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Things to do in Evanston

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in Evanston, Selected for You!

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
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Northwestern University
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
University
633 Clark St
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Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, offers a mix of academic excellence, rich history, and beautiful lakefront views, catering to diverse educational needs.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Free. Campus tours may have fees based on specific programs.

Good (159)

Grosse Point Lighthouse
Seasonal Tours Only
Lighthouse
2601 Sheridan Rd
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Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, Illinois, offers seasonal tours including a climb up 141 steps for views of Lake Michigan and historical insights.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Good (66)

Evanston History Center
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Museum
225 Greenwood St Charles Gates Dawes House
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The Evanston History Center, housed in the Charles Gates Dawes House, offers insights into Evanston's rich history through exhibits and a research room.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors; children under 6 are free.

Good (82)

Dawes Park
Open 24 hours
Park
1700 Sheridan Road
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Dawes Park in Evanston, Illinois offers scenic views, waterfront access, and recreational areas. It's ideal for family outings and community events.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free.

Good (31)

Merrick Rose Garden
7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Park
1426 Oak Ave
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Merrick Rose Garden in Evanston, Illinois features diverse rose varieties and picturesque landscapes, providing a serene escape for visitors of all ages.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a fee.

Good (53)

American Toby Jug Museum
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
910 Chicago Ave
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American Toby Jug Museum in Evanston, Illinois houses the world's largest collection of over 8,000 Toby and Character jugs from the 18th century to today.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed.

Good (6)

Frances Willard Historical Asn
1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Museum
1730 Chicago Ave
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Frances Willard Historical Association in Evanston highlights the life of a key women's rights advocate with a preserved 1865 Gothic Revival home.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special exhibitions.

Good (157)

Halim Time & Glass Museum
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
1560 Oak Ave
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Halim Time & Glass Museum in Evanston offers a unique collection of historic timepieces and stained glass, featuring exhibits like the Louis Comfort Tiffany Gallery.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

General admission: $10. Discounts for students and seniors available.

Loyola University Chicago
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
University
1032 W Sheridan Rd
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Loyola University Chicago offers a Catholic research education in Evanston, Illinois, emphasizing community engagement and academic excellence.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Campus tours may require a reservation but are free of charge.

Good (144)

Block Museum of Art
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
40 Arts Circle Drive
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Block Museum of Art in Evanston, IL is a teaching and learning hub for Northwestern University, showcasing 5000+ artworks across time and cultures, with free entry.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Kenilworth Club
Event hall
410 Kenilworth Ave
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Kenilworth Club is a historic clubhouse in Kenilworth, Illinois, built in a distinctive architectural style. It offers cultural and recreational activities for members.

Duration: N/A (membership required for access).

Membership required. No public access or pricing information is available for general visits.

Wilmette Park District Tot Lot
Sunrise–Sunset
Amusement Park
Illinois
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Wilmette Park District Tot Lot in Evanston offers a safe and vibrant play space for families with young children, featuring slides, swings, and picnic areas.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Open to the public at no charge.

Good (36)

Charles Gates Dawes House
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Museum
225 Greenwood St (Sheridan)
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Charles Gates Dawes House, a chateau-style mansion built in 1894, was once home to a U.S. vice president and is now a museum in Evanston, Illinois.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free for guided tours.

Good (160)

Penny Park
Open 24 hours
Amusement Park
1500 Lake St
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Penny Park in Evanston offers a green refuge featuring a playground and shaded lawns for relaxation and recreation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. All facilities are accessible without charge.

Good (75)

Burnham Shores Park
Open 24 hours
Park
1181-1239 Lake Shore Blvd (at Lake Michigan)
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Burnham Shores Park in Evanston, Illinois, offers scenic lakefront views, green spaces, and recreational areas for visitors of all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. All areas accessible without charge.

S.p.a.c.e
6:00 PM–11:00 PM
Theater
1245 Chicago Ave (at Dempster St)
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S.p.a.c.e in Evanston offers an intimate venue for live music performances featuring local and national artists across genres.

Duration: 2 hours for a typical concert.

Tickets typically range from $10 to $25, with discounted rates for students and seniors.

First Presbyterian Church Evanston
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
Evanston
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First Presbyterian Church Evanston, founded in 1857, features historic architecture, community outreach, and a rich cultural legacy in Evanston, Illinois.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for community programs.

Unitarian Church of Evanston
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
1330 Ridge Ave
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Unitarian Church of Evanston promotes spiritual growth and social justice, offering a welcoming community in Evanston, Illinois.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events or programs may require registration or donations.

Beth Emet Synagogue
9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Temple
1225 Dempster (Ridge)
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Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston, United States, is an influential Reform Jewish congregation known for its historic architecture and community engagement.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church
9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Church
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Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Evanston, Illinois, offers rich history and unique architecture, inviting visitors to participate in spiritual and community activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community programs.

First Church Of God Christian Life Center
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Church
Evanston
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First Church Of God Christian Life Center in Evanston, United States, offers spiritual services, community outreach, and educational programs within a welcoming environment.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are encouraged for special events.

Fresh Anointing Worship Center
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Church
Evanston
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Fresh Anointing Worship Center in Evanston offers a welcoming space for worship and community gatherings with an emphasis on spiritual growth and family activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations welcome but not required.

Dar-us-Sunnah Masjid and Community Center
1:00 PM–9:00 PM
Church
Evanston
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Dar-us-Sunnah Masjid and Community Center in Evanston serves the local Muslim community with prayer services, educational programs, and community activities.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcome to support the center's programs.

Good (1)

Nichols Concert Hall
10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Theater
1490 Chicago Ave (at Music Institute of Chicago)
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Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston, IL, offers exceptional acoustics and a diverse range of performances. It’s a cultural hub for music enthusiasts.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Varies by event. Many performances are free or low-cost for students.

Mason Park Playground
Open 24 hours
Amusement Park
Evanston
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Mason Park Playground in Evanston, United States, offers a spacious outdoor play area with unique equipment, picnic facilities, and nature trails for family-friendly fun.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No costs associated with visiting the playground.

1st Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Evanston
7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Church
Evanston
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1st Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Evanston offers community outreach, spiritual growth, and a commitment to health and education within a historic structure.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Apostolic Lighthouse Church of Evanston
5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Church
1135 Dodge Ave (Dempster)
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Apostolic Lighthouse Church of Evanston offers community worship and spiritual growth through diverse services and outreach programs, grounded in strong religious convictions.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed during services.

Mount Zion M.B. Church
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Church
1113 Clark St
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Mount Zion M.B. Church in Evanston, United States, serves as a historical religious site known for its vibrant community engagement and unique architectural features.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are accepted during services and community events.

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Evanston
9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Synagogue
303 Dodge Ave (Mulford St)
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Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Evanston offers a progressive approach to Judaism, focusing on community, education, and cultural events in a welcoming environment.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are encouraged but not mandatory.

Mary and Leigh Block Museum
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
40 Arts Circle Dr
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Mary and Leigh Block Museum in Evanston, Illinois, houses a diverse collection of contemporary art, features rotating exhibitions, and offers educational programs.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.