What to do and see in Evanston, Illinois (IL): The Best Free Things to do

June 6, 2021 Esmeralda Fenner

Evanston (/ˈɛvənˌstən/) is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States, 12 miles (19 km) north of downtown Chicago, bordered by Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, and Wilmette to the north. It had a population of 74,486 as of 2010. It is one of the North Shore communities that adjoin Lake Michigan and is the home of Northwestern University. The boundaries of the city of Evanston are coterminous with those of the former Evanston Township, which was dissolved in 2014 by voters with its functions being absorbed by the city of Evanston.
Restaurants in Evanston

1. The American Toby Jug Museum

910 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202-1819 +1 877-862-9687 http://www.tobyjugmuseum.com/
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

The American Toby Jug Museum

2. Merrick Rose Garden

Merrick Park, Evanston, IL 60201 http://cityofevanston.org/parks-recreation/parks/merrick-rose-garden/
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

Merrick Rose Garden

Reviewed By V3792SFjulians - Stow, United States

This place is Evanston's hidden gem. If you like flowers and roses, this place is special. It is a beautiful, peaceful garden. It is well tended and a pleasure to walk through. It has many rose varieties and lots of colors. I like the multicolored roses the best. It is free and open. You can walk through at any time. There is also a beautiful fountain, which unfortunately is not running this year due to Covid, although I am not sure why.

3. Northwestern University

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208-0001 +1 847-491-3741 http://www.northwestern.edu/
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 382 reviews

Northwestern University

Reviewed By ChenEvelyn

A gorgeous and safe campus with amazing beaches and water views to boot! Have some of the best students and top professors in the world.

4. Block Museum of Art

40 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston, IL 60208-0883 +1 847-467-4602 [email protected] http://www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Block Museum of Art

The Block Museum of Art is a dynamic, imaginative, and innovative teaching and learning resource for Northwestern University and its surrounding communities, featuring a global exhibition program that crosses time periods and cultures and serves as a springboard for thought-provoking discussions. The Block mounts exhibitions; commissions new work; organizes lectures, symposia, and workshops; and screens classic and contemporary films at its in-house cinema. With over 5,000 artworks, the permanent collection of the Block Museum boasts rich and diverse holdings of prints, drawings, and photography and continues to expand its holdings of works in every medium that that support the museum’s global and interdisciplinary mission. Always free and open to all.

Reviewed By O6378WFannag - Park Ridge, United States

Very nice modern building and an amazing location on university campus and by the Michigan Lake. Very interesting expo.

5. Dawes Park

1700 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201 +1 847-475-3410 http://www.cityofevanston.org/parks-recreation/parks/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Dawes Park

6. Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop

711 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202-1701 +1 847-866-7374 [email protected] http://davesrockshop.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop

Since 1970, Dave's has been providing "Art Created by Mother Nature", to both novice and professional collectors of unique fossils, mineral specimens, Native American Artistry and semi-precious stones, set in fine sterling silver. At Dave's, you'll never be a a loss when looking for that unique gift item for yourself or another. Come on in and check out our "Free Prehistoric Life Museum"!!! It's the largest private collection on display to the general public, and totally free. See you soon!!!

Reviewed By Willwerks - Chicago, United States

Dave's has been around for awhile; I first visited before my oldest was born, now I take her kids there. Just a great place, full of wonderful finds at all price levels. My grandsons have bought many small treasure there, and I have picked up some neat items over the years, too. This is as much a natural history museum as a store, and its staff is always welcoming and ready to answer a kid's question. A must place to visit in Evanston!

7. Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market

Intersection of University Place and Oak Ave behind Hilton Garden Inn, east of East Railroad Ave, Evanston, IL http://www.cityofevanston.org/evanston-life/farmers-market/
Excellent
80%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.