A guide to attractions in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood (2024)

A guide to attractions in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood (1)

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Home to many staples of community art in the city, the soul of Chicago thrives in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood

Written by Grace Perry

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Lincoln Square and Ravenswood carry a certain credibility among the Chicago neighborhoods. They’re busy and bustling, but not in-your-face trendy; they’re understated and laid back, yet brimming with distinctly Chicago attractions. Home to some of Chicago’s best craft beers, fantastic parksand an endless stream ofstreet festivals, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood offer tons of things to do for kids and grown-ups alike.

RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide toLincoln Square and Ravenswood

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Things to do in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood

Giddings Plaza
  • Things to do
  • Lincoln Square
Photograph: CC/Flickr/Andrew Seaman

Giddings Plaza is the cultural center of Lincoln Square. Home to restaurants, shops, a summer concert series, countless street fairs and more, the brick-paved pedestrian walkway embodies the heart and soul of the neighborhood. Giddings Plaza (also known as Kempf Plaza, a nod to the neighborhood’s German roots) is buzzing with laid-back events in the warmer months, but is a particularly charming stroll around the holidays.

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center
  • Museums
  • History
  • Lincoln Square

The traditionally German enclave of Lincoln Square keeps its history alive at the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center. DANK Haus offers everything from German lessons to rotating displays that cover German and German-American history, plus the work of contemporary artists with German or European ties.

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Welles Park
  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Lincoln Square
Photo: Grace Wiley

Right in the heart of Lincoln Square, Welles Park hosts all kinds of youth sports, concerts and storytelling events. Welles boasts an indoor pool, a fully-lit wrought-iron gazebo and therapeutic recreation programs for disabled children and adults. The park, founded in 1910, was named for Gideon Welles, a member of President Lincoln’s cabinet.

Lillstreet Art Center
  • Art
  • Arts centers
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Joe Tighe

Lillstreet may be family-friendly, but that doesn’t mean it’s family-only. The Ravenswood arts center offers classes in everything from painting to pottery to jewelry to zine making. If you want to learn a new craft, hone your artistic talents, or just blow off some steam, sign up for a class at Lillstreet. You just might surprise yourself.

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Old Town School of Folk Music
  • Things to do
  • Cultural centers
  • Lincoln Square
  • price 3 of 4

Photograph: Ian Spula

One of the pioneers in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, the Old Town School has since expanded to several buildings on this stretch of Lincoln Avenue and opened other locations throughout the city. It remains the best place in town to expand your talents by learning how to play guitar, Irish stepdance, draw comics and more. Its early-childhood music class, Wiggleworms, is a rite of passage for growing up in Chicago. Plus, its music stores stock musical instruments, accesories and more.

Rosehill Cemetery and Mausoleum
  • Things to do
  • Literary events
  • Edgewater
Photograph: CC/Flickr/M. Sauter

This massive, Victorian-era cemetery on the north end of Ravenswood hosts resting places for every war in American history, including the Revolutionary War. The cemetery was founded in 1859 and, according to lore, was supposed to be called “Roe’s Hill” and its current name was a clerical error. Even if cemeteries give you the heebie-jeepies, Rosehill offers 350 acres of tranquil green space in the otherwise bustling neighborhood.

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Davis Theater
  • Movie theaters
  • Independent
  • Lincoln Square
  • price 1 of 4

Andrew Seaman

For years, the Davis Theater has been one of those gritty, old school Chicago institutions we have a collective soft spot for. But the Davis is getting its groove back. At nearly 100 years old, the Davis was in need of a little facelift (like many 100 year-olds): The theater will soon re-open with the addition of a full-service bar and restaurant.

Winnemac Park
  • Things to do
  • Playgrounds
  • Lincoln Square

A Lincoln Square favorite, Winnemac Park has provided Chicago with nearly 40 acres of green space since 1910. The Chicago Park District park is home to dozens of youth sports leagues and programs.

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    A guide to attractions in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood (2024)

    FAQs

    A guide to attractions in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood? ›

    From Industrial Corridor to Creative Hub: Manufacturing, Arts, and New Industry. From the 1890s to 1920s, Ravenswood experienced rapid infrastructural development and growth. Along the North Western Railway Tracks on Ravenswood Ave, massive industrial manufacturing corridor flourished.

    How to spend a day in Lincoln Square? ›

    Explore like a local
    1. Get comfy with a paperback and a glass of pinot noir at Book Cellar, an independent bookstore and cafe all in one place.
    2. Dine in a secret garden at Bistro Campagne.
    3. Hunt for vintage toys at Quake Collectibles (you miss your Pez collection, don't you).

    What is Ravenswood, Chicago known for? ›

    From Industrial Corridor to Creative Hub: Manufacturing, Arts, and New Industry. From the 1890s to 1920s, Ravenswood experienced rapid infrastructural development and growth. Along the North Western Railway Tracks on Ravenswood Ave, massive industrial manufacturing corridor flourished.

    Is Lincoln Square Chicago walkable? ›

    Lincoln Square is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with dozens of amenities within walking distance, including restaurants, shops, and parks. It is well-served by public transportation, with the Western and Damen Brown Line stations providing easy access to downtown.

    Is Lincoln Square a good area? ›

    Lincoln Square is a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois with a population of 42,271. Lincoln Square is in Cook County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Lincoln Square offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes.

    Is Lincoln a walkable city? ›

    Lincoln is a small city with a big history; and there is no better way of experiencing it than on foot.

    What is a fun fact about Lincoln Square? ›

    Lincoln Square is the location of the last work of famous Chicago School architect Louis Sullivan, known for designing the Carson Pirie Scott building and the Auditorium Theatre.

    Is Ravenswood, Chicago a bad area? ›

    Ravenswood has very little crime overall, and while no area is completely devoid of crime, you shouldn't have many problems here.

    What is the most posh area in Chicago? ›

    Today, the Gold Coast is one of Chicago most affluent neighborhoods and home to The Gold Coast Historic District and its stunning and architecturally significant mansions and co-op apartments. There are three primary styles to be found: the Queen Anne, the Richardsonian Romanesque and the Georgian revival style.

    Is it safe to walk around Lincoln Park Chicago? ›

    I'm a young woman and always feel safe alone in Lincoln Park. It seems prudent to mention you should be aware of your surroundings, but it's a very very very safe area. I wouldn't worry about it at all in a two-some after dinner.

    Is it safe to walk around downtown Chicago? ›

    The bottom line is that downtown Chicago is safe to visit, but you should do your research and plan your trip according to your comfort level. If you've never visited a large city before, it will also be helpful to learn a bit about how to prevent pickpocketing.

    Is Magnificent Mile walkable? ›

    This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This trail heads through the Magnificent Mile north of the Downtown Loop east to the Navy Pier.

    What is the crime rate in Lincoln Square Chicago? ›

    Crime rates in Lincoln Square are 15% below the national average, while property crime is 18% below the national average. Assault cases were 242 against a national average of 282, while burglary and theft cases were 274 and 1,381 against a national average of 500 and 2,042, respectively.

    Who lives in Lincoln Square? ›

    Lincoln Square, Chicago
    Lincoln Square
    • White64.5%
    • Black3.5%
    • Hispanic18.1%
    • Asian9.1%
    25 more rows

    Is Lincoln Square, Chicago wealthy? ›

    Lincoln Square

    It's a quaint, walkable community that is home to many upper-middle-class and wealthy families with a median household income of $80,700 and an average home price of $423,990.

    Is Lincoln Park worth visiting? ›

    In the heart of the Windy City lies a prestigious district that appeals to both locals and tourists alike: Lincoln Park. This beloved Chicago, IL, neighborhood is not only famous for its eponymous park, but it is also home to an exciting assortment of attractions that can brighten any visit.

    How long to spend at Lincoln Birthplace? ›

    The birthplace area was established by Congress on July 17, 1916. An early 19th century Kentucky cabin, symbolic of the one in which Lincoln was born, is preserved in a memorial building at the site of his birth. (Approximate tour length: 1.5 hrs.)

    What time does Lincoln Square stop serving breakfast? ›

    We serve breakfast all day long and you can find many of your favorites right here with us! Find Out More!

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