URBAN DAY HIKES
Lincoln Park
Conservatory, Zoo, and the
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Chicago
August 5, 7, 2026
Aug 5, 7, 2026
$25.00
5 hours
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approximately 3.5 miles
Terrain
Terrain is pavement.
Times
We meet at 9:45 am inside Oglivie train station on the ground floor near Hudson Booksellers on Madison street.
From the train station, we’ll walk to Michigan Avenue. There are places to get some food both on Michigan Avenue and at the Zoo. We’ll catch the 151 bus to Lincoln Park. Bus fare is $2.50 one way. You can buy ride on bus with exact cash, credit cared, or use the Ventra app that you perhaps used for your train ticket.
($1.25 Senior 65+ Discount for trains and buses: need to apply for RTA Reduced Fare Permit. https://fares.rtachicago.org/rta/apply)
On the way back to Ogilvie, we’ll take the 151 bus to the Michigan Avenue. (Depending on time, we might be able to catch the Water taxi. $10.00 one way, or a senior discount is $5.00 with ID)
There is a 3:45pm train from Ogilvie back to NW suburbs, or you may choose to stay longer in the city.
Trailbound goes Urban again to explore some more of Chicago’s hidden beauties. We’ll be seeing plants, animals and a very relaxing pond in Lincoln Park.
Lincoln Park Conservatory is an historic botanical glasshouse displaying thousands of exotic plant species including palms, ferns, orchids, and a seasonal display of flowers.
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in North America featuring the usuals including a seal show with the zoo trainer, exquisite monkeys, and a very majestic Bald Eagle.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a serene nature haven designed in 1936 by landscape architect Alfred Caldwell, this hidden gem is celebrated as a masterpiece of Prairie School landscape architecture, featuring a cascading waterfall, a stone pavilion, and lush native plantings.
Washroom
Two options at the train:
-The restroom on the main floor, Madison street, might be closed for cleaning. Look for signs. There are bathrooms downstairs. See next bullet point.
-Bathrooms on the train station’s lower level on the southeast end. When you disembark the train look to your right or left for the stairway. (More detailed description: The stairway is midway on the disembarking walkway. If you’re at the front of the train walk towards the back of the train, to the north. If you’re at the back of the train, walk towards the station.)
There are washrooms at the Conservatory and the zoo, not at the Lily Pool.
What to Bring
Water
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Light jacket perhaps, some buildings and trains tend to be cold.
Sturdy walking shoes
Lots of options for food at Lincoln Park Zoo, and you can also grab snacks at French Market before boarding train home.
The Chicago French Market is located in the northwest corner on the lower floor of Ogilvie train station below the actual trains.
Founded in 2009, the Bensidoun Family brought together a unique collection of 30 + local vendors to create the Chicago French Market. From the movement in America to support local food systems and bring back the European-inspired marketplace, you will find best-of-the-best from Chicago’s melting pot neighborhoods largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors presenting foods from around the world.
Let’s Fully Savor the Fun
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, you will receive an email before 8am on the day of your hike.
You Will Learn
About the history of the Conservatory, Cultural Center and the Albert Caldwell Lily Pool. And you can learn about the seals and other animals from the Zoo staff throughout the zoo.
Driving Directions
Meet at Ogilvie Transportation Center
500 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60661
We will meet on the ground floor, in the lobby near the Hudson Booksellers store on the ground floor facing Madison Street at 9:45 am.
(Those from the Northwest Suburbs can ride the train on the UP-NW 640 line, leaving Palatine at 8:42am )
Discussion Starter Question
What smell in nature brings back some fun memories for you?
Guide
Kathryn aka “Laughing Ocean”
847-341-4564
Quote of the day
“A flower does not think about competing, it just blooms.” — Zen proverb
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of five people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.