Chicago Architecture Center Homepage

Lincoln Park: From Cemetery to Sculpture Garden

Trace Lincoln Park’s transformation from a historic cemetery to a sculpture garden, enjoying iconic statues and lush landscapes.

Take a pleasant walk through Chicago’s beautiful Lincoln Park—a former lakeside cemetery turned recreation destination. Hear about the park’s history, learn the stories behind famous sculptures and enjoy a stroll through the park’s beloved zoo!

Duration
2 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Northside
Architects and Styles
Meet

Children's Fountain, at the northeast corner of W North Blvd and N Clark St

The route zigzags through the park, highlighting statues, fountains, gardens and beautiful works of architecture like Café Brauer and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. It concludes at the William Shakespeare statue near Stockton Drive and Belden Avenue.

Know before you go:

  • The tour begins on the south end of the park, on the northeast corner of Clark Street and North Boulevard, near the Children’s Fountain (84 W. North Blvd).
  • Paid street parking south of the park is limited. A paid parking lot is located one block north at 1730 N. Stockton Dr. Public transportation is recommended.
  • Tour ends at the Shakespeare statue at Stockton Dr. and Belden Ave., near the entrance to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Tour reviews

    • One of my favorite views in Lincoln Park is at the north end of the South Pond. Behind you is Café Brauer. Ahead of you is the restored South Pond framed by a spectacular downtown skyline. The pairing of the restored prairie with Chicago skyscrapers is striking.
      Dick ClarkCAC Docent
    • The CAC Lincoln Park walking tour is fabulous. It is a two-hour experience chock full of architecture, public statuary and fountains, history, a bit of the Lincoln Park Zoo and, of course, one of the most beautiful lakefront parks in the United States. CAC volunteer docent Dick Clark led the tour with enthusiasm and an impressive knowledge of every aspect of the subject matter. My wife and I wholeheartedly recommend this tour for CAC members and nonmembers alike.
      Mark R.
  • A photo of Cafe Brauer as seen from across a reflecting pond.

    Cafe Brauer. Photo by Fred Faulkner.

  • A photo of Nature Boardwalk as seen frramed by a reflecting pond and a stand of reeds.

    Nature Boardwalk. Photo by Irina Hynes.

  • A photo of Lincoln Park Conservatory

    Lincoln Park Conservatory. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • A photo of Carlson Cottage.

    Carlson Cottage

  • A photo of a statue of Abraham Lincoln

    Standing Lincoln statue

  • A photo of a statue of a seated Shakespeare

    Shakespeare statue. Photo by David Wilson, licensed under CC-BY-2.0

Buildings of Chicago

See All Buildings
Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

Visit the Center