is ranked as the 90th best high school in the country.

12 minutes to Chicago Loop | 27 minutes to O’Hare Airport | 25 minutes to Midway Airport

2 miles from downtown Chicago, IL. Transportation Lincoln Park is served by multiple CTA trains and bus service enables commuters to be downtown in minutes. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) exits are west on North Avenue and Fullerton Avenue.

You will definitely not run out of things to do in Lincoln Park. Without a doubt, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most famous attractions to check out. You can see about 1,200 animals on 35 acres. Another place to visit just northwest of the zoo is the Lincoln Park Conservatory, which hosts more than 40,000 plants representing around 200 species under a glass dome and in greenhouse rooms. There is also a secretive spot just north of the Zoo called Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. It is a quaint, calm hideaway and a great place to escape the bustling city.

Another popular spot to check out is Oz Park, located right behind Lincoln Park High School. It is a park dedicated to the Wizard of Oz and has sculptures of the popular characters scattered throughout. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Chicago, look no further than the Chicago History Museum. There are plenty of different exhibits to explore. Not to mention, if you’d like to hear live music  Lincoln Hall, The Hideout, Park West, B.L.U.E.S., or Schubas.

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s premier neighborhoods for shopping. Whether you’re searching for clothes, gifts, etc., you will find anything from national brands to independent boutiques. Diversey and Clark is one of the most trafficked intersections with plenty of boutiques and retailers. It is also just steps from the lakefront attractions. If you’re looking for some of the nation’s most popular brands, be sure to check out Lincoln Park’s Clybourn Corridor. They have a primary focus on home goods and furniture. If you’re driving in for the day, that’s not a problem because there is onsite parking available at many businesses in this corridor and recently the New City complex was completed with fresh new brands and parking. Upscale eating is definitely a staple here. If you’d like to experience an extravagant dinner ranging from 10 to 18 courses, check out Alinea, one of the best restaurants in the nation, if not the world. You will not be disappointed with the range of creative plates from Chef Grant Achatz. Other great places to check out are Pequod’s Pizza for some great Chicago deep-dish pizza, White Oak Tavern & Inn for refined rustic cuisine, and Oyster Bah for some delicious elevated seafood.