Explore the Rich Tapestry of Chicago at the Chicago History Museum
Discover Chicago’s fascinating history through immersive exhibits and rich collections at the Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park.
Nestled in Lincoln Park, the Chicago History Museum offers an immersive experience into the Windy City’s past. With engaging exhibits and a vast collection, it's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
A brief summary to Chicago History Museum
- 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, Lincoln Park, Illinois, 60614, US
- +1312-642-4600
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday for a quieter experience, as weekends can be quite busy.
- Check the museum's website for any special exhibitions or events happening during your visit.
- Take advantage of the guided tours offered to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
- Don’t forget to explore the café for a light meal or snack, perfect for an afternoon break.
- Visit the gift shop for unique memorabilia that reflects Chicago’s rich history.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Palatine, walk to the nearest bus stop on E Dundee Rd & N Smith St. Take the Pace Bus 696 towards the 'Schaumburg' direction. After about 30 minutes, get off at the stop 'Palatine Metra Station.' From there, take the Metra train on the Union Pacific Northwest Line towards Chicago. Stay on the train for about 45 minutes. Once you arrive at the 'Ogilvie Transportation Center,' transfer to the CTA Brown Line train towards Kimball. Get off at 'Fullerton' station, and transfer to the Red Line train towards 95th/Dan Ryan. Finally, disembark at 'Clark/Division' station. Walk north on Clark St for 0.2 miles to reach the Chicago History Museum at 1601 N Clark St.
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Bicycle
If you prefer biking, you can rent a bike from a local bike-sharing service in Palatine. Start at the Palatine Park District and head south on N Smith St. Then, take a right onto E Dundee Rd and continue east until you reach the bike path along the river. Follow the bike path south until it leads you to the Metra train station. From there, use the previous guidance to take the train into Chicago, and once at 'Fullerton,' bike the remaining distance north on Clark St to the museum.
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Walking
If you are up for a long walk, start from downtown Palatine and head east on E Dundee Rd. Walk along the sidewalk until you reach the Metra train station. Take the train on the Union Pacific Northwest Line towards Chicago. After approximately 45 minutes, you will arrive at Ogilvie Transportation Center. From there, walk to the adjacent Washington/Wells station to catch the Brown Line towards Kimball. Get off at 'Fullerton' and walk north on Clark St for about 0.2 miles to the Chicago History Museum.
Discover more about Chicago History Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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