Fun Things To Do In Chicago & Evanston

Evanston is a diverse, high-energy area located on the North Shore of Chicago. With its natural beauty, charm, and close proximity to Chicago, you'll enjoy the area's unique atmosphere. Evanston is home to Northwestern University, one of the country's most prestigious universities, located on 242 acres connected to the shores of Lake Michigan.

Walk the shorelines in picturesque public parks or take in the natural beauty in all four seasons on tree-lined streets. There are over 167 restaurants, art galleries, specialty shops, cafes, bookstores, entertainment venues, and a unique business district are all just outside the doors of the historic Hotel Orrington. It's a 20 minute ride on the local train to take you to a Cubs game or shopping in Downtown Chicago.

Chicago Area Attractions & Activities

Check out a special Welcome to CMS Expo Attendees from Evanston!

•The Talking Pictures Festival
•Chicago Botanic Garden (9 miles): An Illinois botanical museum offering 23 beautiful gardens on 385 acres, plants, flowers, greenhouses, educational classes, and more.
•Ravinia Festival/Music Arena (12.66 miles): Seasonal music venue with a variety of concerts and live performances.
•Six Flags, Great America (32.5 miles): Theme park with a Wiggles World themed area, Operation Spy Girl, world-class coasters, plus over 100 shows a day.
•Bahai Temple (1.6 miles): Gracing the shores of Wilmette just north of Evanston, this striking temple took decades to build and intentionally incorporates architectural and stylistic elements from all the world's religions. It was also recently selected as one of the official Seven Wonders of Illinois for the Chicago land region.
•Evanston Beaches (5 blocks): Evanston is home to five beautiful beaches that offer great southern views of the Chicago skyline.
•Gross Point Lighthouse (1 mile): Built by the United States Government in 1873 as the lead lighthouse marking the approach to Chicago after several shipwrecks demonstrated its need.
•Navy Pier (12 miles): Family attraction featuring entertainment, shopping, dining, cruises, and events, featuring more than 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, and more.
•McCormick Place (25 miles): Chicago’s premier convention facility.
•Shedd Aquarium (14 miles): Known as the World’s Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium has been a Chicago icon and a leader in the zoo and aquarium profession.
•John Hancock Observatory (13 miles): The Hancock Observatory in the John Hancock Tower offers spectacular views spanning up to 80 miles and four states.
•Millennium Park (12 miles): Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North, and Monroe Street to the South.
•Westfield Old Orchard: Beautifully landscaped outdoor shopping center located on Chicago's prestigious North Shore. Conveniently located in Skokie at the intersection of Old Orchard Road and Skokie Boulevard, Westfield Old Orchard features popular retail leaders, surrounded by more than 145 specialty shops and boutiques. An abundant variety of dining options are located on the sprawling grounds, including full service restaurants and fast casual choices in the Orchard Food Court.

Other Noteworthy Chicago Attractions

Sports Stadiums

Wrigley Field - Home of the Chicago Cubs Baseball Team (6 miles)
Soldier Field - Home of the Chicago Bears Football Team (15 miles)
United Center - Home of Chicago Bulls/Blackhawks (19.6 miles)
Ryan Field (5 miles)
Allstate Arena (15.5 miles)

Excercise & Workout Areas

Jogging Track/Trails (5 blocks)
Bicycling (5 blocks)
Evanston Athletic Club (3 blocks)

Theater & Cinema

Lighthouse Opera Works (4 blocks north)
Wilmette Theater (2 miles north)
Aragon Ballroom (6 miles south)
Riviera Theatre (6 miles south)
Century Theaters (3 blocks)
Civic Opera House (19.75 miles)

Shopping
Westfield Old Orchard Center - A Five Star Shopping Experience
Lincolnwood Town Center (3 miles west)
Northbrook Court (3.26 miles north)
Gurnee Mills Outlets (33.2 miles)
Magnificent Mile, Chicago (13 miles south)
Downtown Evanston Sherman Plaza (1 block south)
American Girl Store, Chicago

Colleges & Universities

Northwestern University (1/2 block north)
Loyola University (4.5 miles)
National Louis College

Golf Courses

Peter N. Jans Community Golf Course (.95 miles)
Evanston Golf Club (2.83 miles)
Westmoreland Country Club (3.09 miles)
Robert A. Black Golf Club (3.13 miles)
Weber Park Golf Course (3.38 miles)
Indian Hill Golf Club (3.66 miles)
Bryn Mawr Country Club (4.11 miles)
Chick Evans Golf Course (4.93 miles)
Wilmette Golf Course (4.94 miles)
Winnetka Golf Club (5.08 miles)