Excursions
Lincoln Park
Named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Park was once home to both working-class immigrants, middle-class commuters, and wealthy citizens who built expensive mansions lining the historic park. By the early twentieth century, Lincoln Park was firmly established as a residential neighborhood that hosted some of Chicago’s major cultural institutions including DePaul University. Today, the neighborhood population is primarily made up of young professionals, recent college graduates, and young families. Full of coffee bars, shops, restaurants, and a thriving nightlife, Lincoln Park is a great neighborhood to explore.
Shopping Information
Thriving nightlife and sophisticated restaurants are what some people think of when Lincoln Park is mentioned, but this historic neighborhood boasts many specialty boutiques and nationally recognized shops. With many different areas featuring an array of styles, Armitage Avenue, Halsted Street, Clark Street, and Lincoln Avenue to name a few, even the most particular shopper can find something to delight in.
Neighborhood gem, She boutique, opened in 2007 to rave reviews and is home to fabulous women’s clothing , accessories, as well as a very knowledgeable staff. Eclectica is also a new boutique that is sure to please. Owned by local designer, Vika Brown, you will find her line Eclectica by Vika, as well as luxury custom handbags from Diego Rocha. Down the street, at 1154 Lill, you choose from several designs and fabrics to make a handbag of your very own.
During your visit, don’t forget to visit Stinky Pants! Contrary to it’s name, the children’s clothes here are divine. When you’re famished from your day of shopping, Four Farthings Tavern and Grill is a great neighborhood restaurant to unwind in, or head to Café Ba-ba-reeba for Spanish tapas and sangria.
Things to See
2430 N. Cannon Drive.
Boasts one of the city’s best examples of eco-friendly building technology and houses the region’s only year-round butterfly haven. Over the course of a year, you may see as many as 250 species of native and exotic butterflies at the Museum.
2001 N. Clark Street
One of the nation’s oldest free zoos, housing 1200 animals and 230 species. Includes a children’s zoo, carousel, and paddleboats.
2391 N. Stockton Drive.
Lincoln Park Conservatory was designed by a well-known architect of the Victorian era, Joseph L. Silsbee. The Conservatory features four display houses: the Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House, and Show House – home to the annual flower shows.
642 W. Deming Place
This architecurally significant piece of Chicago history was built in 1917-1918 in a Byzantine style, modeled by the famous Hagia Sofia.
How to Get There
- Take CTA Brown Line to Armitage, Sedgwick or Fullerton
- Bus: 8, 11, 72, 73, 74, 156