Looking for things to do in Evanston in 2025? Whether you’re visiting from Chicago or a local, it’s the perfect place to explore as a unique suburban city.
From lakeside attractions to multiple museums within proximity, these top local Evanston destinations are worth checking out.
Where is Evanston, Illinois?
Evanston is a popular suburban city in Cook County, IL. It’s around 12 miles north of downtown Chicago and only about a 30-minute drive. Evanston brings the best of both worlds: suburban and coastal living. Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline, it attracts people from all over to live and visit here, yet within proximity to the vibrant Windy City.
Fun Things to Do in Evanston in 2025 Year-Round
Below are some of the best things to do in Evanston all year round with directions, on getting there.
Explore Downtown Evanston
![Aerial view image of downtown Evanston, IL](https://chicagorentals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Things-to-Do-in-Evanston-Downtown-Evanston.jpg")
Evanston has a bustling downtown area, conveniently located where Chicago and North Shore meet. There’s always something new to explore in downtown Evanston, like indie bookstores, art galleries, local fashion boutiques, and seasonal events.
The Davis St/Evanston train station takes you right to the heart of downtown via the Union Pacific-North (UP-N) Line. The Ridge & Davis bus stop is a five-minute walk via Bus 201 and 250.
Visit One of the Many Museums in Evanston
Did you know there are eight museums within Evanston? As a local history hub, there are plenty of exhibits to visit year-round, including:
Block Museum of Art
Credit: Northwestern University
Located on the prestigious Northwestern University Evanston campus, the Block Museum of Art hosts a permanent collection of almost 4,000 works of art. From prints to photographs and sculptures from the 13th century to the present, you can travel in time through art.
The Foster train station is a 15-minute walk via the Purple Line. The Sheridan & Emerson bus stop is a six-minute walk via Bus 201.
Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Credit: Central Street Evanston
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum is dedicated to the local history of North American native culture and arts. Recently renamed from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, you can take a private tour, explore historic exhibits, and attend seasonal markets from local Native American businesses.
The closest public transit option is by bus, with the Central St & Lawndale only a three-minute walk via Bus 201 and 206.
Frances E. Willard House Museum
Credit: National Park Service
Learn more about local women’s rights history at the Frances E. Willard House Museum. It’s an 1865 carpenter gothic-style house where the first president of the Evanston College for Ladies transformed women’s lives and is a historic landmark. It’s now part of Northwestern University where you can learn more about how the women’s unions were formed.
The Davis station is an eight-minute walk away by bus or train via the Purple Line.
Dance in SPACE
Credit: SPACE
While not technically outer space, you can dance the night away at SPACE. It’s a boutique music venue with intimate, weekly live shows. There are standing areas and seating available if you prefer for your ideal night out.
The Dempster train station is only a two-minute walk away via the Purple Line. The Chicago Ave & Dempster St bus stop takes you to the entrance via Bus 206 and 213.
Enjoy Evanston Local Eats
Evanston has a diverse dining scene, with a wide variety of local restaurants and quick-service options.
Some of the top-rated places to eat in Evanston include:
•Soul & Smoke: A smoked BBQ meat joint with indoor and outdoor patio seating. Their Cajun buffalo and jerk chicken with soy-based pineapple are packed with flavor.
•Tapas Barcelona: A Spanish restaurant with affordable entrees under $30. Their grilled baby octopus and seasonal gazpacho (cold soup) are uniquely delicious.
•PICNIC: A casual vegan quick-service restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, like build-your-own salads and grain bowls.
Check Out the Northwestern University Campus
You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the beautiful campus of Northwestern University Evanston. It not only has stunning lakeside scenery along Lake Michigan, but it also has events and activities for non-students.
You can enjoy the natural beauty of the Shakespeare Garden, where you can sit at the memorial fountain and relax or take a tour to learn more about its history. Northwestern University is known for its athletics as an NCAA Division 1 school and Big Ten Conference member. Their basketball, football, and field hockey teams are top-performing and worth attending a game.
Several train stations are within a 15-minute walk or less, with the Davis station as the closest, a nine-minute walk via the Purple Line. Plenty of bus stops are also nearby, with Sheridan & Lincoln being a one-minute walk via Bus 201.
Stroll Through the Merrick Rose Garden
From May to October, the Merrick Rose Garden is open with thousands of roses and over 200 flower varieties on display. It’s the perfect day date idea to stroll along the flower-filled paths or sit at the historic Centennial Fountain.
The Merrick Rose Garden is steps away from downtown Evanston. The Davis St/Evanston Metra train station is a seven-minute walk via the UP-N Line. The Lake & Ridge bus stop is a convenient three-minute walk away via Bus 206.
Soak in the Sun at Lee Street Beach
Credit: City of Evanston
As one of the most popular lakeside beaches, Lee Street Beach is among the top Evanston tourist attractions. You can relax in the sand or the water with captivating views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline when the weather is warmer. Evanston residents get the benefit of free beach passes with seasonal passes available for non-residents to save on daily admission fees.
The Main Street Metra train station is a 15-minute walk via the UP-N Line, making it perfect for Chicago travelers looking to escape the bustling city. The Chicago Ave & Greenleaf St bus stop is less than a 15-minute walk via Bus 213.
Visit the Grosse Point Lighthouse
The Grosse Point Lighthouse is a historic Evanston landmark and is open from June to September, weather permitting. You can take a lighthouse tour up the 141 stairs and soak in the aerial views of Lake Michigan. There’s also an indoor exhibit to learn more about the local history as an open trade port between the Native Americans and European explorers.
The Central train station is a 10-minute walk via the Purple Line. The Central St & Sherman bus stop is a seven-minute walk via Bus 201.
Attend Local Holiday Events
There are plenty of holiday-themed Evanston activities, no matter what you celebrate. Below are some of the most popular festive events worth attending.
Holiday Tree Lighting in Downtown Evanston
Credit: clarsonx
Each year, downtown Evanston hosts a holiday tree-lighting event in early December at Fountain Square. It’s family-friendly, with plenty to do for all ages, including free photos with Mr. and Mrs. Clause, live holiday-themed music performances, and complimentary hot cocoa. There are also local vendors like coffee breweries and farmers market produce for shopping.
The Davis Metra station is a convenient three-minute walk via the Purple Line. The Davis & Maple bus stop is also only a four-minute walk away.
Egg Hunts in Eggleston Park
Credit: Chicago Tribune
If you’re looking for Evanston children’s activities, the annual Egg Hunt at the Ecology Center’s Arboretum is worth checking out in late March. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring as your kids search the paths and gardens of scenic Eggleston Park with their peers. In addition to the egg hunt, there are Easter-themed activities, like face painting, arts and crafts, and take-home gifts.
The Central St train station is a 15-minute walk via the UP-N Line. The Emerson St & Foster St bus stop is a 13-minute walk via Bus 208.
Downtown Summer Sounds
Credit: Chicago’s North Shore
Kick off summer in Evanston with Downtown Summer Sounds. Located at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston, it’s a free outdoor concert from July to late September, with a wide range of musical genres. During the performances, you can grab a beer, wine, or canned cocktails, with several food trucks onsite.
Each week there’s also a Thursday Night Market featuring artists and retailers from regional communities that rotate each month.
As mentioned above, the Davis Metra station is a three-minute walk via the Purple Line. The Davis & Maple bus stop is a four-minute walk away.
Welcome to Evanston Living: Your Lakeside Community Apartment Awaits
Evanston is truly a special place to live. It’s not only a lakeside community, but it also offers suburban and city living that suits all lifestyles. At TLC Management Co., we have 37 properties within Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with the local expertise to find you the perfect place.
Each of our properties features unique amenities, such as:
•Spacious floorplans with oversized windows and walk-in closets
•Private dog bark parks, BBQ areas, and deluxe children’s playgrounds
•Flexible lease terms and no security deposits in select locations
Ready to find your Evanston apartment or nearby?
Browse our Chicago urban listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to start your search today!
