Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868 and is the oldest free zoo in the United States. Open 365 days a year, the zoo houses polar bears and penguins as well as lions and sea lions.
Golfers spending part of their day with the animals can also get in some swings at the Diversey Driving Range, located blocks from the zoo. Parents with kids can also play the 18-hole miniature golf course located at the same facility. The nine-hole Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course is also located nearby the zoo.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, Illinois 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
In the summertime, golfers can head to Butler Field in Grant Park on Tuesday nights and see a movie under the stars with the Chicago skyline as the backdrop. Golfers who want to practice their putting before the show can visit the nearby Green at Grant Park, which offers 18 holes of miniature golf and outdoor dining.
Butler Field in Grant Park
400 E. Monroe St.
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 742-2400
Lakefront Trail
Golfers looking for an enjoyable walk away from the course can spend part of their day or evening strolling along the 18-mile mile Lakefront Trail. The paved trail, which runs alongside Lake Michigan, stretches from Hollywood Boulevard at the north end to 71st Street at the south end. Golfers strolling along the path can get a glimpse at Sydney Marovitz Golf Course, enjoy spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and get an up-close look at Oak Street beach, the John Hancock Center and McCormick Place. The path also passes close by Jackson Park Golf Course.
Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows
Golfers who want to do something a little different and perhaps get out of inclement weather can visit the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Located at Navy Pier, the museum houses a permanent display of 150 stained glass windows. Most of the windows on display were originally installed in Chicago religious, commercial and residential buildings.
While at Navy Pier, young golfers or golfers who are young at heart can also play an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 595-5024
www.navypier.com
About The Author
Marci Shear has been a sports reporter for the Associated Press, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. She has also written for several magazines, including Vineline and the Chicago Sports Review. Over the years, she has covered high school sports, college football, basketball and major league baseball.
