Evanston Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and culture of Evanston with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Evanston

Located in the North Shore area of Chicagoland, Evanston is a picturesque city situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. Home to Northwestern University, Evanston is a charming college town that boasts a rich history and cultural landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Evanston

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Evanston has a number of museums and historical places that are worth visiting.

  1. Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art - situated on the Northwestern University campus, this museum has an impressive collection of contemporary art.

  2. Evanston History Center - housed in the Dawes House, this museum showcases Evanston’s history and culture.

  3. Frances Willard House Museum - this museum pays tribute to Frances Willard, a prominent leader in the women’s suffrage movement.

Natural Attractions of Evanston: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Evanston has plenty of outdoor activities and scenic sites to explore.

  1. Lighthouse Beach - a popular beach in Evanston with stunning views of Lake Michigan.

  2. Dawes Park - a spacious park with picnic areas, walking trails, and an amphitheater that hosts summer concerts.

  3. Canal Shores Golf Course - a scenic nine-hole golf course ideal for beginners and intermediate players.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Evanston

Evanston has several hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful views of the city and Lake Michigan.

  1. Evanston Lakefront Trail - a 3.75 mile trail that starts at the Northwestern University campus and ends at Dempster Street Beach.

  2. Skokie Lagoons Trail - a 5-mile trail that goes through Skokie Lagoons Forest Preserve and offers great bird-watching opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Evanston: Activities and Tours

Evanston offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to different interests.

  1. Evanston Food Tour - a walking tour that takes you on a culinary journey through the city’s best restaurants and food shops.

  2. Shakespeare Garden - located on the Northwestern University campus, this garden is a tribute to William Shakespeare and features a collection of plants mentioned in his works.

Week-Long Itinerary for Evanston

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Evanston:

Day 1: Visit Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art Day 2: Spend the day at Lighthouse Beach and Dawes Park Day 3: Explore Evanston History Center and Frances Willard House Museum Day 4: Go on a Skokie Lagoons Trail hike or visit Canal Shores Golf Course Day 5: Take the Evanston Food Tour Day 6: Visit Shakespeare Garden and relax at Centennial Park Day 7: Spend the day exploring Chicago, which is just a short train ride away from Evanston.

Food and Drink Scene of Evanston

Must-Try Dishes

Evanston is known for its diverse dining scene and offers a range of dining options from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.

  1. Chicken Vesuvio - a classic Italian dish made with chicken, potatoes, and peas.

  2. The Celtic Knot’s Fish & Chips - a popular dish that features crispy fish and chips.

Local Beverages

Evanston has a number of bars and breweries that serve local craft beers and cocktails.

  1. Five and Dime - this speakeasy-style bar is located in the historic Hilliard building and serves classic cocktails.

  2. Temperance Beer Company - this brewery serves a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.

Where to Stay in Evanston: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Evanston offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

  1. Hilton Orrington/Evanston - a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, which provides easy access to restaurants and shops.

  2. The Homestead - a boutique hotel that features cozy rooms and thoughtful amenities, including complimentary continental breakfast.

What to Buy in Evanston: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, here are a few options:

  1. Evanston Made - an annual art exhibit that features the work of Evanston-based artists.

  2. Spice House - a local spice shop that offers a wide selection of spices, blends, and seasonings.

Local Culture and Customs of Evanston

Evanston has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its art, architecture, and food.

Best Time to Visit Evanston

The best time to visit Evanston is in the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Evanston

Do:

  1. Visit the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
  2. Go on a hike or bike ride along the Evanston Lakefront Trail

Don’t:

  1. Leave your trash on the beach or in parks.
  2. Smoke in public places or in restaurants.

Safety and Health

Safety in Evanston

Evanston is a safe city, but visitors should take precautions such as locking their car doors and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Evanston

Evanston has several healthcare facilities, including Evanston Hospital and Presence Saint Francis Hospital.

Getting to Evanston: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Evanston

  1. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) - located about 20 miles away from Evanston.

  2. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) - located about 30 miles away from Evanston.

Bus Stations Near Evanston

  1. Greyhound - located in downtown Chicago, which is a short train ride away from Evanston.

  2. Megabus - also located in downtown Chicago.

Other Options

  1. Metra commuter rail - a convenient way to travel between Evanston and Chicago.

  2. CTA bus and train - the Chicago Transit Authority operates buses and trains that connect Evanston to Chicago.

How to Get Around in Evanston

Evanston has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Evanston: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Chicago - located just a few miles away from Evanston, Chicago is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions and things to do.

  2. Milwaukee - a scenic city located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a short drive or train ride away from Evanston.

Conclusion

Evanston is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions, activities, and cultural landmarks to explore. Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with family or friends, there’s something for everyone in this charming college town. So pack your bags and head to Evanston for a memorable trip!

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