Archive of the Category 'Lincoln Park'

Historic Architecture in Lincoln Park: Unique & Landmark Buildings

Lincoln Park is home to the city’s iconic zoo, as well as a cornerstone for fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. However, many residents of the area might not know about its historic nature and architecture, which has lasted hundreds of years. 

Though the Chicago Fire destroyed many buildings in 1871, some parts of Lincoln Park have remained untouched. Here are some of this northside neighborhood’s most unique and essential architecture and structures. 

Elks National Memorial

In the heart of Lincoln Park, there’s a significant structure that has stood since the early 1920s. The Elks National Memorial is a dome-like monument constructed to honor the bravery of soldiers who died in World War I. 

The Elks War Relief Commission was responsible for finding the site and overseeing the monument’s construction. They chose the Lincoln Park area for its centralized location and its closeness to Lake Michigan. The commission wanted to make a structure that was so breathtakingly beautiful that those passing by would have to stop and admire it. The memorial was finalized in 1926 when it was officially dedicated to those who had perished in World War I. 

Today, the structure still stands on Lakeview Avenue between Wrightwood and Diversey.   

Biograph Theater 

The Biograph Theater, converted recently into a live-production venue, is a historic landmark for deadly reasons. It’s most famous for the John Dillinger incident, where the notorious gangster was shot outside the premises by FBI agents. Since the shooting, it has become an essential landmark in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. 

Built in 1914, the Biograph Theater was designed in the style of other 20th-century movie theaters of the time. It has a storefront-width lobby, an indented entrance, and an extensive canopy marquee. The theater was known in its early days as a hangout spot for gangsters and residents alike and continued to be a premier place for midnight showings. 

Today, the Biograph, known as Victory Gardens, is less of a venue for recent movies and more of a spot for live theater productions. 

Francis J Dewis House 

Francis Joseph Dewis was a prominent figure in Chicago in the late 1800s. He was an established brewer, as part of the Busch Brewing Company, and quickly rose the ranks to become a certified millionaire. His mansion, with notable European architecture, is now a historic landmark that still resides in Lincoln Park. 

Dewis’s house was built in 1896 by Adolph Cudell and Arthur Hercz. They modeled the mansion off of Baroque European architecture, with two exterior pillars in the shape of human figures holding up the building. After Dewis passed away, the home was owned by various Chicago socialites and artists, including Chuck Renslow and famed dancer Dom Orejudos. For its opulent and rich design, the mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s. 

The mansion resides right off of Lake Michigan, on the quiet and quaint Wrightwood Avenue. Just walking west of Lakeview Avenue, you’ll be able to find this colossal building in all of its glory. 

Lincoln Park Conservatory 

Though many visitors and residents are familiar with the Lincoln Park Zoo, its adjacent attractions don’t get the same recognition. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is just as special and historic. With its serene interior and luscious greenery, it’ll easily transport you to a subtropical landscape. 

The conservatory, constructed between 1890 and 1895, is an updated 19th-century greenhouse. It was designed by acclaimed architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee using brand-new iron and glass building technology. 

With the certainty of industrialization, many cities, including Chicago, wanted to bring nature to their urban landscape. This need for foliage pushed the Lincoln Park Conservatory into a showhouse with various subsections, including orchid, palm, and fern rooms. 

Today, the conservatory is as lush and inviting as ever. It’s open between ten in the morning and five at night every day except Monday and Tuesday. If you ever catch yourself near the zoo, stop by the conservatory for a scenic getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Family-Friendly Activities in Lincoln Park Chicago: Fun for All Ages

There are plenty of fun-filled adventures to take your children on in Chicago. Whether you’re taking a trip to Navy Pier or relaxing along the lake, there are infinite spaces in the city for both adults and kids to enjoy. Here are some of the best spots for family-friendly activities on the north side. 

Lincoln Park Zoo 

What would a list about Lincoln Park be without the illustrious Lincoln Park Zoo? Located just north of Armitage and west of the lakefront, this massive zoo has mammals, reptiles, and insects from all over the world. The zoo also has programming designed for kids, ensuring they have tailored learning and exploration experiences. 

Inside the park, you’ll find the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo area, which is filled with interactive exhibits and play spaces. The zoo includes an impressive treehouse for kids to explore and the Wild Sapling Play Forest for climbing and crawling through. 

Alongside the playground, there’s Lincoln Park’s notable Farm-in-a-Zoo attraction. This area allows for hands-on learning excursions for both kids and adults, showcasing real farm animals and everyday tasks farmers do to keep their companions strong and healthy. It’s a fantastic introduction for children excited to interact with cows, chickens, and goats in a safe, controlled environment. 

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 

One of the most family-friendly museums in the city, the Peggy Notebaert Museum has been a cornerstone in the Lincoln Park neighborhood for over 100 years. 

There are many exhibits to peruse, but the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is the most iconic. This 2,700-square-foot greenhouse hosts over 1,000 butterflies of 40 different species that glide through the space freely and majestically. Kids and parents can see these insects up close and personal, providing an unforgettable and educational encounter for any age. The greenhouse also contains immaculate birds from the southern hemisphere and tropical flora unlike anywhere in the midwest. 

For the family’s youngest members, the museum has a specifically designed play area for toddlers and young children. This playground recreates outdoor habitats indoors, with life-size bird nests and beaver logs for kids to climb and relax in. There are over 25 activities in this play area, too, including unique touchable, interactive games that teach children about our various ecosystems. 

North Avenue Beach 

Before the autumn weather gets too cold, take your children to the lakefront for quality outdoor time. Though many beaches in Chicago exist, the beach on North Avenue has some of the best amenities for family-oriented adventures. 

While swimming and making sandcastles are expected at the lakefront, you’ll also be able to rent kayaks and paddleboards for optimal fun on the water. Lakeshore Bike N’ Tune is also nearby, providing bike rentals and same-day purchases if you need a more stimulating group activity. 

Are your kids into team sports? There are beachfront volleyball nets and equipment rentals, with courts operating for $10 an hour. Even though the summer weather is coming to an end, there’s still plenty to do on the North Avenue shoreline this fall. 

Lincoln Park Conservatory

If your kids have gone through all the Lincoln Park Zoo exhibits and aren’t tired yet, you can walk just a few hundred feet north until you reach the iconic Lincoln Park Conservatory. Located adjacent to the zoo, this conservatory is perfect for kids of all ages and sizes. 

For over 100 years, this humungous greenhouse has hosted thousands of tropical and subtropical plant species from around the globe. Take a stroll through the orchid room and watch your kids admire all the colorful, exuberant flowers on display. 

If strolling through exotic landscapes isn’t stimulating enough for your youngins, there’s a playscape located just outside the conservatory. This play space includes slides, swings, and climbable, rocky formations intended to inspire connection with nature. 

Chicago’s northside is home to unlimited adventures for kids and their parents. With Lincoln Park’s inimitable zoo and sprawling lakefront, it’s almost impossible to run out of family-friendly activities that’ll satisfy everyone. 

The Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Lakeview, Chicago

Most neighborhoods in Chicago are full of greenery, but Lakeview stands out as one of the premier areas for outdoor space and scenic foliage. Lakeview, evidently situated right by the lake, has ample trails, walkways, and parks for families and their furry companions to enjoy. If you’re trying to relish the outdoors these next few sunny months, here are some of the best spots to visit. 

Lakefront Trail 

The lakefront trail may be the most obvious answer, but its beauty makes it the top-tier spot for open-air fun. The path runs from the southside all the way to Evanston, complimenting the immense beauty of Chicago’s Lake Michigan. A specific, scenic area between Fullerton and Irving Park in Lakeview has plenty to offer its residents; from large public parks to tennis courts, this northside pathway provides all kinds of recreation. 

The outdoor tennis courts off Waveland Avenue are great for casual play or competitive singles matches. It lands right between Waveland and Irving Park Avenue on the bike path, surrounded by a large softball field and acres of greenery. If tennis isn’t your thing, a picnic in the adjacent parks is also perfect for needed vitamin D exposure. 

North Pond

A little south of Diversey Avenue lies North Pond, a public nature area home to native plants and aquatic life. The perimeter of the North Pond spans 13 walkable acres, with beautiful winding pathways and greenery to walk through on any warm day or night. 

Converted from a dumping ground, the North Pond is special for its biodiversity and migratory bird sightseeing. This Chicago body of water is home to various amphibians, fish, reptiles, and insects, as well as multiple species of geese, ducks, and herons. 

Getting to the North Pond from Lakeview is relatively easy. If you don’t have access to a car, a few different bus routes will lead you to this natural sanctuary. The Stockton and Clark buses running north and south take you right next to the pond, as well as the Fullerton and Diversey buses that run east and west. 

Belmont Harbor 

Heading north on the lakefront trail from the North Pond, you’ll find yourself next to one of Chicago’s largest and most historic harbors. Belmont Harbor, which started being constructed in the early 1900s, is a bustling area filled with tourists, locals, and boaters. 

An AIDS memorial, which doubles as a sculpture garden, adorns the lakefront south of Belmont Harbor. The park spans 2.5 acres, with countless sculptures to represent those living with HIV or who’ve passed from its complications. The memorial’s crowning glory is a 30-foot-tall green man designed by iconic gay artist and activist Keith Harring. The construction of the garden is also a memorium for the Belmont Rocks, a popular meeting place for LGBTQ+ Chicagoans before its demolition in 2003. 

Oz Park

Directly south of Lakeview is one of the northside’s most notable outdoor spaces, Oz Park. Known for its eponymous statues of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow, it’s a wildly unique park with incredible summertime amenities.    

Many visit the park for its tennis courts and baseball field, but it’s also a popular meetup spot for dog owners and their pets, students between class periods, and group outdoor exercising.  There’s also a distinctive jungle gym and playground at the park’s center, perfect for adventurous kids from toddlers to elementary school ages.  

Northside neighborhoods have ample green spaces, but living in Lakeview makes those areas way more accessible. If you must leave your air-conditioned apartment this summer, these four spots are crucial for outdoor relaxation or entertainment.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory: A Place of Beauty and Tranquility in the Heart of Chicago

If you’ve explored a nature exhibition in Chicago, you’ve probably wandered over to the Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest plant conservatories in the United States. Though it’s spectacular due to its vastness, another public attraction in Lincoln Park is just as exciting. 

The Northside neighborhood, Lincoln Park, holds a breathtaking conservatory adjacent to its eponymous zoo. This conservatory is home to hundreds of plant species and has been a cornerstone of the community for over 100 years. If you’re planning to visit the neighborhood, here’s some historical and essential knowledge about Chicago’s lesser-known nature preserve. 

The Origin Story 

The Lincoln Park Conservatory started construction in the late 19th century. Between 1890 and 1894, the conservatory was under different construction phases, finally being completed by the end of 1895. 

Joseph Lyman Silsbee is responsible for designing the structure. Silsbee was a famous architect who worked closely with Frank Lloyd Wright and operated throughout the midwest and east coast states. He collaborated with local architect M.E. Bell, who was most known for building United States government buildings like post offices and courthouses. 

The two architects were commissioned to transform an old Lincoln Park greenhouse into a new, luxurious conservatory with an “exotic” aesthetic and presence. The original design included three main plant sections: palm, fernery, and orchid. The water lilies and other aquatic plants that were once indoors were replanted in the pond out front, creating an upgraded outdoor display for the improved greenhouse. 

Inside the Conservatory  

The Lincoln Park Conservatory’s indoor layout is almost identical to when the establishment first opened its doors. The windowed front doors open into a vestibule connected to four separate display halls. Each hall represents a different plant and ecosystem, revealing the diverse tropical foliage unfamiliar to most midwestern residents. 

Some rooms have over 100 years old plants, like the palm display’s 50-foot rubber leaf tree, which lives in the conservatory’s Palm House. The Palm House is one of the biggest attractions of the Lincoln Park Conservatory and houses some of the most visually unusual plants in the city. The Dwarf Sugar, Bottle, Fiji Fan, and Everglade palms are all located here, presenting luscious green hues which instantly transport you to the farthest tropical islands. 

The Fernery is another popular destination in the Lincoln Park Conservatory, showcasing ferns of various forest floors worldwide. Though most of the plants located here are ferns, one of the most ancient plants resides here, too: the cycad. 

Cycads are stubby, ancient plants with wooded trunks and feather-like leaves that bloom out from their center. Though they look similar to both ferns and palms, they are not closely related to either species. They are one of the most ancient plant species that humans are aware of, with fossils indicating that they existed over 300 million years ago. 

Planning Your Day at the Garden  

Getting to and exploring the Lincoln Park Conservatory is relatively easy and accessible to all residents and visitors. Though the garden is closed on Monday and Tuesday, it is open throughout the rest of the week from 10 AM to 3 PM. 

The Lincoln Park Conservatory operates like any other Chicago Park District area, meaning the attraction is free to the public. The greenhouse is at 2391 Stockton Drive, with a main bus route connecting the downtown area to Lincoln Park and other Northside neighborhoods. The Clark bus also brings passengers close to the conservatory if the Stockton Bus is too inaccessible. 

Lincoln Park’s premier greenhouse is a tranquil and lush destination that will easily transport any visitor to an otherworldly landscape. If you have a weekday off or want to show your kids something new and educational on the weekends, this local conservatory is the ideal spot to explore.

Our Favorite Upcoming Fall/Winter Events at the Lincoln Park Zoo

If you live in Chicago, you have likely visited the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s one of the largest zoos in the country, filled with exotic creatures, a farm animal petting zoo, and thrilling attractions. Though visiting a zoo can seem like an experience suited for warmer weather, the Lincoln Park Zoo has many fun events to attend during the fall and winter. Here are some of the best things to do this coming November and December. 

ZooLights

The most visited attraction at the Lincoln Park Zoo is the iconic ZooLights. One of the park’s longest-running events, the wintertime lights extravaganza encompasses millions of LED lights to make magical holiday displays. Though many might be familiar with the event, the zoo is instituting a couple of new features to rejuvenate its usual displays.

Starting November 19th, there will be a new light show at the park, as well as a 20-foot-tall decorated tree outside of the Pepper Wildlife Family Center. Guests can walk around the illuminated park and enjoy snacks and beverages along the way. Tickets will start at $5 for general admission, with free ZooLight days on Mondays throughout mid-November and December. 

ZooLA

ZooLA is the Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual live auction that generates funds for the park’s animal care and general infrastructure. The Women’s Board of the zoo hosts the auction, a group that continuously raises money for the park’s conservation and educational efforts. The board was founded in 1976 and comprised of Chicago’s premier political and business leaders. 

The event always comes with delicious food, quality hors d’oeuvres, and elevated cocktails. Attendees can bid on extensive auction packages, including naming exotic animals in the zoo, yacht cruises, and lavish dinners. Premium ticket packages range from $1,000 per person to $5,000.   

ZooLA will start November 10th, serving food at 5:30 pm and the auction officially beginning at 7 pm.

BrewLights

While the Lincoln Park Zoo is the go-to destination for families, the zoo often provides events specifically tailored to adults. This year, the zoo is putting on the eighth annual BrewLights, presented by Louis Glunz Beer and the Auxiliary Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo. 

On December 1st, guests can enjoy BrewLights alongside the bright LED displays of ZooLights. Attendees can stroll around the park while tasting various beers and beverages. There will be photo opportunities with Santa, carousel rides, snack stands, and more. All tickets sold for BrewLights will go to the Zoo’s Auxiliary Board, which helps to keep the zoo free of admission year-round. 

Adults Night Out: Holidaze 

When November fades into Christmas, more holiday events spring up for adults to enjoy. The Lincoln Park Zoo has a second, 18+ event perfect for Christmas lovers. On December 15th, the zoo will turn into Chicago’s unconventional nightclub, with music, cocktail bars, and decorative lighting. 

Adults Night Out will have a live DJ for guests to enjoy, educational animal chats, and plenty of bars to keep people satiated and having fun. Guests can walk around the park and peruse the wild animals while sipping on delicious holiday ciders, brews, hard seltzers, and wine. A resident artist will make ice sculptures to emphasize the wintertime theme. 

Early bird tickets are already available at $15 per individual, with all the proceeds going directly to the zoo’s upkeep. When early bird tickets sell out, general admission will start at $40 per person.

There’s always something going on at the Lincoln Park Zoo, and 2022 is no exception. This November and December, there are boundless events for the whole family and parents and adults who need a child-free evening. If you live in Chicago or are visiting out of town, make sure to stop by the city’s most attended park this winter.    

Best Activities Around Chicago in Fall 2023

Though summer is a beloved period for Chicagoans, fall can be just as exciting. As the leaves change and the cooler weather sets in, autumnal activities like visiting pumpkin patches or going apple picking rise in popularity. While not every city resident has time to drive an hour away to visit an orchard, some great fall activities are happening inside city limits this year. 

Navy Pier’s Pier Pumpkin Lights  

Navy Pier is almost as iconic as the city itself. With its Ferris wheel and lakeside boardwalk, it’s a quintessential stop for any Chicago visitor. For the third year, Navy Pier will host its Pier Pumpkin Lights event.

Starting October 1st, Pier Pumpkin Lights will be in full effect. The spooky installation includes jack-o-lantern towers, festive light displays, and Halloween-inspired statues. The visual experience spans the entirety of the 50-acre peer, starting from the entrance all the way to the Ferris wheel. Though there aren’t concrete details about this year’s event yet, one can expect various Halloween installations with gargoyles, pumpkins, and graveyard scenes. 

Pier Pumpkin Lights lasts the entirety of October, with haunted pop-up events occurring every Saturday of the month. 

The Field Museum     

The Field Museum of National History is one of the largest history museums in the world. Located right off of Lake Shore Drive, its gargantuan pillars and Greek-inspired architecture is just a preview of the marvels the museum holds inside. Lucky for Illinois residents, the museum has plenty of free days for kids and adults to enjoy this fall. 

For October, there are eight different days that’ll be free to the public. Upcoming exhibits include Native Voices, an exhibition documenting Native American and indigenous peoples’ history through art, music, and poetry. Another new exhibit is Wild Colors, a collection of the Field Museum’s colorful artifacts documenting the color spectrum in nature. Of course, the prized possession is the T-Rex Sue, whose bones are prominently displayed at the museum’s entrance. 

Check out the Field Museum’s website for all their upcoming free days. 

Lincoln Park Zoo 

Roaming around the zoo is a beautiful summer afternoon activity. But Lincoln Park Zoo is also a great place to explore during the fall. With countless autumnal events, this Chicago zoo will be the place to visit this October. 

Before the Christmas lights are strung up around the zoo’s perimeter, Lincoln Park Zoo will host numerous fall events for families to enjoy. Starting at the end of September, every weekend up to December will have the zoo’s well-known fall fest. Activities include pumpkin picking, a harvest maze, children’s slides, rides, and free musical entertainment. Other upcoming events include Spooky Zoo, Haunted History Tours, and a spooky adult’s night before Halloween. 

Museum of Science and Industry

Another renowned museum hosting free days this fall is the Museum of Science and Industry. Located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, the museum showcases man’s innovations and inventions throughout the years. 

The museum holds some of humankind’s most marvelous creations, like the U-505 submarine and the Pioneer Zephyr, the first diesel-electric hybrid train. Comprehensive exhibits like the Baby Chick Hatchery showcases life’s evolutionary process, documenting the life cycle from egg to adult. There are also incredible photography exhibits, like the Extreme Ice display, which features one photographer chasing the disappearing ice caps. 

Look at the Museum of Science and Industry website for all free dates between October and November. 

Chicago Ghost Tours with Nightly Spirits

There are many thrilling ghost tours in the city of Chicago. One of the premier tours is the Chicago Ghost Tours by Nightly Spirits, which brings guests to haunted hangouts of the city’s iconic gangsters and robbers. 

Take a trip through prohibition-era America, where you’ll find spooky pubs and restaurants with rumored ghostly tales of the past. Alongside a history tour, the experience doubles as a pub crawl, taste-testing drinks and spirits from each bar you encounter. The tour begins in Lincoln Park’s historic Red Lion Pub, which is consistently regarded as a ghost domain since its inception.

Though many might be sad that summer has come to a close, Chicago thankfully has plenty of fall activities for families to attend. Whether you’re a spooky aficionado or a local historian, these events are perfect for autumnal-style fun. 

5 Favorite Free Things To Do In Chicago

There’s plenty to do in Chicago. From seeing remarkable concerts to enjoying delicious food, the city has an infinite list of fun activities. But what if you’re sick and tired of spending excessive amounts of money to enjoy yourself? Here are some fantastic things to do in the city’s Northside that won’t cost you a penny. 

Lakefront Trail 

This one is a no-brainer for Chicago residents. The Lakefront Trail is one of the city’s most iconic and scenic trails, which connects the north and the south sides through a winding, paved pathway. 

You’ll be able to walk, rollerskate, or bike from Roger’s Park down to 71st street on the Lakefront Trail. If walking is getting old, the path intersects with various gardens, tennis courts, and monuments. Off of Montrose lies the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, home to hundreds of migrating birds throughout the year. 

Strolling along the Lakefront Trail and taking in all the beauty of Lake Michigan is the best use of free outdoor time in Chicago. If you’re visiting the city, the first walk you take has to be on this scenic trail. 

Garfield Park Conservatory   

Located on Chicago’s westside, the Garfield Park Conservatory is the best, no-admission plant conservatory in the midwest. Its half-dozen greenhouses are home to native and exotic plants, with mesmerizing glasswork adorning the exhibits. 

Going to the conservatory during the day is a refreshing experience. The light shines through the ceiling windows of the greenhouses and illuminates the colorful, unique plant species. The conservatory spans 12 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, with rooms tailored to different environments like the desert and prehistoric midwest.   

Lincoln Park Zoo

If you’re walking along one of Lincoln Park’s busy streets, you might hear the roar of a lion far out in the distance. That’s because the center of the neighborhood lies in Chicago’s exciting zoo, with animals from around the globe. 

Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most renowned and visited zoos in the United States. The zoo tailors to both kids and adult experiences for an exemplary family visit. The farm-in-the-zoo exhibit has a real barnyard, pigs, goats, and cows. The primate and reptile house are popular zoo destinations, with hundreds of exotic creatures to learn and explore. Alongside its many informational exhibits, the zoo hosts various themed nights, garden tours, movie nights, and more.   

Maggie Daley Park 

Walking around downtown can be exciting for about 15 minutes, then the hustle and bustle of city life starts to feel overwhelming. Luckily, a walk past Michigan Avenue towards the lake will lead you to Maggie Daley Park, Millennium Park’s adjacent greenspace.   

Maggie Daley Park is known for its winding, ribbon-figured ice-skating rink in the winter but also hosts many outdoor activities in the summer. For the kids, a unique play structure with a miniature lighthouse, two climbing walls, and an exhilarating suspension bridge. The park also has lovely picnic areas, tennis courts, and tremendous water features for the adults to peruse. 

National Museum of Mexican Art 

Pilsen, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, hosts wonderful activities in the summer and fall. One incredible year-round adventure is visiting the National Museum of Mexican Art, located on 19th street between Damen and Wood. 

The National Museum of Mexican Art was founded in 1987. For almost 35 years, the museum has had a mission to represent Mexican artists both in and outside the community. Its commitment to accessibility and education is apparent in its free admission rate. Today, the museum spans 48,000 square feet and has the United States’ most extensive Mexican art collection, with more than 7,000 seminal pieces from ancient Mexico to the present day.  

Free isn’t always available when exploring densely populated cities in the United States. Luckily, Chicago hosts an indefinite number of accessible tours, visitations, and activities for visitors and residents to enjoy. 

4 Favorite Walking/Biking Trails Near Lakeview Chicago

Now that summer is in full effect in the Chicago area, outdoor exercise and exploration are absolutely essential. There is so much to do in the city; from beach volleyball to bird watching, every type of outdoor activity is readily available. The most popular sport in this midwest city is taking a long bike ride up the many winding, scenic pathways. If you’re looking to bike around Lakeview or just need a decompressing stroll outside, here are some great places to check out. 

The Lakefront Trail

Would a Chicago bike path list be complete without mentioning the Lakefront Trail? This pathway is almost 20 miles long and covers most of the city and the northern suburbs. Its twists and turns align perfectly with Lake Michigan, giving an unbeatable view of Chicago’s beautiful freshwater lake. 

Most neighborhoods can access this path by walking east toward the lake, making it an essential feature for most Chicagoans. For Lakeview residents, you’ll find an entrance on either Belmont or Diversey. An added feature for designated walk and bike paths helps guide different exercisers across the city, making it a safe place to move at your own pace. 

View more information here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/lakefront-trail

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

A train stop or two away from Lakeview is Uptown, a vibrant neighborhood with incredible food and unbeatable architecture. Many residents travel to Montrose beach in the summer, a beach home to a few unique amenities. The Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular spots adjacent to the beach and is a perfect walking trail for a summer morning or afternoon.

The Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is the home to many migrating birds throughout the year. Thousands of migratory species fly in to rest, nest, and mate between the spring and fall. If you’re an avid birder, walking through the bird sanctuary’s enclosed and sandy pathway is the perfect place to spot many different species.  

You can find the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary at 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., with operating hours from dusk until dawn. 

View more information here: https://www.lakecookaudubon.org/birding-sites/montrose-point-bird-sanctuary/

606 Bike Path 

If you’re a northside Chicagoan, you’re probably familiar with the 606. Officially constructed in 2015, the pathway’s beautiful elevated trail is a worthwhile adventure for both locals and tourists. 

The 606 spans almost three miles through Chicago’s Wicker Park and Logan Square neighborhoods. Once a former railway, the path has been redesigned for safe jogging, walking, and biking. Each mile of the pathway is lined with verdant greenery, flowers, and ample benches and water fountains. 

The pathway came about when Mayor Emmanual was in office in the mid-2010s. His main initiative was to create 800 new green areas for Chicago residents, which included bike trails, reserves, gardens, and parks. The City of Chicago, The Trust for Public Land, and the Chicago Park District all collectively funded the conversion of the abandoned Bloomingdale Line into what the 606 is today. 

Entrances are located mainly along Bloomingdale street between Ashland Ave in Bucktown and Ridgeway Ave in Logan Square. 

View more information here: https://www.the606.org/

South Pond Natural Area

A tourist favorite, the South Pond Natural Area, connects Lincoln Park Zoo, a winding, walkable pathway, and an iconic view of the city’s downtown. 

Built in 1908, the South Pond is an expansive freshwater pond that spans almost 12 acres. You can easily walk around the pond and see many native plants and animals, with an iconic pavilion at its center that has captured the attention of photographers and architects nationwide. Though gigantic in size, the pavilion’s wood is weightless and transportable. Each plank is made of prefabricated timber and is light enough for workers to easily move and install by hand.

An archway bridges the street with the South Pond and the Lincoln Park Zoo, so pedestrians can take a quick lap around the water before scoping out all the exotic animals. 

View more information here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/lincoln-park-south-pond-natural-area

Chicago has some surprisingly large and aesthetically pleasing walkways and bike trails for a compact city. Outside Lakeview, there are even more green spaces to explore and stroll through. If you’re a northside resident or are venturing to this Chicago neighborhood over the weekend, these four spots are perfect for a summer bike ride, jog, or casual walk.

6 Favorite Dog Parks On Chicago’s Northside

Chicago is a fantastic place to have a furry friend. There are miles of beach-front trails to walk through (including a doggy beach) and ample, secluded spaces for your pet to roam. Especially on the city’s Northside, dog parks are scattered throughout the verdant neighborhoods. Here are some of our favorite parks in Chicago tailored to man’s best friend. 

Wiggly Field 

Chicago’s first designated dog park, this furry-friendly area, is the go-to spot for dog owners in Lincoln Park. Located at the intersection of Wrightwood and Sheffield, this half-acre park is an excellent spot for rowdy dogs to get their exercise.  

Though it’s affectionately known as Wiggly Field, the official city name is Noethling Park, there’s both an asphalt-paved and grassy area of the dog park, perfect for all types of play. Its been a beloved neighborhood staple since the early 90s, with gorgeous trees that create needed shade in the summertime. 

For more about the park’s location and hours, check out the site here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/noethling-grace-park 

Pottawattomie Dog Park

If you live up in Chicago’s farthest-north neighborhood, then you know about Pottawattomie Dog Park. This spot is a Roger’s Park favorite, with a .2-acre play area for dogs of all sizes. 

This dog park has a variety of asphalt and pea gravel for dogs to play on. Amenities include doggy water fountains, benches for the owners, and many shaded areas. It might not be the largest park on the list, but the foliage and residential vibe give this spot a relaxed, homey feel. 

More about Pottawattamie Dog Park is available here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/pottawattomie-park  

River Park 

If you live in Albany Park, you are probably familiar with River Park and its long bike path that follows Chicago’s eponymous river. Attached to the walkway is a smaller, quieter dog park that’s great for nervous pups. 

Known colloquially as Paws Park, this dog-friendly area is located west of the Fransisco and Carmen Ave intersection. If you continue on the path towards the river, you’ll run into the designated dog park. It’s about a tenth of an acre wide but is generally quiet and devoid of overcrowding. After you’re done, you can take your dog through the scenic river walkway for some great exercise. 

Find out the exact location and other park amenities here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/river-dog-friendly-area 

Puptown Dog Park 

Located in the glorious Margate Park, Puptown Dog Park gets its name from the neighborhood it resides in. 

This park is entirely operated by dog owners in the Uptown area, consistently posting updates about missing items, open hours, and more. It’s about one-third of an acre and completely paved in asphalt and gravel. It’s a popular spot in the neighborhood, so expect ample socializing for you and your pup. 

Check out more about Puptown Dog Park here: https://www.facebook.com/Puptown/ 

Portage Park 

Off of Milwaukee and Irving Park road lies Portage Park, known as the original spot of the Six Corners; this residential area is the quintessential northside neighborhood. 

Portage Park is the neighborhood’s name, but it’s also the title of the glorious park that resides in the area’s center. The new doggy play area lives in the north part of the park, adjacent to the tennis courts. The dog park is almost an acre in size, which is one of the biggest in the city. The park is operated by the Portage Park Dog Committee, which manages the park’s cleanliness and organizes dog meet-ups. 

To find out more details about Portage Park and its doggy-friendly play area, check out this site: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/portage-dog-friendly-area 

Wicker Park Dog-Friendly Area 

Wicker Park is a highly populated neighborhood on Chicago’s Northside. Its central location and bustling Milwaukee Ave draw tourists and residents alike. 

The Wicker Park Dog-Friendly Area is inside the actual Wicker Park, right off Damen and Evergreen Ave. The dog area is a relatively tiny portion of the park, which generally suits smaller dogs best. Regardless, it’s a vibrant spot for dog owners and their trusted pups, perfect for socializing and sufficient exercise. 

For more about this park, you can look here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/wicker-dog-friendly-area 

If you’ve been struggling to find the right dog park in your neighborhood, there are more than enough to choose from.  Here are some of the best northside parks for you and your canine to enjoy the summer.  For even more dog pagerks to take your furry friends check out our new Northside Chicago Pet Guide.

5 Best Places to Go Sledding Around Chicago

Chicago is known for Lake Michigan, the deep-dish pizza, and being notoriously flat.  The flat landscape of our beloved city does bring trouble at times, especially when we’re eager to go sledding.   Even with no topographical diversity, there are some surprisingly good sledding spots around Chicago.  Here are some of the best places to go if you’re in the mood for some toboggan action.  

Oz Park Hill

I might be biased since this was my neighborhood spot growing up, but this hill is Lincoln Park’s best.  

Off of Armitage Ave lies Oz Park, a public green space known for its statues from the Wizard of Oz.  The glorious hill, perfectly round and steep for sledding, is situated just north of the baseball field.  What makes it a good sledding spot is how easily you can traverse it.  Its incline is relatively vertical, but the hill is short, allowing you to jog to the top fairly quickly.  

Getting more rides in is an essential part of a successful sledding experience.  If you live in Lincoln Park, Oz Park is the place to be this winter. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/oz-park 

Cricket Hill 

Buena Park residents are familiar with Cricket Hill: a large hill with strange folklore regarding the name.  

If you’ve ever traveled up the lakefront path near Wilson Ave, you’ve probably spotted this hill in the distance.  Reaching up to 45 feet tall, it’s the perfect spot for winter fun.  

Many refer to a Chicago Tribune article to explain where “cricket” comes from.  Apparently, Cricket Hill used to be a sinkhole, having swallowed a circus elephant many decades ago.  

Whether you believe that or not, the folklore adds to the magnitude of Cricket Hill’s size.  Head up to Buena Park for your sledding adventure this December.   https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/cricket-hill 

Sled Hill at Warren Park

A little farther north of Buena Park is a monstrous dome aptly known as Sled Hill.

This hill is a beautiful spot for kids, teens, and adults alike.  Railings along the sides add needed safety measures so that everyone can enjoy the racing experience.  Ice skating at the Blackhawk rink is just around the corner when you’re all tuckered out from sledding.  

This Rogers Park hill is a go-to for many northside residents.  Find out more about this park here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/warren-laurence-park 

Caldwell Woods 

If you live up in the northwest area of Chicago, you’ve probably been to Caldwell Woods.  It’s a lush, expansive forest that expands into most of Chicago’s northern suburbs.  

Caldwell’s sledding hill begins at the mouth of Chicago’s beloved North Branch Trail.  A couple of feet from the parking lot, an incredibly steep decline forms into the bike trail.  This decline becomes the optimal place for young sledders and their families when covered in snow.  

In snowy and treacherous conditions, park staff is present to ensure everyone is safe and having fun.  Find out more about parking access, trails, and alerts on the Chicago forest preserve website: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/caldwell-woods/ 

Palmisano Park 

This massive hill is astounding, to say the least.  Known as “Mount Palmisano,” this has to be the tallest hill on the list.  

Driving down Damen Ave to Bridgeport, it’s a sight that’s impossible to miss: a towering, green prominence sticking out from its industrial surroundings.  Once an old garbage dump, this hill is now one of Chicago’s most majestic parks, with a boardwalk overlooking the river.   

Being the tallest hill on this list, Mount Palmisano might not be for everyone.  Younger sledders should take precautions when traversing this urban area.  But if going fast is your motive, this Bridgeport park will deliver.  https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/palmisano-henry-park 

Chicago is far from being a mountainous city, but this hasn’t stopped residents from embarking on sledding adventures.  Both in and around the city, Chicago has many places to offer for fast and kid-friendly sledding.