North Shore Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in North Shore, Illinois. Learn about the local culture, cuisine, and transportation options in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to North Shore

Located in Chicagoland, a region in the Midwest of the United States of America, North Shore is a delightful destination for all types of travelers. The area boasts of cultural attractions, natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and much more. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through all the must-visit places in North Shore, share the best things to do, recommend the most delicious dishes to try, and reveal the local culture and customs.

List of Places to Visit in North Shore

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Baha’i House of Worship: Located in Wilmette, the Baha’i House of Worship is a stunning architectural masterpiece. It’s the only Baha’i temple in North America and one of only seven in the world.
  • Chicago Botanic Garden: Spread over 385 acres, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a paradise for nature lovers. It’s home to more than 2.5 million plants and 27 display gardens.
  • Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center: The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and survivor testimonies that educate visitors about the Holocaust.

Natural Attractions of North Shore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ravinia Festival: Ravinia Festival is a beautiful open-air venue that hosts music performances and events throughout the summer. It’s a great spot for a picnic or to enjoy a sunset concert.
  • North Shore Channel Trail: The North Shore Channel Trail is a 7.9-mile long bike trail that runs from Chicago to Evanston. It’s perfect for cycling, walking, and jogging.
  • Glencoe Beach: Glencoe Beach is a beautiful beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Shore

  • Green Bay Trail: The Green Bay Trail is a 9-mile long bike trail that runs from Wilmette to Highland Park. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and views of Lake Michigan.
  • North Branch Trail: The North Branch Trail is a 20-mile long trail that runs from Chicago through the suburbs to the Chicago Botanic Garden. It’s perfect for both hiking and biking.
  • Skokie Valley Trail: The Skokie Valley Trail is a 9-mile trail that runs from Highland Park to Lake Forest. It’s a scenic route that passes through forests, prairies, and marshland.

Best Things to Do in North Shore: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tours: North Shore is home to several wineries that offer tours and tastings. Visit Lynfred Winery in Wheeling or Glunz Family Winery in Highland Park to sample local wines.
  • Kayaking Tours: Explore the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan with a kayaking tour. Kayak Chicago in Wilmette offers tours, rentals, and lessons.
  • Escape Rooms: Challenge your problem-solving skills with an escape room adventure. Try the “Area 51” room at Room Escape Adventures in Morton Grove or the “Excalibur” room at Breakout Games in Northbrook.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Shore

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Baha’i House of Worship, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Glencoe Beach
Day 2 Hike the Green Bay Trail and explore the Skokie Sculpture Park
Day 3 Bike the North Branch Trail and enjoy a picnic lunch at The Grove
Day 4 Go on a wine tasting tour and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Highland Park
Day 5 Kayaking tour on Lake Michigan and dinner at one of Evanston’s many restaurants
Day 6 Take a day trip to Chicago and explore the city’s sights and attractions
Day 7 Visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center before heading home

Food and Drink Scene of North Shore

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chicago-style hot dog: The Chicago-style hot dog is a beloved local favorite. It’s a hot dog topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and celery salt served on a poppy seed bun.
  • Deep-dish pizza: North Shore is located close to Chicago, the birthplace of the deep-dish pizza. Giordano’s in Evanston is a great spot to indulge in this cheesy and saucy delight.
  • Italian beef sandwich: The Italian beef sandwich is a Chicago-style sandwich that’s made of thinly sliced beef served in a hoagie roll. Portillo’s in Skokie is a popular spot to try this dish.

Local Beverages

  • Chicago-style gin: Made by CH Distillery in Chicago, this gin is infused with cucumber and coriander to give it a distinct flavor.
  • Goose Island Beer Company: This brewery based in Chicago has a wide range of beers, including their signature “312 Urban Wheat Ale.”
  • Metropolis Coffee: Roasted in Chicago, Metropolis Coffee is a local favorite for coffee lovers.

Where to Stay in North Shore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hilton Orrington/Evanston: Located in the heart of Evanston, this hotel is within walking distance of the Northwestern University campus, the Metra station, and many restaurants and shops.
  • The Homestead: Evanston: The Homestead is a charming bed and breakfast located in a historic mansion in Evanston. It offers a cozy home away from home atmosphere.
  • Hyatt Regency Deerfield: Located in Deerfield, this hotel is just a short drive from popular attractions like Ravinia Festival and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

What to Buy in North Shore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Garrett Popcorn: This famous Chicago-based popcorn chain is known for its “Chicago mix” popcorn, which is a blend of cheddar and caramel popcorn.
  • Waffles: From Belgian Waffle Co. in Wilmette, these Liege-style waffles are perfect for a sweet treat on-the-go.
  • Books: The Book Stall in Winnetka is an independent bookstore that sells a wide range of books, including many that are written by local authors.

Local Culture and Customs of North Shore

  • North Shore Music: North Shore is known for its music scene, which includes Ravinia Festival, Music on the Green, and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.
  • North Shore Living: North Shore is home to many wealthy suburbs, and residents take pride in their homes and gardens. It’s common to see beautiful landscaping and perfectly manicured lawns.
  • Spiritual Diversity: The Baha’i House of Worship makes North Shore an important spiritual center for the Baha’i community. The area is also home to many synagogues and churches.

Best Time to Visit North Shore

The best time to visit North Shore is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny. The summer months also coincide with many outdoor festivals and events. However, be prepared for crowds during this season. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are more manageable.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Shore

Do:

  • Do visit the local museums and cultural attractions.
  • Do explore the beautiful parks and natural areas.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverage scene.

Don’t:

  • Don’t ignore the local culture and customs.
  • Don’t litter or damage the natural areas.
  • Don’t forget to show respect to others and their property.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Shore

North Shore is a safe destination, but it’s always important to take precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Health in North Shore

North Shore has excellent healthcare facilities, including NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston Hospital, and Highland Park Hospital. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, and be sure to bring any necessary medications with you.

Getting to North Shore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North Shore

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Located 16 miles southwest of North Shore, O’Hare is the busiest airport in the Chicago area.
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): Located 24 miles southwest of North Shore, Midway is a smaller airport that mainly serves domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near North Shore

  • Evanston:
    • Davis Street Metra Station
    • Central Street Metra Station
  • Wilmette:
    • Wilmette Metra Station

Other Options

  • Metra Train: The Metra train operates throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and has several stops in North Shore.
  • Uber/Lyft: Uber and Lyft are ride-hailing services that are widely available in North Shore.

How to Get Around in North Shore

  • Public Transit: The local Metra train and the Pace Bus serve North Shore, making it easy to get around without a car.
  • Bike: North Shore has several bike trails and bike lanes that make it easy to get around on two wheels.
  • Car: If you prefer driving, there are plenty of rental car options available at both O’Hare and Midway airports.

Where to Go Next from North Shore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Chicago: Just a short train ride away, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and has a wealth of attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier.
  • Milwaukee: Head north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to explore museums, breweries, and the beautiful Lake Michigan shores.
  • Indiana Dunes National Park: South of North Shore is Indiana Dunes National Park, which offers stunning beaches, hiking trails, and camping opportunities.

Conclusion

North Shore is a must-visit destination that offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure. From the stunning views of Lake Michigan to the beautiful parks and museums, there’s something for everyone in this charming region of Illinois. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make unforgettable memories in North Shore.



    Evanston
    Glenview
    Highland Park
    Northbrook
    Northfield
    Skokie
    Winnetka