What to do in Evanston, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Grosse Point Lighthouse showing a lighthouse and a house
Evanston showing flowers
Northwestern University showing hiking or walking, general coastal views and a garden
Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
Baha\'i House of Worship featuring heritage architecture, a fountain and flowers

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Most fun & popular experiences in Evanston

Tours & day trips

See all 62 activities
Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
8.4 out of 10 with 524 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was Rp736.875 and current price is Rp663.188 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Gangster Story Quest Experience in Chicago

Gangster Story Quest Experience in Chicago

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp153.528 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

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Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour
6.6 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.585.428 per traveller
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Attractions

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360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Activity duration is 30 minutes
8.4 out of 10 with 667 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp491.250 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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BYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. Chicago

BYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. Chicago

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp736.875 per adult
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What to do in Evanston

Popular places to visit

Wrigley Field featuring a city, a sporting event and city views

Wrigley Field

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

Michigan Avenue

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

Millennium Park

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Soldier Field which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

Soldier Field

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
Grant Park

Grant Park

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Chicago Riverwalk featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a city

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk
Six Flags Great America which includes rides

Six Flags Great America

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Six Flags Great America

Explore areas of Evanston

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North Evanston

North Evanston is well liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Central Station (Purple Line) or Noyes Station to get around.

North Evanston
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South Evanston

Get to know South Evanston and its many features like its restaurants and shopping. You might want to explore sights like Lake Michigan and Dawes Park, and you can jump on the metro at Main Street Metro Station or South Boulevard Station to get around the city.

South Evanston
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Downtown Evanston

While you're in Downtown Evanston, take in top sights like Halim Time & Glass Museum and jump on the metro at Davis Metro Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Evanston

Day trip destinations from Evanston

Chicago showing a city and a skyscraper as well as a family

Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Is Evanston worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Evanston is explore Lincoln Park Zoo. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Evanston?
Lincoln Park Zoo and Montrose Beach are two awesome places to begin your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Evanston while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Evanston?
The top tourist attraction in Evanston is Lincoln Park Zoo, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Evanston?
Three days will give you time to check out many city attractions, including Montrose Beach, Riviera Theatre and Kathy Osterman Beach. The average stay in Evanston is three days. If you have the time to extend your break, Chicago isn't far away.
Is Evanston a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Evanston is a great place to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between North Shore Centre for the Performing Arts and Loyola Beach. Then take a stroll around Rogers Park, located 5 kilometers from the centre, and West Ridge, which is roughly 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Evanston with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Evanston with kids.

What to do in Evanston for adults?
FEW Spirits and Armitage Avenue are just two of the things to do in Evanston. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Evanston?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Evanston is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Montrose Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.