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Evanston is a lakefront city of about 75,000 people just north of Chicago on Lake Michigan. Founded in the 1850s alongside Northwestern University, it grew into one of Chicago's most attractive suburbs, with leafy streets lined with large Victorian houses and parks along the lake.
Northwestern University's campus stretches along the shore, with Gothic halls, the Block Museum of Art and the Deering Library. The Grosse Point Lighthouse, built in 1873, still stands at the north end of town, and a chain of lakefront parks and beaches runs the length of the city, with views of the Chicago skyline on clear days.
Downtown Evanston has restaurants, bookstores and theaters around Fountain Square, and the Charles Gates Dawes House tells the story of the vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner who lived there. The CTA Purple Line and Metra trains connect Evanston directly with downtown Chicago.
Brick lighthouse built in 1873 after deadly shipwrecks off the shore, now a National Historic Landmark set among gardens on the bluff. Guided tower tours run on summer weekends, with views over Lake Michigan. Check the tour schedule; children must meet a minimum height to climb.
Lakeside campus with Gothic halls, the striking Deering Library and paths on landfill along Lake Michigan with views of the Chicago skyline. Walk the lakefill path to the sailing beach and rocks. Visitors are welcome on grounds; park in paid visitor lots or come by train.
Northwestern University's art museum, showing changing exhibitions of global art, photography and prints, plus film screenings and talks. Admission is free and it rarely feels crowded. Combine it with a walk on the lakefront campus; check opening days, as it closes Mondays.
Chateau-style lakeside mansion from 1894, home of Charles G. Dawes, US vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, now the Evanston History Center. Guided tours show original rooms and stories of the city. Tours run on set days; reserve ahead for small groups.
Victorian home of Frances Willard, leader of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and a major voice for women's suffrage. The house keeps her furniture, books and personal items. It is a National Historic Landmark; tours are offered on limited days, so book ahead.
Small museum devoted to the art, history and cultures of Native peoples across North America, with baskets, pottery, beadwork, tools and changing exhibits by contemporary Native artists. It is a thoughtful one-hour visit. Check opening days, as hours are limited.
Sandy Lake Michigan beach below the Grosse Point Lighthouse, with lifeguards in summer and dunes behind the shore. It is one of Evanston's prettiest beaches. Non-residents need a beach token in season, sold at the entrance; parking is limited, so come early.
Small formal garden near downtown Evanston with hundreds of rose bushes around a historic fountain and benches. It peaks in June when the roses bloom. Admission is free; it is a pleasant short stop on a walk between downtown and the lakefront.
Lakefront park next to downtown Evanston with a lagoon, open lawns, a sailing beach and the shoreline path. It hosts summer events and fireworks views. Walk or bike the lakefront path north toward Northwestern or south toward the Chicago border.
Quiet walled garden on the Northwestern campus, planted around 1915 with flowers and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare's plays and framed by hawthorn hedges. It is listed on the National Register. Free to visit; it is next to Alice Millar Chapel and best in late spring.
Long, narrow arboretum along the North Shore Channel with walking paths, tree collections, a prairie restoration and the Evanston Ecology Center, which runs nature programs. It is good for a quiet walk or bike ride. Parking is available at the Ecology Center on McCormick Boulevard.
Lively downtown near the CTA and Metra stations with independent shops, bookstores, coffee houses and restaurants from many cuisines, popular with students. It is easy to reach by train from Chicago. Walk to the lakefront and Northwestern campus from here in minutes.
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