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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What to do in Evanston

Popular places to visit

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
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
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
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

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

Navy Pier
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
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
United Center

United Center

Catch an event at United Center during your trip to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

United Center
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
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

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.