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About Evanston and Chicago

Experience the best of Chicago and make Evanston your home

 

Our location in the Chicagoland area gives you an over 240 square mile learning laboratory to explore, experience, and engage. Whether it is through exploring museums, visiting different houses of worship, attending neighborhood festivals, engaging in local activism opportunities, checking out a farmers market, or simply taking a trip downtown on the ‘L’, there is always something new to learn and experience!

Welcome to our home!

The city of Evanston is where we call home. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan and just north of Chicago, it features numerous cultural outlets, an excellent public school system, thriving business districts, and many public lakefront recreation activities and beaches.

Evanston at a Glance

One-Of-A-kind Shopping Districts

 

Evanston is home to a number signature neighborhood stores and boutiques, each with their own unique style and flare including:

 

Street Fairs and Festivals

 

During the spring and summer, Evanston hosts dozens of street fairs, festivals and exciting neighborhood events.

Museums and the Arts

 

Evanston boasts one of the largest and most diverse arts and theatre communities in Illinois and it’s collection of museums provide wonderful day excursions.

Parks and Playgrounds

 

Evanston has 70 parks and 50 playgrounds which cover over 300 acres of land.

Foodies Welcome Here

 

With close to 90 cafes and restaurants, from award-winning Italian and Japanese cuisine to French, Asian and regional American specialties, Evanston’s dining scene promises an exciting culinary experience guaranteed to satisfy even the most sophisticated palate.

Two Great Cities on One Great Lake

Evanston and Chicago are both located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has six public beaches that are free for Evanston residents. Chicago’s 26-mile lakefront includes numerous public parks and gardens, an 18-mile Lakefront Trail, and over 24 free public beaches.

Chicago skyline from North Avenue Beach

Travel the entire Chicagoland area by the 2nd largest public transit system in the country

train pulling into station

Take a Day Out in the “City in a Garden”

Did you know Chicago is home to over 600 parks and 8,000 acres of green space – making it the nation’s leader in green space and recreation?

aerial view of lincoln park and chicago skyline

Some people only have days to explore Chicago. You’ll have years!

Theatre and Performing Arts

 

From the downtown theatres performing the latest Broadway hits, to intimate neighborhood theatres showcasing the local hidden talent, there’s something for everyone here. And of course, Chicago is home to the brilliant and hilarious The Second City!

Museums and Culture

 

Chicago is home to some of the world’s premier museums and neighborhood cultural attractions including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Bean (Cloud Gate), the Field Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, and so much more!

A Sport for Every Fan

 

Chicago is home to some of the best and most historic sports teams in the world. Whether you want to catch a Bears game at Soldier Field, experience the sights and sounds of Wrigley Field, see the 2021 WNBA Champions Chicago Sky in action, or any of our other numerous professional sports teams, there’s something for every fan.

A Year-Round Festival Season

 

From food festivals, outdoor markets, Pride celebrations, film fests, cultural heritage events, and more, there is something to do every weekend in Chicago

Get started on your Chicago bucket list