The Top Things To Do in Lincoln Park

Visitors are often surprised to find that Chicago’s Lake Michigan resembles more of a turquoise sea than it does a Midwestern lake. North Avenue Beach offers perfect viewpoints from which to take it all in. Larger-than-life skyscrapers swing around one corner while a pedestrian pathway meets the beach around the other. In the summer, volleyball courts crowd the sand while sunbathers swim in the water at this action-packed destination.

Sit down for a show at one of the city’s most unique performance venues. Originally constructed in 1920, the indoor-outdoor theater reopened in 2017 after undergoing renovations, which maintained the original brick structure and steel arched pavilion with lovely views of the lake peeking in and out of focus. The redesign introduced an on-site eatery, The Lakefront Restaurant, accessible via a path just footsteps away from the lake, creating a must-visit destination within itself.

Start with a walk down Armitage Avenue browsing boutiques, and then head either left or right on N Halsted Street for dinner. This street packs a punch with one notable eatery after the next. Sip rosé and munch on California-inspired cuisine at Summer House Santa Monica, or shuck oysters at Oyster Bah. Share tapas at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, or experience the scene at Michelin-star Alinea or Boka. The list goes on and on – go and see for yourself!

One of the city’s best farmer’s markets runs six months out of the year in Lincoln Park. Top chefs around the city often visit this market to stock up on everything from herbs and spices to freshwater fish and farm eggs. Enter at the south end on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am to 1pm for a morning adventure tasting local provisions. Chicago may seem far from rural living, but the Midwest is a vast land of many farms. Don’t miss this summer staple!

They didn’t name the neighborhood after Lincoln Park just for kicks. The namesake park encompasses over 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of lakeside flora and fauna. Near the north end is a doorway leading into a lush conservatory with tropical vibes all year long. The enclosed greenhouse invites a walk along a storybook path past banana palms and orchid clusters in a space warmly lit with opaque windows all around. No matter the season, the conservatory always provides a rejuvenating experience.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Syeda Tayyeba.