Roaming Numeral

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods, and a wonderful location to spend the day in.

I planned out a step by step guide for the best things to do in Lincoln Park, based on my own recent visit to the area.

Although I had initially planned to take public transportation between these landmarks, every time I arrived to one of the stops, I realized that the next one was only about a 10 minute walk away! Needless to say, this route is completely walkable, but definitely wear comfortable shoes.

Cafe Deko

As usual, I like to start my day at a local coffee shop. Cafe Deko is just barely outside the border of Lincoln Park, but we’ll give it a pass because it’s so aesthetically pleasing!

Inspired by 1930’s era art deco designs (hence the name), the shop is teeming with greenery and brass accents- like these adorable lightbulb-toting brass monkeys.

I got a small cappuccino here, and got some work done at one of the cafe’s many comfortable tables.

Oz Park

The next stop on this adventure through the Lincoln Park neighborhood is Oz Park. This park was named in honor of the Wizard of Oz author, Lyman Frank Baum, who lived a few miles away from the area.

In keeping with the theme, Oz Park features 7ft statues of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and, of course, Dorothy & Toto. Families will also enjoy “Dorothy’s Playlot”, which is named both for the fictional character and for the real life Dorothy Melamerson- a local school teacher who bequeathed $900,000 to the Chicago Park District upon her death.

I didn’t spend too much time here, because I had a feeling that I was about to be absolutely drenched by the approaching rain clouds, but I did manage to snap a few pictures of the Wizard of Oz characters before moving on.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Easily the major draw to this area, the Lincoln Park Zoo is entirely free to guests of all ages. You heard me right- it’s completely free to enter! The zoo has been free since its opening 1868, and generous donations from zoo members and visitors help to keep it that way- with a little help from the Chicago Park District.

Since it’s a free zoo I was expecting it to be small with a limited number of animals, but I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong by my visit.

Although it is dwarfed by my home zoo, the 35 acre park hosts nearly 200 unique species of animals- including my personal favorite, the snow leopards.

I arrived just in time to see the scheduled sea lion show, and then immediately had to duck for cover from the anticipated downpour. Luckily, nearly every exhibit had a covered area, and several viewing areas were entirely indoors.

I could definitely spend hours just watching the animals here, but a quick walk through of all of the exhibits should take about two hours.

I also grabbed lunch here. This isn’t the most economical of lunch plans, but $16 for a chicken sandwich and chips wasn’t a bad deal in my book (especially considering the free admission)!

Lincoln Park Conservatory

After finishing at the Zoo, take a short walk over to the Lincoln Park Conservatory! This conservatory is a complete lifesaver in the rainy and frozen months.

Although admission is free, tickets are required. These can be acquired at the entrance via a QR code in about two minutes, so no need to book ahead!

There are three rooms to explore in the greenhouse, but very few benches sit and enjoy the warmth. Can you tell that I really needed a rest at this point of my day?

Lakefront Trail

If you’ve got a little more pep in your step, take a walk or a bike along Lakefront Trail! This trail runs along the coast of Lake Michigan from Ardmore Ave to 71st St, and is particularly lovely in the stretch that runs alongside Lincoln Park.

King of Cups

If a nice drink sounds more appealing at this point, head over to King of Cups for their happy hour! The rococo and goth themed cocktail bar has a fun atmosphere and unique decor. The happy hour offers three cocktails, a beer, and red, white, and rose wine for under $10, as well as a wide variety of creative cocktails for those ordering off the regular bar menu.

I definitely picked this bar based off of it’s aesthetic, but a $6 Moscow Mule is hard to beat!

The bar also offers tarot readings in the back room, though I seemed to have arrived too early to participate.

Lou Malnati’s Pizza

Looking for dinner? Look no farther than Lou Malnati’s Pizza to sample Chicago’s classic deep dish pizza. As a born and bred New Yorker, I’m legally obligated to dislike deep dish pizza but I will say that this was the number one recommended deep dish pizza place in the city, and for good reason.

There are several locations throughout Chicago, including one in Lincoln Park.

This route will definitely ensure that you get your steps in, but overall- not a bad way to spend a day in Lincoln Park!

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