Visit the Memorial

Open and free to the public, the Elks National Memorial and Headquarters is located at 2750 N. Lakeview Avenue, at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Diversey Parkway. Located along Chicago's historic lakefront, it is easily accessible by public transportation and within walking distance of Lincoln Park.

The Elks National Memorial is typically open to the public from the second Monday in April through the second Friday in November, Monday through Saturday, noon-4:00 PM, with final admission at 3:45 PM. Hours and seasonal schedules may vary. Visitors are encouraged to check current information before arriving.

For questions about visiting, group tours, or accessibility accommodations, please contact the Memorial directly.

Accessibility

The Memorial is committed to welcoming all visitors. Accessibility accommodations are available, and guides are happy to assist with questions or specific needs.

Limited visitor parking is available on weekdays in the Memorial’s parking lot, located on the south side of the building off Lakeview Avenue, with a direct connection to our accessible entrance. An elevator provides access to the exhibition spaces, including the basement exhibit.

On weekends, the parking lot is typically closed. Visitors who require access to the accessible entrance during weekend hours are encouraged to contact the Memorial in advance so accommodations can be arranged.

Directions by car

  • From the north, take I-90 south and exit at California Avenue. Turn left onto Diversey and drive about 3 miles east. The Memorial will be on the right side.
  • From the south, take I-55 east until it ends at Lake Shore Drive. Continue on Lake Shore Drive north and exit at Fullerton Parkway. Head west on Fullerton to Lakeview Avenue and turn right. The Memorial will be on the left side of the street at the intersection of Lakeview and Diversey.
  • From the west, take I-290 east until it turns into Congress Parkway. Continue heading east and turn left onto Columbus Drive. Make a right onto Jackson Drive, followed by a left on to Lake Shore Drive. Follow Lake Shore Drive north and exit at Fullerton Parkway. Head west on Fullerton and turn right onto Lakeview Avenue. The Memorial will be on the left side of the street.
  • Click here to get turn-by-turn directions from your address.

Directions by public transportation

CTA buses #76, #77, #134, #143, #151, and #156 all stop at the corner of Sheridan and Diversey, right outside the door. Visitors arriving by train should take the Brown Line to Diversey, then walk a half mile east, or board an eastbound #76 bus to reach the Memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-flash photography of the building, artwork, and interior spaces is permitted for personal use only.

To preserve the dignity of the Elks National Memorial as an active memorial and headquarters, photography that is posed, staged, directed, or uses the Memorial primarily as a backdrop for individuals is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, engagement, wedding, graduation, prom, birthday, influencer, branding, or social media shoots, professional or commercial photography, as well as the use of lighting equipment or props.

Staff are allowed to stop photography that does not align with these guidelines.

Currently, the Memorial is not available for private rentals or events. As a historic landmark, modifications required for modern venue use would compromise its preservation. If you have questions about specific circumstances, please contact the Memorial.

Off-season tours are limited and available only to Elks members with advance notice. Availability is not guaranteed. Elks members interested in requesting an off-season visit should contact grandlodge@elks.org.