Hey there! If you're heading to Northwestern University, whether you're a prospective student, visiting a friend, or just in the neighborhood, you're in for a treat. Evanston is a gem of a city, & it's got a little something for everyone. And let's be real, even if you're a student, sometimes you just need to get out of the library & explore. So, here's a pretty extensive guide on all the cool things you can do near campus.
On-Campus Adventures: More Than Just Academics
Before you even step off campus, there's a bunch of stuff to check out. Northwestern's campus is seriously beautiful, right on the shores of Lake Michigan. It's the perfect place for a stroll, & you can even see the Chicago skyline in the distance.
A great starting point for any campus visit is the Segal Visitors Center. It's a gorgeous building right on the lakefront, & it's the perfect spot to get your bearings. You can grab a campus map, or just soak in the views.
One of the most iconic spots on campus is the Weber Arch. It's the symbolic gateway to the university, & it's where freshmen have their procession with the marching band at the start of the year. It's a great photo op, for sure.
For the history buffs, you've got to see University Hall. It's a fairytale-like building that dates back to the founding of the institution. Another architectural gem is the Deering Library, which was modeled after King's College in Cambridge. It's a super popular study spot for students, but even if you're not hitting the books, it's worth a peek inside. And don't miss the Shakespeare Garden, where you'll find plants that are mentioned in the Bard's plays.
If you're into the arts, the Arts Circle is your spot. It's a cluster of venues in the south of the campus that includes the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, & the Josephine Louis Theater. The Block Museum is a must-see, with a collection of around 6,000 works, including pieces by Andy Warhol & Albrecht Dürer. They also have a cinema that shows classic & contemporary films for free!
And of course, you can't forget about the lakefront. Northwestern has two beaches right on campus where students love to relax. It's the perfect place to take a break from studying & soak up some sun.
Off-Campus But Oh-So-Close: Exploring Evanston
Evanston itself is a vibrant city with a ton to offer. It grew up alongside the university, so it has that classic college town feel, but with a sophisticated vibe all its own.
Museums & Galleries: A Dose of Culture
Beyond the Block Museum, Evanston has a fantastic museum scene. If you're interested in local history, the Evanston History Center is a great place to start. It's housed in the historic Charles Gates Dawes House, a beautiful mansion that was once home to a former Vice President.
For something a little different, check out the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. It's one of the few museums in the country that focuses exclusively on the history, culture, & arts of Native American & First Nations people. It's a really important cultural institution & a great place to learn about the original inhabitants of the land.
Another unique spot is the Frances Willard House Museum. Frances Willard was a prominent social reformer in the 19th century, & her house has been preserved as a museum with all of its original furnishings. It's a fascinating look into the life of a truly remarkable woman.
And for the art lovers, there are a bunch of galleries to explore. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center Gallery hosts a variety of exhibits, & the Dittmar Memorial Gallery at the Norris University Center focuses on the work of emerging female & minority artists. You'll also find a bunch of smaller galleries scattered throughout the city, like the Ice House Gallery & the Evanston Art Center.
The Food Scene: A Culinary Tour of Evanston
Honestly, you could spend a whole trip just eating your way through Evanston. The food scene is INCREDIBLE, with everything from cheap & cheerful student favorites to high-end dining experiences.
Casual Bites & Student Hangouts:
- For Pizza: You can't go wrong with the classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Giordano's & Lou Malnati's both have locations in Evanston & are a must-try. If you're looking for something a little different, Union Squared serves up delicious Detroit-style pizza.
- For Tacos: Evanston has a ton of great taco spots. Taco Diablo is a popular choice, with a fun, lively atmosphere. La Principal is another great option, with a focus on regional Mexican cuisine.
- For Burgers: Bill's Drive-In is an Evanston institution. It's a classic old-school drive-in that's been serving up burgers & fries since 1949. For a more modern take on the burger, check out Edzo's Burger Shop.
- For Fried Chicken: Chicken Shack is another Evanston legend. It's been voted the best late-night bite in Evanston for a reason!
- For Coffee & a Quick Bite: There are a ton of great coffee shops in Evanston. Colectivo Coffee is a popular spot with a great patio. Coffee Lab is a smaller, more intimate spot with handcrafted espresso drinks. And if you're looking for a sweet treat, you HAVE to go to Cinnaholic. They have the most amazing cinnamon rolls with a ton of different frosting & topping options.
A Little More Upscale:
- The Barn Steakhouse: This is a meat-centric hideaway tucked away in an alley. It's got a great, old-school vibe with table-side service.
- Oceanique: This is a fine-dining restaurant that specializes in French-American cuisine with a focus on seafood. It's a bit of a splurge, but it's perfect for a special occasion.
- Campagnola: If you're in the mood for Italian, Campagnola is a great choice. They have a wide variety of pastas, pizzas, & other Italian dishes.
- NaKorn: This is a full-service Thai restaurant with a modern twist on traditional recipes. It's a great place for family-style dining.
International Flavors:
- Tapas Barcelona: This restaurant serves up fine Spanish cuisine inspired by Seville, Spain.
- Habibi In: For a taste of the Mediterranean, check out Habibi In.
- Joy Yee's Noodles: This place is a go-to for Asian noodles & other dishes.
And here's a little tip: finding a good parking spot in downtown Evanston can be a bit of a headache, especially during peak hours. If you're driving in for a meal, you might want to check out Prked. It's a pretty cool service that lets you rent a private driveway or garage from a local homeowner. It can be a real lifesaver, especially when you're in a hurry to get to your dinner reservation!
Parks, Beaches, & Getting Outdoors
One of the best things about Evanston is its location right on Lake Michigan. There are a ton of opportunities to get outside & enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Beaches:
Evanston has six public swimming beaches, so you've got plenty of options for a day of fun in the sun. Clark Street Beach is the closest to downtown Evanston, & it's a popular spot for students. The Northwestern Sailing Center is also located on the lakefront, & they offer kayak, sailboat, & stand-up paddleboard rentals & lessons.
Parks:
There are over 70 parks in Evanston, so you're never far from a green space. Centennial Park is a popular spot, with a beach, volleyball courts, & walking paths. Dawes Park is another great option, with a beautiful lagoon that's perfect for a stroll.
If you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, check out Lawrence O Lawson Park. It's a secluded park with mature trees, beautiful gardens, & a great playground. And for a truly unique experience, visit the Merrick Rose Garden. It's home to hundreds of beautiful rose bushes & is a truly stunning sight to see.
Grosse Point Lighthouse:
This historic lighthouse was built in 1873 & is one of the most iconic landmarks in Evanston. The grounds are open year-round, & you can even take a tour to the top of the light tower for some amazing views of the lake.
Live Music & Entertainment
Evanston has a surprisingly vibrant live music scene. SPACE is a popular music hall that hosts a variety of national & local acts. They also have a smaller, more intimate venue called The Spot.
During the summer, you can catch free outdoor concerts at Fountain Square as part of the Downtown Summer Sounds series. They also have a Starlight Concert & Movie Series that takes place in various parks throughout the city.
And of course, being so close to Chicago, you have easy access to some of the best music venues in the country. A quick trip on the "L" train will take you to legendary spots like the Metro, the Riviera Theatre, & the Empty Bottle.
Evanston has a great mix of independent boutiques & national retailers. Downtown Evanston is a great place to start your shopping adventure. You'll find a ton of cute shops, like Bookends & Beginnings, a great independent bookstore, & Ten Thousand Villages, which sells fair-trade crafts from around the world.
Central Street is another great shopping district, with a mix of clothing boutiques, home goods stores, & specialty shops. You'll also find a number of antique stores & consignment shops scattered throughout the city, so you can hunt for some unique treasures.
And if you're a student looking to show your school spirit, you'll find plenty of Northwestern gear at the Barnes & Noble on campus & at other local retailers like Campus Gear & Beck's Bookstore.
A Quick Jaunt to the Windy City
Of course, no trip to Northwestern would be complete without at least one visit to Chicago. It's just a short train ride away, & the possibilities are endless.
You can explore world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, & the Shedd Aquarium. You can catch a game at Wrigley Field or see a show at the legendary Second City comedy club. Or you can just wander through the different neighborhoods & soak in the big-city atmosphere.
And again, if you're driving into the city, parking can be a real nightmare. I'd definitely recommend checking out Prked to find a convenient & affordable parking spot. It'll save you a lot of time & stress, so you can focus on enjoying all that Chicago has to offer.
I hope this was helpful! Evanston is a really special place, & there's so much to see & do. Let me know what you think, & if you have any other favorite spots, be sure to share them
