Chicago/Lincoln Park

Introduction

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Lincoln Park is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. It is located along the lake and named after Lincoln Park, a great green space located on the shores of Lake Michigan. The area was originally the site for a fort built in the 1820s and was the site of a cemetery until the 1860s. It quickly became a major neighborhood in the 1830s and was a major Polish area after the civil war.

This area of the city was also the home to L. Frank Baum, who wrote the Wizard of Oz. The neighborhood is home to many famous sites like the Chicago Nature Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo. It is also home to great restaurants and an amazing nightlife. No trip to Chicago is complete without some time in Lincoln Park.

Sights and Activities

Live Music

Kingston Mines completely lives up to its mantra of Hear the music, drink booze and talk loud. This bar also has a 4 am liquor license making it a party spot till very late into the night. There is also nice kitchen making it possible to enjoy food at both of the stages, one which always has music. Although a little more touristy then some other blues clubs, Kingston Mines is always a fun time every night of the week. Located at 2548 N. Halsted, Phone:773-477-4646, Cover: Yes. A beer will run you about $5.

Other Sights and Activities

• Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark Street) is the original zoo of Chicago and was built in 1868. This zoo has grown with the city. The zoo has a very convenient inner city location right on the lake. The zoo features many fascinating and exotic species along with a high quality Children's Zoo. One of the big perks is that the admission is free.
• Chicago Nature Museum is one of the newer museums located just north of Lincoln Park Zoo. They have great exhibits on a range of natural subjects. The museums exhibits change regularly so make sure to check the website. For more information look at Museums in Chicago.

Events and Festivals

Getting There

By Train

The brown, purple and red line have several stops within Lincoln Park making the neighborhood easy to get to.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

Halsted, Clark and Broadway are the main north-south streets. While Belmont, Diversy and Fullerton are the main east-west streets. Remember that parking is very hard to find in Lincoln Park so using public transportation might be a good idea.

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Lincoln Park Proper

• Erwin is an American Cafe and Bar located at 2925 N. Halsted. This place has a great food with a nice and simple menu. The restaurant itself is spotless and has a very nice decor. The beer and wine list is short although has good options. Mains from $13 to $20 and reservations available. Phone: 773-528-7200, open 7 days a week.

Boystown

• Clarke's On Belmont is located at 930 W Belmont Ave, just east of the Belmont Red line stop. It is a classic all American diner that has burgers and breakfast 24 hours a day. It can be a little overpriced and slow at times although it is the perfect location if looking to nurse a hang over or have a late night snack after some heavy drinking

Lakeview

Drink

Lincoln Park Proper

Boystown

Located East of the Red Line Belmont stop, mainly on north on Halsted, is the centre for the homosexual male population. There are some general LGBT bars and clubs here also.

• Spin is a LGBT mixed club located at 800 West Belmont two blocks east of the Belmont Red Line stop.
• Berlin is a 4 am club aimed towards alternative life styles. It is LGBT and straight friendly. This place has a 4 am liquor license making it a good late night place. Cover: sometimes.

Lakeview

Although a different neighborhood it is usually lumped with Lincoln Park.

• Schubas is a great small music venue and nice small bar. There is also a menu serving high end bar food. This stage has been a starting point for many smaller bands. The bar is located at the intersection of Southport and Belmont. It is only a short walk south from the Southport Brown Line stop or a slightly longer walk west from the Belmont Red Line stop. The address is 3159 N. Southport, phone 773-525-2508

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Learn

• Depaul University is a very good regional Catholic University with its main campus located in this neighborhood. The schools has excellent undergraduate and graduate programs. Near the campus are several cheap restaurants and bars aimed towards students.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.