The Field Museum sits at 1400 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, in the heart of Chicago’s Museum Campus. Parking on the Museum Campus is operated by the Chicago Park District and managed by Standard Parking. On special event days such as Bears games, concerts, or festivals, parking rates may rise and certain lots may be reserved for event ticket‑holders.
- Avoid queues; book your Field Museum tickets in advance.
Parking options near the museum
Comparing options helps you find the best fit for convenience, accessibility, and cost:
• Soldier Field North Garage – Rates: about $27 for up to 4 hours and $32 for up to 12 hours. Open daily 5 AM–5 PM; cars may exit after closing, but no overnight parking. Covered and accessible via Museum Campus Drive.
• East Museum Lot – Rate: about $32 for up to 12 hours. Open daily 9 AM–3 PM; cars may exit after hours, but no overnight parking. Closest lot to the museum and includes wheelchair‑accessible spaces on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
• Accessibility alternative – If East Museum Lot’s accessible spaces are full, try the east end of Soldier Field North Garage, which has elevators offering easier access to the museum’s East entrance.
- Secure your Field Museum tickets before paying for parking.
Smart tips to save time and money
• Avoid event‑peak days when possible – Concerts, Bears games, or other large events can cause closures or increased rates.
• Alternative parking & public transit – Some off‑site garages offer lower rates ranging from about $8–$20 and are within walking distance. Many visitors prefer using CTA or Metra to avoid event‑day congestion entirely.
- Skip the lines and get to the T-Rex faster by pre-booking Field Museum tickets.
Five great things to do in Chicago
- 🏙️ Marvel at the skyscrapers – on a Chicago River architecture cruise.
- 🖼️ Take an interiors architecture tour – to see stunning glass art and mosaics.
- 🍕 Taste Chicago’s favourite dishes – on a city favourites food tour.
- 🌆 Visit the Willis Tower observation deck – and see the city from above.
- 🕵️ Discover Chicago’s gangster heritage – on a crime and mob tour.
Quick‑compare table
| Parking option | Hours | Up to 4h rate | Up to 12h rate | Notes |
| Soldier Field North Garage | 5 AM–5 PM | $27 | $32 | Covered, no overnight, accessible |
| East Museum Lot | 9 AM–3 PM | — | $32 | Closest, accessible spaces available |
| Off‑site Garages | Varies | $8–$20 | — | Budget-friendly, walking distance |
FAQs on Field Museum parking
Q: Where is the best place to park at the Field Museum?
A: The East Museum Lot offers the shortest walk and accessibility features but has limited hours and space. For covered parking with broader hours, try Soldier Field North Garage.
Q: Can I park overnight?
A: No. Both the East Museum Lot and the North Garage do not allow overnight parking.
Q: Are there accessible parking options?
A: Yes—available in the East Museum Lot on a first‑come basis. If those fill up, head to the east end of Soldier Field North Garage for easier access via elevators.
Q: What public transportation options serve the Field Museum?
A: CTA trains (Red, Orange, Green lines—Roosevelt stop) and CTA buses (#146 year‑round, #130 mid‑May to Labour Day) serve the museum. The Metra Electric District’s Museum Campus/11th Street stop is also nearby.
More Chicago travel
Other Chicago travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Do I need to buy Art Institute of Chicago tickets in advance?
- The Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall: Chicago’s most underrated attraction?
- The best attractions in Chicago’s Millennium Park.
- The best places in Chicago for Frank Lloyd-Wright architecture.
- Why a guided tour is the best way to see Oak Park in Chicago.
- Experiencing different pizza styles in Chicago’s West Loop.
