RegattaCentral

 

The Lincoln Park Lagoon is a private, protected waterway that has been the host of competitive rowing races for over 100 years. Since 1980, the Chicago Sprints has grown to become one of the largest summer rowing events in the Midwest. It is a 1,000 meter, classic side-by-side Henley-style race. With the Chicago skyline in the background and the ample park space around the lagoon, every participant and spectator will enjoy this unique venue.  

Along the course is the Lincoln Park Boat House.  Designed by Dwight H. Perkins in conjunction with landscape architect Ossian Cole Simonds and built in 1908, it is consistent with the Prairie School of design. From the park, the building looks like part of the natural environment and blends into the landscape. While much has changed in the city around it, the boat house is still in use today and looks much like it did over 100 years ago.  Across from the boat house is the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the last zoos still left in America with free admission. Also, spectators can take the bike path down to the pedestrian bridge and spend some time along the shore of Lake Michigan and the North Avenue Beach.   

LPBC Location:

Lincoln Park Boat Club’s boathouse is located on the Lincoln Park Lagoon, within the Lincoln Park. The formal address is 2341 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614. This is near Fullerton Avenue and Lake Shore Drive.

Trailer Drivers: 
Trailers will be permitted access to the regatta site on Friday, July 7 from 10:00am until 7:00 pm, unless otherwise scheduled.  Or they may arrive on Saturday or Sunday morning after 6:00 am.  Due to Chicago Park District requirements, a LPBC representative must be present when pulling onto the lawn. IMPORTANT: ALL trailers MUST not pull onto the lawn without plywood underneath the wheels in order to protect the grass. No trucks or cars may remain on the grass in the trailer area. LPBC will provide the necessary supplies upon arrival. There will be a dedicated phone number for last-minute trailer directions contact close to the event date.  

Trucks must be detached from their trailer and may be parked either in the Northeast section of the zoo lot (just east of the entrance gate), or outside of the zoo lot entirely if you choose to save money on parking fees.  Some free street parking exists in the neighborhood, but tends to fill early.

Rowing trailers are not allowed on Lake Shore Drive.  Bridge heights in the area can be low, so be sure to plan your route before exiting the highway.  

IMPORTANT: Trailers should enter & exit the parking gates on the far left side. Please look for signs that point to the gate for trailers/trucks.  This gate is for oversized vehicles and stays open longer and will not come down on your boats. You will damage trailered boats and the exit tollbooth roofs if you do not use the left most gate. 

If you are coming from South of Chicago, exit at Division or Fullerton. Right turns from North Avenue from the highway are VERY DIFFICULT and should be avoided from the South.  

If you are coming from North of Chicago, exit at Fullerton.  

A security guard will be provided overnight for both Friday and Saturday nights to keep an eye on boats and trailers; however neither the regatta, its sponsors nor the Chicago Park District or the Lincoln Park Zoo can be responsible for damage to property left in or around the Boathouse area/lawn.  Please do not leave any loose items (tool boxes, cox boxes etc.) unsecured.  

Parking for Spectators:

Due to the amount of events occurring within Chicago on July 12 and 13, parking around Lincoln Park will be in high demand. The Lincoln Park Zoo’s lot will likely fill up early both days and street parking around the lagoon will be hard to find. We’re advising those racing to plan accordingly.

Paid parking is run through the Lincoln Park Zoo, with the parking lot entrance located at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive (2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614). Parking fees are collected at the lot exit.

Parking rates at the zoo:

0–30 minutes: Free
30 minutes–2 hours: $20
2–4 hours: $24
4–5 hours: $30
5 hours or more: $35

Metered city street parking is available throughout the area as well, and there are several parking garages within an easy walk of the park.