Discover Evanston on Lake Michigan

Evanston combines the shores of Lake Michigan with experiences in nature, water activities and a diverse cultural scene. Along the lake, you can enjoy miles of picturesque paths, sandy beaches and impressive views. Those looking for a vacation rental in Evanston can therefore plan their stay around very different interests: walks and sunrises by the water, excursions into nature, historical discoveries or an active day on the lake.

Beaches and Water on Lake Michigan

Evanston has six beaches: Clark Street Beach, Greenwood Street Beach, Lee Street Beach, Lighthouse Beach, South Boulevard Beach and Lincoln Street Beach. The latter is operated by Northwestern University. Along the lakefront, you can swim, go for walks, have picnics and watch the sunrise. This makes it possible to enjoy a varied stay by the water without every day having to follow the same routine.

Non-motorized watercraft are also available. The Dempster Street Launch Facility is used for launching, removing and storing small sailboats, catamarans, windsurfing boards, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. During the swimming season, Evanston's Recreation Division rents out Barnett 1400 sailboats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards by the hour. If you want to focus on lake experiences when choosing your accommodation, these options provide a specific starting point for planning your trip.

Explore Nature and Enjoy Activities Together

Ladd Arboretum combines a bird sanctuary with sculptures and a bike path. The Evanston Ecology Center features a nature classroom with live animal exhibits and nature-focused educational programs. These two offerings have different emphases: while the arboretum provides space for movement and observation, the Ecology Center focuses on presenting nature in an engaging way.

The annual Arboretum Egg Hunt may also be of interest to families with children. It includes entertainment, games, face painting, as well as arts and crafts stations. Those who prefer to explore the area on foot with a historical perspective can find guided walks on the Evanston History Center's program covering Main Street, two-flats, alleys, historic apartment buildings and Daniel Burnham in Evanston.

Culture, History and Local Creativity

The Dawes House offers exhibitions and self-guided house tours from Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. One-hour guided tours with a guide take place at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. This makes it easy to include a visit as a regular cultural element in your daily itinerary.

Another special feature is Evanston Made, an annual event held in June. During the event, studios, galleries, museums, workshops and shops display works by Evanston creatives and host events. Evanston also participates in Ten Thousand Ripples, a public art and peace project. Culture enthusiasts can therefore experience a variety of forms, from a historic house and local creative spaces to art in public spaces.

Transportation and Choosing Your Accommodation

Evanston is served by three public transportation providers: Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Pace. The Metra Union Pacific North line stops at Main, Davis and Central stations and connects Chicago's northern suburbs with downtown Chicago. The CTA Purple Line elevated train stops in Evanston at Central, Noyes, Foster, Davis, Dempster, Main and South Boulevard; it operates from early morning until late evening. When looking for a vacation rental, you can therefore first decide whether your trip should focus primarily on the lake, nature, culture or public transportation.

Other local pages for planning your trip: Schiller Park, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Lansing, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Wheeling and Rolling Meadows.

For the broader travel overview: Cook.