Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Millennium Park
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Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Chicago, IL
Nature & Parks in Chicago
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Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Historic Sites • Gardens
East Garfield Park
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Parks • Monuments & Statues
Millennium Park
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Showing results 1-30 of 92
What travellers are saying
- ReedmummyGeorgetown, SC20 contributionsIt was great go during the middle of the day it is safer. There was a lot of shootings in Chicago while we were there and mugging. The park is safe and very niceWritten 14 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Matt F83 contributionsWow! We had visited Chicago before, but never Lincoln Park Zoo. Why? I couldn’t tell you because this place is INCREDIBLE! And…FREE!
My wife and I couldn’t believe that we were walking around such a vast, well maintained place, seeing Gorillas and Giraffes and Zebras and Hyenas up close without having to pay a penny (or a dime!)
It was a great experience! Seeing the Gorillas was a highlight for me!
If you’re ever in Chicago, this place is a MUST SEE! Visit here before anywhere else!Written 12 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - MorellaFarmington Hills, MI1,010 contributionsAbsolutely loved this place!
There are different environments connected by doors. Each one has a different theme. Plants and flowers are in great shape, evidently cared well.
The diversity of environments and colors is enjoyable.
There is also an area where you can drink coffee and teas, and have good quality croissants and muffins. This was a great find.
Some of the areas have pathways through the plants. Nicely done.
Reservations highly recommended at this time.Written 7 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Bfly82Wisconsin100 contributionsWhat a neat place to visit. But I do have a few gripes. There’s only so many people they give tickets to hourly. So you pick a time slot. Which to me I thought was a great idea since that would give people more space. Unfortunately it was absolutely packed you couldn’t move. It was hard to look at anything and was less then enjoyable cause everyone is pushing through to get to each exhibit. It was very frustrating and it seemed like so many people felt the same. I’d like to go back and enjoy more time looking at the exhibits and not feel so rushed. Maybe letting less people in each day would be helpful for guests. Other then that it’s well maintained and the gift shop is neat.Written 10 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- IrinaUnited States9,939 contributionsLakefront Trail is an invaluable part of Chicago. It's great -- and free -- for anybody: pedestrians, joggers, walkers, cyclists. From the trail one can admire some fantastic scenic views of the gorgeous Lake Michigan and the unique Chicago Skyline, the exciting Chicago Lakefront, the grand and welcoming Navy Pier, and many other beautiful sites of this vibrant city.
There are some new improvements to Lakefront Trail: it has a new addition -- the Navy Pier Flyover (constructed in 2014 -- 2021), which provides the separation of bicyclists from pedestrians in a very busy part of the city, that very often has traffic congestion in the area close to Navy Pier. For all visitors, and especially skaters and bicyclists I would recommend to study the current trail map and its regulations, safety instructions, etc. The trail is well-marked, has some very detailed info boards , and of course, there's much online info available, as well.
Lakefront Trail stretches for 18,5 miles along the western shore of Lake Michigan, and goes quite a way parallel to Lake Shore Drive. The lawns, and some large city parks along the trail length, are nicely landscaped and well maintained.
My friends and I have enjoyed our last visit to Lakefront Trail, as we always do!Written 6 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Taylor BChicago, IL7,535 contributionsMy wife and I live in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, a half-block south of North Avenue. Cross the street and you're in Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's most affluent communities and home to Lincoln Park, one of the city's most popular public parks, Lincoln Park Zoo and Old Town, one of the city's leading entertainment and restaurant meccas. Its boundaries are strictly defined--Diversey Avenue on the north, the Chicago River on the west, North Avenue on the south and Lake Michigan on the east. It also is home to DePaul University, Lincoln Park High School and one of the country's most distinguished private schools, Francis Parker School. And it is home to five architecturally significant churches--St. Michael's, St. Josaphat's, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Clement and St. James Lutheran Church. Other prominent tourist attractions include Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and North Pond Nature Sanctuary. Not to mention North Avenue Beach and the famous statues of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. Chicago's only three-star Michelin restaurant, Alinea, is in Lincoln Park. So is the Lettuce Entertain You empire's first restaurant, R.J. Grunt's, which features one of the first salad bars. Also the first Potbelly Sandwich Works, which debuted in 1977. BBQ baby back ribs? Ella's is the place. Pizza? Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. Hot dogs? Fatso's Last Stand.Written 20 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- travelwithpartiToronto, Canada8 contributionsNear the zoo, good for a stroll through and contains interesting plants. You need to make reservations ahead of time. The access is free, but they accept donations to help fund the conservatory.Written 9 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Deidre P37 contributionsLove the park, has a wonderful time walking through it and seeing all of what Chicago has to offer as I walked the loop and enjoyed the places I saw along the way.Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Roberts69Northampton, UK16,821 contributionsThe area of Downtown Chicago around Dusable Bridge, (a long-standing drawbridge honoring a founder of Chicago & decorated with sculptures & plaques), gives great views of the Chicago River and the surrounding architecture old and new. Walking down the river a short way past London House we crossed the Irv Kupcinet Bridge which gave us stunning views back up the Chicago River to Dusable Bridge. There are plenty of River Cruises you can go on but we didn't have time so just enjoyed the area and the River by foot.Written 4 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- bklyndelightBrooklyn, NY103 contributionsThis park is absolutely beautiful. Just walking around is a treat. I saw two brides taking pics. Near downtown,Written 19 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Taylor BChicago, IL7,535 contributionsOne of the advantages of living where we do on Chicago's Gold Coast is the view. Since we moved into our apartment in 1983, we have enjoyed a picturesque view of North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park and a front row seat for the annual Air and Water Show. Located at 1600 North Lake Shore Drive, at North Avenue and Lake Michigan, North Avenue Beach is one of Chicago's most popular beaches with the most picturesque view of Chicago's magnificent skyline. It also features a popular beach house that contains 22,000 square feet of space, a sleek ocean liner-inspired building that contains a restaurant, an ice cream cafe and facilities to rent volleyball courts, bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, lounge chairs, umbrellas, even sandals and chess tables. Outdoor beach yoga is offered seven days a week for all age levels. North Avenue Beach is also a popular gathering place for joggers and walkers and bicyclists. On the Lakefront Trail, you can stroll north from North Avenue Beach to Montrose Beach or south to Navy Pier. There is plenty of beachfront for swimmers and sun bathers. On a sunny summer day, it's an all-day activity. Parking is available in a paid lot but, be forewarned, there isn't much space so arrive early and take the North Avenue bus to the end of the line.Written 15 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- MadMike96Madison, WI46 contributionsGreat urban trail to walk, run, or bike. No cross traffic. Was not too busy on a weekday. Well maintained and lots of access points. 2.7 miles long.Written 21 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jazmin MarieChicago, IL37 contributionsThe elotes taste better by the lake! There's something about a beautiful sunny day, the lake & some bomb elotes.
I prefer to stop by here in the evening time & you can occasionally see fireworks from here (if Navy Pier is doing them). Parking can get pretty tight, but people are usually moving in and out so you'll find a spot if you're patient. Parking is free right now, but there's rumors that they're gonna make it paid soon.Written 21 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Marina MMiami, FL180 contributionsVery cute park. Not very large but good for a short walk. Perfect for families. Very close to shopping and restaurants.Written 18 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Martin SCranford, NJ1,530 contributionsOhio Street Beach is located at the eastern most end of Ohio Street and is close to Jane Addams Park and Navy Pier.
It has the same great things the other Beaches do in terms of city views, but is much quieter and is clearly more private than Oak Street, North Avenue, or Fullerton Beach.
It’s a pleasant change from the mass of humanity at the other places and can serve as a bit of an escape.
Restaurant nearby.Written 4 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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- These are the best hidden gems for nature & parks in Chicago:
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
- Jackson Park's Japanese Garden
- Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary