There are several reasons to choose Evanston as a place to stay: the Lake Michigan shoreline with its beaches and paths, the city’s nature and cultural attractions, and connections to Chicago. Which aspect you focus on depends on whether you’re looking for time by the water, walks and nature, or exhibitions and history.
Getting Around and Transportation
Evanston is served by three public transportation providers: Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and Pace. Metra’s Union Pacific North Line stops in Evanston at Main, Davis, and Central stations, connecting Chicago’s northern suburbs with downtown Chicago. The CTA Purple Line elevated train stops at seven stations in Evanston: Central, Noyes, Foster, Davis, Dempster, Main, and South Boulevard. It runs from early morning until late evening; since schedules can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest times before traveling. The two lines serve different stations and routes, but this does not imply a specific connection between individual attractions.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Evanston, the focus of your stay can help you decide where to go: the lakeshore and water activities, nature, or culture and history. The transportation options listed above can also be a useful point of reference if Chicago is part of your travel plans.
Lake Michigan, Beaches, and Waterside Activities
Evanston’s Lake Michigan shoreline offers miles of scenic paths, sandy beaches, and views across the lake. The six beaches are Clark Street Beach, Greenwood Street Beach, Lee Street Beach, Lighthouse Beach, South Boulevard Beach, and Lincoln Street Beach; the latter is operated by Northwestern University. Possible activities along the lake include swimming, walking, picnicking, and watching the sunrise. You can enjoy your time by the water in different ways, from taking a walk to relaxing on the beach.
The Dempster Street Launch Facility is for launching, retrieving, and storing non-motorized watercraft. These include small sailboats, catamarans, windsurfing boards, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. Separate from this is Evanston’s Recreation Division’s seasonal rental service: during swimming season, it rents Barnett 1400 sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards by the hour. The seasonal restriction applies to these rentals; check the latest information in advance if you’re planning to use them.
Nature and Outdoor Discoveries
Ladd Arboretum features a bird sanctuary, sculptures, and a bike path. The Evanston Ecology Center complements its nature focus with a nature classroom, live animal exhibits, and nature-related educational programs. These offerings provide a different focus from activities by the lake: here, the emphasis is on observing nature, outdoor art, and learning. If you’re accounting for different interests within your travel group, you can treat these as activities in their own right rather than limiting your stay to beach visits.
House Tours, Art, and Local History
The Dawes House offers exhibitions and self-guided house tours Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. One-hour guided tours with a guide take place at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Times may change, so check the latest information before visiting. This makes it easier to fit a visit into your day without confusing the self-guided option with a guided tour.
The Evanston History Center offers guided walking tours on topics such as Main Street, two-flats, alleys, historic apartment buildings, and Daniel Burnham in Evanston. The summer program offers different perspectives on the city, including architecture, streetscapes, and local history. Evanston also participates in Ten Thousand Ripples, a public art and peace project.
Annual Events
Evanston Made takes place every June. Studios, galleries, museums, workshops, and shops showcase work by Evanston creatives and host events. Specific dates and participating venues may vary. If this event is important to your trip, check the dates and locations before making plans.
Another annual event is the Arboretum Egg Hunt at Ladd Arboretum. The program includes entertainment, games, face painting, and arts and crafts stations. Dates and programming may vary here, too. Both events complement the year-round nature and cultural attractions with seasonal occasions that may influence when you choose to travel.
Discover more destinations: Glencoe, Melrose Park, Matteson, Wheeling, Park Ridge, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Barrington
For the overall travel overview: Cook.
