Lincoln Park is two things at once. It is a 1,208-acre lakefront park, and it is the Chicago neighborhood that grew up beside it. This guide is about the neighborhood: where it starts and ends, how it got here, what the homes are like, how you get downtown, and what daily life looks like once you move in.
Neighborhoods covered on this page: Lincoln Park includes several smaller named areas, among them Mid-North, Sheffield, Wrightwood, the RANCH Triangle, Lincoln Central, Park West, East Lincoln Park, the DePaul area and the Clybourn Corridor. Old Town borders Lincoln Park to the south and is covered in my Near North guide.
The short version: Lincoln Park is about two miles north of downtown Chicago, generally bounded by North Avenue on the south and Diversey Parkway on the north, with Lake Michigan on the east and the Chicago River on the west. It has three L lines, a Metra station, the lakefront, a free zoo, nineteenth-century architecture and a housing stock that runs from greystones to new construction.
Where is Lincoln Park, and what are its boundaries?
Lincoln Park runs from North Avenue to Diversey Parkway, and from the lakefront west to the Chicago River. That is the official community area. The name has also stretched over the years. The original neighborhood was only the homes facing the park itself, and over time it grew west.
Inside those boundaries are smaller named areas. You will hear these on listings, on street signs and in conversation:
- Mid-North, roughly between Armitage and Fullerton
- Sheffield, around the Sheffield Avenue corridor
- Wrightwood, bounded by Halsted, Fullerton, Lakewood and Diversey
- RANCH Triangle, bounded by Racine, Armitage, North Avenue, the Chicago River and Halsted
- Lincoln Central and Park West, closer to the park
- The DePaul area, around DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus
- The Clybourn Corridor, a retail district along the river side
Old Town sits just to the south and shares an edge with Lincoln Park. Some of its history overlaps, which is why Old Town and Lincoln Park are so often mentioned together.
What is the history of Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park began as farmland and a city cemetery, and it was named for Abraham Lincoln in 1865. German farmers settled the area, and it picked up the nickname the Cabbage Patch. The park was renamed Lincoln Park on June 12, 1865, shortly after Lincoln’s assassination.
Before it was parkland, part of the ground served as the city cemetery. The Couch Tomb, behind the Chicago History Museum, is the one visible reminder of that chapter.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 shaped what you see on the streets today. After the fire, development pushed north and west, and Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street became shopping streets. Rebuilding after the fire favored brick and stone over wood, which is why so many older buildings here are masonry.
The neighborhood’s civic groups have deep roots too, and many of the associations listed further down this page are still active today.
What kinds of homes are in Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park has single-family homes, two-unit and three-unit buildings, townhomes, vintage condominiums, new construction and elevator buildings. The mix is one of the neighborhood’s defining features, and it is also why two homes with the same address style can look very different inside.
Here is what you will see most often:
- Greystones and brick buildings. Greystones went up in large numbers after the Great Fire, with Indiana limestone on the front as a fire-resistant alternative to wood. Most have brick on the sides, with limestone only on the facade.
- Single-family homes and townhomes. A typical Lincoln Park lot is 25 feet wide by 125 feet deep, which shapes how many of these homes are laid out.
- Two-unit and three-unit buildings. Many are owner-occupied, with the owner living in one unit.
- Condominiums. Choices range from vintage walk-ups to newer elevator buildings.
Parts of the neighborhood are protected Chicago Landmark districts. The Armitage-Halsted District covers predominantly Armitage Avenue between Halsted and Racine and Halsted Street between Armitage and Webster, with buildings dating from about 1870 to 1930. The Mid-North District covers part of the area between Armitage and Fullerton. If you are buying in a landmark district, exterior changes are reviewed. The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development can explain the specific rules for any address, and I can help you ask the right questions before you write an offer.
What does the Lincoln Park housing market look like right now?
The two live charts below pull current Lincoln Park data from MRED through InfoSparks. They update automatically, so you are always looking at the latest numbers rather than a screenshot. Single-family homes and condominiums and townhomes move differently, which is why they are shown separately.
Lincoln Park single-family homes
Lincoln Park condominiums and townhomes
Source: MRED, through InfoSparks. Market data changes over time. For a read on a specific home or street, send me a message.
How do I get downtown from Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park has several ways downtown, and the time varies a lot with whether you take a bus or a train and what time of day you travel. For your exact route, use the CTA Trip Planner.
- Brown Line: stops at Armitage, Fullerton and Diversey, with direct service to the Loop.
- Red Line: stops at Fullerton and North/Clybourn, and runs 24 hours a day.
- Purple Line Express: stops at Fullerton and Diversey during weekday rush periods.
- Metra: the Clybourn station, at 2001 N. Ashland Ave., serves the Union Pacific North and Union Pacific Northwest lines. It is the first stop north of Ogilvie Transportation Center.
- By car: the Kennedy Expressway and Lake Shore Drive both connect the neighborhood to downtown.
- By bike or on foot: the Lakefront Trail runs along the lake through the park.
Schedules and service patterns change, so check the CTA Trip Planner and the Metra schedule for the route you would use every day.
What is there to do in Lincoln Park?
The park itself is the main draw, and much of it is free. These are the places I send people first:
- Lincoln Park Zoo. Free to enter, with seasonal events through the year.
- Lincoln Park Conservatory. Completed in 1895 and a warm, green place to visit in winter. Free to enter.
- Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. A Prairie School landscape designed by Alfred Caldwell in the 1930s, at 125 W. Fullerton Pkwy.
- DePaul Art Museum. Free, with contemporary and historical works, at 935 W. Fullerton Ave. DePaul’s School of Music and Theatre School also stage performances at low ticket prices, some of them free.
- Diversey Driving Range. At 141 W. Diversey Pkwy., on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview. It has parking and lessons.
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. A hands-on nature museum at 2430 N. Cannon Dr.
- Chicago History Museum. At 1601 N. Clark St., at the south end of the park. The museum was founded in 1856 and has been in this location since 1932.
- Wrightwood 659. A non-commercial exhibition space designed by architect Tadao Ando, at 659 W. Wrightwood Ave. It shows architecture and socially engaged art. Advance tickets are required, so check the website for current hours.
- Theater on the Lake. At 2401 N. Lake Shore Dr., built in 1920. Today it has lakefront dining at The Lakefront Restaurant and summer performances, with skyline views.
- The Lakefront Trail and North Pond Nature Sanctuary. Running, cycling, bird watching and a quiet place to walk.
My favorite Lincoln Park venues
- Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. One of my favorite places for live music.
- Lincoln Park Zoo after dark. The zoo hosts events in the evening, and they are some of my favorites.
- Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. I love the history, and I love the visiting exhibits and the speakers they bring in.
- The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St. I love the story behind it, which traces back to Viola Spolin.
- Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. It has great programming for families.
- Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. Amazing productions.
Theater, comedy and live music
Here is the wider list. Lincoln Park has one of the best evening scenes in the city, and Lincoln Avenue alone has several stages.
- Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St.
- The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., on the Old Town edge of the neighborhood.
- Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
- Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave.
- Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Live music.
- Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Home to several theater companies.
- Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Live music.
- Kingston Mines, 2548 N. Halsted St., and Chicago B.L.U.E.S., 2519 N. Halsted St. Chicago blues, nightly.
- The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Live music shows. It sits on the border with Bucktown, so some people count it there.
- Old Town School of Folk Music, 909 W. Armitage Ave. Concerts and classes.
Lincoln Park also has a strong theater and arts scene. Steppenwolf Theatre Company is here, along with Victory Gardens Theater at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., the Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., the DePaul Art Museum at 935 W. Fullerton Ave. and Wrightwood 659 at 659 W. Wrightwood Ave. See my Outdoor and Events categories for what is happening now.
Where do people shop in Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park has three main shopping districts, and each has its own feel. Armitage-Halsted-Webster is a historic district where national retailers and local boutiques share the same blocks, in older buildings. The Clybourn Corridor, along the river side, focuses on home goods, furniture and national brands, with parking available at many stores. Lincoln Avenue mixes shops, theaters and music venues.
On Armitage you will find national names like Allbirds (843 W. Armitage Ave.), Warby Parker and Rothy’s next to local favorites like Lori’s Shoes (824 W. Armitage Ave.), Topdrawer (810 W. Armitage Ave.) and Art Effect (934 W. Armitage Ave.). Underthings is at 812 W. Webster Ave., and Jayson Home is at 1885 N. Clybourn Ave. in the Clybourn Corridor. The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce publishes an Armitage-Halsted shopping guide and keeps a current directory of local businesses. More ideas are in my Shopping category.
My Lincoln Park shopping favorites
Lori’s Shoes on Armitage is my favorite place to shop for shoes. Artifact on Armitage is my favorite place to buy a gift for a girlfriend or a hostess gift. Jayson Home on Clybourn is another favorite. They have wonderful gifts, and they also offer design services and furniture. I bought a chair there and I love their selection.
Where should I eat in Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park has a deep restaurant scene, from tasting menus to neighborhood standbys. Alinea, Boka, Galit, Mon Ami Gabi and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! are often mentioned first. North Pond sits inside the park, and The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake has skyline and lake views. Summer House Santa Monica, at 1954 N. Halsted St., has a great menu. It can be a little loud, but it is fun. It anchors the Armitage-Halsted area along with J9 Wine Bar, which the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce calls the neighborhood’s unofficial wine district. For more, browse my Restaurants category.
My Lincoln Park favorites
Gemini, at 2075 N. Lincoln Ave., is my very favorite restaurant in Lincoln Park. My husband and I have been going since it opened, through a renovation and reopening and the addition of outdoor seating. I love the food, the warm and accommodating staff and the big bar, which has both booths and bar seating. This year they even made me a special birthday menu. It is open for dinner, so check current hours before you go.
- Verzenay, 2507 N. Lincoln Ave. A French bakery, and I love the almond croissant.
- Blue Door Farm Stand, 2010 N. Halsted St. My favorite place to have lunch with girlfriends. There is also a to-go location, Blue Door Farm Stand Too, at 711 W. Armitage Ave.
- Dash of Salt and Pepper, 2201 N. Lincoln Ave., at the corner of Lincoln, Geneva and Webster. It is right across the street from my office.
- Cafe Brauer, 2021 N. Stockton Dr. In the summer I like grabbing breakfast on the patio.
Where can I find bakeries, cupcakes and donuts in Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park has a strong sweet side, from French pastry to cupcakes and donuts. Here are my favorites first, then others worth a stop.
My Lincoln Park bakery favorites
- Sweet Mandy B’s, 1208 W. Webster Ave. My pick for cupcakes.
- Verzenay, 2507 N. Lincoln Ave. The almond croissant is my favorite.
- Beacon Doughnuts, 810 W. Armitage Ave., in the alley. My pick for donuts. They have an amazing selection, and the shop is tucked into the alley behind the 7-Eleven, which is kind of crazy. It also has a really cool mural.
More bakeries, cupcakes and donuts
- Floriole Cafe & Bakery, 1220 W. Webster Ave. French-inspired pastries.
- Vanille Patisserie, 2108 N. Clark St. Known for macarons and afternoon tea.
- Maison Parisienne, 901 W. Armitage Ave., with a second location at 2564 N. Clark St.
- Molly’s Cupcakes, 2536 N. Clark St.
- Firecakes Donuts, 2453 N. Clark St.
Hours change, and some shops sell out early, so check before you go.
Where are the independent coffee shops in Lincoln Park?
This list sticks to local shops. A few have more than one location, but none are national chains.
- The Bagelers Coffeehouse, 2461 N. Lincoln Ave.
- olor coffee bar, 1013 W. Webster Ave., across the street from St. Vincent de Paul Church.
- Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop, 2425 N. Clark St. A family-owned, dog-friendly shop with dog-portrait decor.
Where do I buy groceries in Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park has a good mix of grocery stores. Trader Joe’s is at 667 W. Diversey Pkwy., Whole Foods Market is at 1550 N. Kingsbury St., Big Apple Finer Foods is at 2345 N. Clark St., Carnival Foods is at 458 W. Dickens Ave., The Fresh Market is at 2730 N. Halsted St., Fresh Thyme is at 2500 N. Elston Ave. and Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop is at 2070 N. Clybourn Ave. The Fresh Market sits just south of Diversey Parkway, so it is technically in Lincoln Park, although many people think of that corner as Lakeview. Foxtrot has two locations, one on Armitage and one at 935 W. Webster Ave., near Sheffield. Two farmers markets run in the neighborhood from spring through fall:
- Green City Market at 1817 N. Clark St., on Saturdays, with Wednesdays added during the core season.
- Lincoln Park Farmers Market at 724 W. Armitage Ave., on Saturdays.
Market dates and hours change each year, so check the market’s own calendar before you go.
My Lincoln Park grocery favorite
Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop, at 2070 N. Clybourn Ave., is my favorite spot to buy fish.
How do I find the schools for a home in Lincoln Park?
Chicago Public Schools assigns every address to one elementary school boundary and one high school boundary, and those boundaries can change. The only reliable way to know which schools serve a specific home is to enter that exact address into the CPS School Locator. Do this for every home you are seriously considering, before you write an offer. Magnet and selective programs use applications rather than addresses.
One more piece of advice from my years as a teacher. Schools change. Principals, programs and enrollment all shift over time, so look at a school’s current information rather than relying on an old reputation.
Who is the alderman for Lincoln Park, and which neighborhood groups can I join?
Ward lines do not follow neighborhood lines, and the ward map changes, so I do not list ward numbers here. Enter your own address on the City of Chicago wards page to see your ward and alderman, or confirm it with the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Neighborhood boundaries and ward maps are subject to change.
Lincoln Park has an unusually active set of neighborhood associations, and joining one is the fastest way to meet neighbors and find out what is happening on your street. The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce lists these:
- Diversey Harbor Lakeview Preservation Association
- Lincoln Central Association
- Lincoln Park Conservancy, which supports the park itself
- Mid-North Association
- Old Town Triangle Association, known for the Old Town Art Fair each June
- Park West Community Association
- RANCH Triangle Community Conservation Association
- Sheffield Neighborhood Association, known for the Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk each July
- Wrightwood Neighbors Association, known for the Taste of Lincoln Avenue
If you want to get involved with the zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board is a leadership group that hosts events like Zoo-ologie, its annual cocktail party, to support the zoo.
You can see the full list and a map of the association boundaries on the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce website. The Chamber is at 2468 N. Lincoln Ave. and can be reached at 773-880-5200.
How does parking and permit parking work in Lincoln Park?
Many Lincoln Park streets are in Residential Permit Parking zones. If you live in one, you add a zone number to your Chicago city vehicle sticker, and you can buy daily permits for guests. You need a city sticker on your vehicle to have a zone permit.
Parking is one of the first things I look at with buyers. A garage, a deeded space or a permit zone on the street can all work, and they work differently. Zones, hours and fees change, so confirm current details with the Chicago City Clerk and look up the zone for any home you are considering.
What do I need to do when I move to Lincoln Park?
Chicago has a few rules that catch new residents off guard. I keep them all on one page, so each stays current in one place. Go straight to what you need:
- Address change and utility setup: who to call for electric, gas, water and internet.
- City sticker and neighborhood parking zones: how to buy your city sticker, add your zone and show proof of residency.
- Illinois driver’s license and license plates: how long new residents have to switch over.
- Street cleaning and garbage collection: where to find your schedule.
- Snow removal and winter parking: the overnight parking ban and 2-inch snow rule.
- Your ward and alderman: how to find yours and register to vote.
What parks are in Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park is named for the 1,208-acre lakefront park on its eastern edge, which holds the zoo, conservatory, North Pond, the Lily Pool, North Avenue Beach and Diversey Harbor. The neighborhood also has smaller Chicago Park District parks. This list is a start, and the Chicago Park District park finder has every park and field house.
- Lincoln Park, along the lakefront from North Avenue to Diversey Harbor and beyond.
- Oz Park, 2021 N. Burling St.
- Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.
- Bauler Park, 501 W. Wisconsin St.
- Wiggly Field in Noethling Playlot Park, 2645 N. Sheffield Ave., the off-leash dog park.
Three nonprofits help look after green space across the city. Join one if you want to get involved: Friends of the Parks, Friends of the Chicago River and Friends of the Forest Preserves. The Lincoln Park Conservancy focuses on Lincoln Park itself.
Where can I take my dog in Lincoln Park?
Wiggly Field, at 2645 N. Sheffield Ave. in Noethling Playlot Park, is the neighborhood’s off-leash dog park. It opened in 1997 as Chicago’s first official dog-friendly area. It is fully fenced, and the Wrightwood Neighbors Association has supported it from the start. Lincoln Park’s farmers markets and much of the park itself welcome leashed dogs, though rules vary by location.
Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Areas require a permit and a registration tag for each dog, and the permit covers one calendar year. Owners show proof of vaccinations and a recent exam at a participating veterinary office to get one. Rules and fees change, so read the city’s dog friendly area FAQ before your first visit.
Where can I work out in Lincoln Park?
The Lakefront Trail is the neighborhood’s free gym, with room to run, walk and cycle along the water. Lincoln Park also has a long list of clubs and studios. These are the ones I know of in and around the 60614 ZIP code.
Full-service clubs
- Lincoln Park Athletic Club (LPAC), 1019 W. Diversey Pkwy.
- Equinox Lincoln Park, 1750 N. Clark St., and Equinox Lincoln Common, 2355 N. Lincoln Ave.
- Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, 1320 W. Fullerton Ave.
- Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center at DePaul University, 2235 N. Sheffield Ave. Community memberships are available.
- FFC Lincoln Park (Fitness Formula Clubs), 939 W. North Ave.
- Midtown Athletic Club, 2444 N. Elston Ave., on the edge of Lincoln Park and Bucktown. It is known for its tennis courts.
Studios and classes
- Studio Lagree, 1123 W. Armitage Ave.
- Barry’s, 1937 N. Halsted St.
- F45 Training Lincoln Park North, 1001 W. Diversey Pkwy.
- Studio Three, 2401 N. Halsted St.
- Pure Barre, 2058 N. Halsted St.
- Shred415, 2150 N. Clybourn Ave.
- TITLE Boxing Club, 2417 N. Clark St.
- Flow Studios for Pilates, 2248 N. Clark St.
- AIR Aerial Fitness, 2217 N. Clybourn Ave.
- Yoga Box, 2468 1/2 N. Clark St.
Orangetheory Fitness, Club Pilates, Pvolve and several personal training studios are also Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce members. The Chamber’s Health & Fitness directory has the full list. Studios open, close and move often, so check hours and class schedules before you go.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Lincoln Park
How far is Lincoln Park from downtown Chicago?
Lincoln Park is about two miles north of downtown Chicago hotels. Your trip time depends on whether you take a bus or a train and what time of day you travel, so use the CTA Trip Planner for your exact route.
Is there residential permit parking in Lincoln Park?
Yes, on many streets. Residents add a zone number to their city sticker and can buy daily guest permits from the City Clerk. Confirm current zones and fees before you move.
Who is the alderman for Lincoln Park?
Ward lines do not follow neighborhood lines and the ward map changes, so enter your own address on the City of Chicago wards page to see your ward and alderman.
How do I find out which public school a Lincoln Park home is assigned to?
Enter the exact address in the CPS School Locator. Each address has one elementary and one high school boundary.
Where is the dog park in Lincoln Park?
Wiggly Field, at 2645 N. Sheffield Ave., opened in 1997 as Chicago’s first official dog-friendly area.
Keep exploring
Comparing neighborhoods? Read Lincoln Park vs. Lakeview vs. Bucktown vs. Wicker Park.
More neighborhood guides:
Planning your move:
- New Resident Information
- Buying a Home in Chicago
- Selling a Home in Chicago
- Free Guides
- Chicago Real Estate FAQ
More from the blog: Lincoln Park | Restaurants | Shopping | Outdoor | Events
Thinking about a move to Lincoln Park?
Every street here is different, and the details matter: the permit zone, the school boundary, the age of the building, the landmark rules. I help buyers and sellers sort through those details every week. If you are weighing Lincoln Park against Lakeview, the Near North Side or Bucktown and Logan Square or Wicker Park and West Town, send me a message and tell me what matters most to you. I will help you compare them honestly.
You can reach me at 312-953-7811. If you would like neighborhood news and market updates in your inbox, sign up for my newsletter.
Maureen Moran, REALTOR®, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. Information is believed accurate but is not guaranteed. Parking rules, fees, schedules, hours, school boundaries, neighborhood boundaries and ward maps change, so please verify details with the source.
What’s new in Lincoln Park?
These are my latest posts about Lincoln Park: restaurant openings, events, market updates and what I’m seeing on the street. See every Lincoln Park post.
