So many of the Chicago's highlights are located in Lincoln Park that it is hard to recommend just ten, but this list will get you headed in the right direction.
1. See a show at Second City
© Jennifer Roche
1616 N. Wells St. at Piper's Alley, (312)337-3992
This landmark headquarters of comedy began here in 1959 and has launched some of the country's greatest comedians. Bill Murray, John Belushi, Mike Myers, Fred Willard, Tina Fey and other comedic VIPs have passed through its doors with new ones coming up all the time. You can see a show here almost every night of the week on the mainstage, at Second City etc or at Donny's Skybox. It's one of the few rarely-go-wrong tickets in the city.
This landmark headquarters of comedy began here in 1959 and has launched some of the country's greatest comedians. Bill Murray, John Belushi, Mike Myers, Fred Willard, Tina Fey and other comedic VIPs have passed through its doors with new ones coming up all the time. You can see a show here almost every night of the week on the mainstage, at Second City etc or at Donny's Skybox. It's one of the few rarely-go-wrong tickets in the city.
2. Spend a day at North Avenue Beach
© Jennifer Roche
1600 N. Lake Shore Dr., (312)742-PLAY
Enjoy a summer day here sunning and swimming, strolling the lakefront, admiring the skyline views or playing volleyball. You can rent bikes, beach chairs, and sometimes kayaks at the boat house or, better yet, bring your own. Hot dogs and french fries also available. Spring and fall days can be just as inviting, especially if you like to run (or have a dog or kids that do), want to fly a kite, or go for a bike ride.
Enjoy a summer day here sunning and swimming, strolling the lakefront, admiring the skyline views or playing volleyball. You can rent bikes, beach chairs, and sometimes kayaks at the boat house or, better yet, bring your own. Hot dogs and french fries also available. Spring and fall days can be just as inviting, especially if you like to run (or have a dog or kids that do), want to fly a kite, or go for a bike ride.
3. Walk through the Old Town Triangle Historic District
The Old Town Triangle runs roughly as follows: North of North Avenue, West of Wells Street, South of Lincoln and Wisconsin Avenues, and (very roughly) East of Sedgewick on the northern half of the district and East of Mohawk on the southern half.Founded in the 1850s by German immigrants who congregated around St. Michael's church, this Chicago Landmark district is known for its small scale and worker style cottages. It's a lovely stroll on any kind of day. If you pass St. Michael's church in warmer months, be sure to check for the resident peregrine falcons who often nest right behind the statue of St. Michael high above the sanctuary entrance.
4. Go on an outing to the Green City Market (Seasonal)
Located at the South end of Lincoln Park between 1750 N. Clark St. and Stockton Dr., (773)435-0280The city's showcase farmers' market thrives with a sustainability sensibility and know-your-organic-farmer vibes. Located under the shade trees of Lincoln Park, it's a great place to hang out and buy a crepe for lunch or pick up the week's groceries. Usually runs on Wednesdays from about mid-May through November when it moves to a nearby location.
5. Hear live blues played at Kingston Mines and B.L.U.E.S.
Kingston Mines is located at 2548 N. Halsted St., (773)477-4646B.L.U.E.S. is located across the street at 2519 N. Halsted St.
Good fortune lands these two great blues spots across the street from one another where you can hear live blues every night of the week. Kingston Mines is larger with two stages while B.L.U.E.S. offers a smaller, more intimate experience. The only problem you'll have is figuring out which one to head into first.
6. See a play at the Steppenwolf Theatre and the Victory Gardens Theater
© Jennifer Roche
The Steppenwolf Theatre is at 1650 N. Halsted St., (312)335-1650
Victory Gardens Theater is at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., (773)871-3000
Both companies have enjoyed city-wide and national acclaim for their work. The 30-year-old Steppenwolf presents thought-provoking productions featuring a core ensemble of actors and engaging, alternative programming on their smaller stages. Victory Gardens won a Tony award for best regional theater. They produce original plays, "incubate" emerging playwrights and theater companies, and maintain an emphasis on exploring Chicago voices.
Victory Gardens Theater is at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., (773)871-3000
Both companies have enjoyed city-wide and national acclaim for their work. The 30-year-old Steppenwolf presents thought-provoking productions featuring a core ensemble of actors and engaging, alternative programming on their smaller stages. Victory Gardens won a Tony award for best regional theater. They produce original plays, "incubate" emerging playwrights and theater companies, and maintain an emphasis on exploring Chicago voices.
7. Enjoy a meal at North Pond Restaurant
2610 N. Cannon Drive, (773)477-5845Located in the park, housed in a lovely prairie style architectural setting, and infused with ingredients drawn from the area, North Pond's elegant and flavorful dining experience is quintessentially Midwestern and among the finest in the city.
8. Walk through the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Located on the south side of Fullerton between Stockton and Cannon Drives
Designed by landscape architect Alfred Caldwell and built in 1936-38, the Lily Pool was renovated to its present splendor in 2001. This Chicago Landmark is one of the most tranquil and beautiful spots in the city.
Designed by landscape architect Alfred Caldwell and built in 1936-38, the Lily Pool was renovated to its present splendor in 2001. This Chicago Landmark is one of the most tranquil and beautiful spots in the city.
9. Eat a cupcake at Sweet Mandy B's
1208 W. Webster, (773) 244-1174They have a giant human-attracting magnet inside this store in the form of a cupcake. Locals get drawn in non-stop. Conveniently located near Trebes Park, so children can burn off sugar rushes post-visit.
10. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo with a Side Trip to the Conservatory
© Jennifer Roche
2200 N. Cannon Drive, (312)742-2000
Chicago's zoo is open every day and is always free. Those two factors plus its small scale and the continual updating of its facilities make it a worthy attraction and a great place for a stroll. Don't forget to duck into the Lincoln Park Conservatory located just outside the zoo's northwest entrance. It was completed in 1895 and is lush, open daily, and also always free.
Chicago's zoo is open every day and is always free. Those two factors plus its small scale and the continual updating of its facilities make it a worthy attraction and a great place for a stroll. Don't forget to duck into the Lincoln Park Conservatory located just outside the zoo's northwest entrance. It was completed in 1895 and is lush, open daily, and also always free.
