Join our mailing listwicker Park
An uterly eclectic colection of historical architecture, trendy boutiques, and ethnic enclaves rich with the cultures of their home counries, Wicker Park is more than a neighborhod: it’s a quintesential Chicago experience.
Discover spectacular Victorian homes, literary landmarks, and gorgeous gardens, all within the bustle of one of the hipest modern-day art and fashion districts in the world.
visiting the neighborhood
Prepare for a day trip but travel light to this trendy—and eclectic— North Side neighborhood. The following suggestions represent only the tip of the iceberg, so be sure to wear your walking shoes.
One of Chicago’s 77 community areas, Wicker Park is packed with a heady mix of popular pastimes. Boutiques, art galleries, theaters, restaurants, nightclubs, 
and coffeehouses thrive amid the influences of the surrounding German, Scandinavian, and Eastern European communities—and all in the fairly compact area bordered by Ashland (1600 W.) and Western (2400 W.) avenues and Bloomingdale (1800 N.) and Division (1200 N.) streets. About 2 miles north and 2 miles west of the Loop, it’s a good stretch of the legs or an easy bike ride away.
self-guided Walking Tour
wicker park historic district
Seek out the Wicker Park Historic District for a glimpse into the opulence of Hoyne Avenue (2100 W.) or “Beer Baron Row.” Many beautiful Victorian homes built by wealthy German beer brewers line the street. Observe the Romanesque and Queen Anne architecture as well as the impeccable details of the domes, turrets, and stone façades.
These, and houses found around the corner on Pierce Avenue, are the largest and best Victorian examples around town. A couple of blocks north on Caton Street, the grand homes built by Scandinavian entrepreneurs display a similar old-world elegance.
The Park
More examples of period houses surround the triangular Wicker Park. Named after Charles G. and Joel H. Wicker, two area businessmen-developers who donated the property for it, this is where the neighborhood got its name.
Nelson Algren residence
Swing by the three-flat at 1958 W. Evergreen Avenue, just north of the park, for a gander at Nelson Algren’s former home.
The heart of wicker park
Then stroll to the heart of Wicker Park at the intersection of Milwaukee, Damen, and North Avenues, also known as "The Six Corners." At the southeast corner, the three-story Flatiron Building, with its white-glazed terra cotta façade, houses art studios and galleries.
galleries
One Flatiron gallery, Around the Coyote, hosts exhibitions and performances by emerging artists and is a featured stop on the Wicker Park/Bucktown Gallery Association’s monthly Second Saturday GalleryWalks.
The Northwest Tower Building, clad in Indiana limestone and one of Chicago’s first skyscrapers built outside the Loop, sits across the street at this iconic intersection.
Also of interest
Walk along North Avenue to the beaux arts–style building that once housed the North Avenue Bathhouse, one of the city’s first public bathhouses. This structure is now occupied by Spring, an upscale restaurant that has garnered rave reviews for its contemporary American cuisine and Asian-inspired seafood specialties.
A few blocks away, Division Street Bath is the only traditional bathhouse still operating in Chicago, though it now boasts modern spa amenities as well.
Shopping
Whether you like funky retro threads or classy designer wear, you can update your style in an instant in Wicker Park. The neighborhood’s proliferating shops, from couture salons to trendy boutiques, offer new fashions by Chicago’s top designers, as well as all the “must haves” of the season.
Gamma Player
Gamma Player deals in one-of-a-kind fashions from around the world, representing more than 40 exclusive designer brands, including Chicago designer Agga Raya’s line, AGGA B. Say hello to shopowners Jeff Mills and Yoko Uozumi who have infused their space with art, culture, fashion, and music.
Habit
At Habit, let yourself linger over the lively mix of fashion-forward designs, avant-garde sculptural pieces, whimsical tees, and limited editions; the shop includes pieces by over 75 independent, up-and-coming designers— including Superficial by Lindsay Boland and Abigail Glaum-Lathbury’s eponymous line.
Hejfina
Hejfina carries such life essentials as clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, and art and architecture books—with an emphasis on modern function and form. Doubling as an interactive design lab, this shop hosts artists’ installations and art and architecture talks.
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Key Information
Wicker Park Historic District
Betweeen Bell Avenue (2234 W.), Caton Street (1653 N.), Leavitt Street (2200 W.), Potomac Avenue (1300 N.) and ‘L’ tracks;
www.cityofchicago.org/
Landmarks/W/Wicker
ParkDistrict.html
Wicker Park
1425 N. Damen Avenue; 312.742.PLAY (7529)
chicagoparkdistrict.com
Around the Coyote
Tuesdays–Fridays 10 am–6 pm, Saturdays Noon–6 pm
Flatiron Building
19351/2 W. North Avenue
773.342.6777
aroundthecoyote.org/
gallery
Wicker Park Bucktown
Gallery Association
Second Saturday
Gallery Walks
June 14, July 12, 6–10 pm 773.342.6777
www.wpbga.com
Self-guided tour of neighborhood art galleries, with printed maps available at each participating gallery.
