Located just north of Chicago, Evanston, Illinois is set on the shores of Lake Michigan. The diversity of the community is displayed in the city’s offerings of restaurants, businesses and cultural activities.
Evanston’s proximity to the City of Chicago make it the perfect choice for a day outing or weekend visit. Even better than its location are the number of free things there are available to see and do while visiting Evanston. Here are eight free things to do in Evanston, Illinois this summer.
1. Visit the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
The Block Museum of Art is located on the campus of Northwestern University and houses an extensive permanent collection of art from the thirteenth century to the present. Admission is always free. 1967 S Campus Dr, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
2. Browse the Lakeshore Arts Festival
Celebrating its 35th year the Lakeshore Arts Festival features live jazz and classical concerts, a family and child craft tent, artist booths and several demonstrations. The event takes place August 4th and 5th in Evanston’s Dawes Park, along the lakefront.
3. Enjoy the Starlight Concerts
15 free music concerts will be offered at four different locations in Evanston’s Starlight Concert. Every night and location offers a different genre of music. The free concerts run till August 21st and are from 7:30 till 9 in the evenings.
4. It’s Thursday! So Dance
Evanston’s free dance lessons on Thursday nights have become well attended by folks from all over the city. Each Thursday night one of Chicago’s professional dance schools comes out to Davis Plaza in Evanston and offers free dance lessons. The dance lessons are followed by live music and dancing to keep the dance floor packed all night.
5. Check Out the Grosse Point Lighthouse
Marking the entrance to Chicago, the Grosse Point Lighthouse was built in 1873 and still stands today. Visiting the grounds of the lighthouse and watch tower is free, there is an admission fee for a tour of the lighthouse though. The Lighthouse is on the corner of Sheridan Road and Central Street.
6. Take a Walking Tour of Northwestern University
When in Evanston you cannot skip a walk through the beautiful Northwestern University Campus. which includes building in several architectural styles. Download the University’s walking tour and lead yourself to several points of interest, the brochure includes information about the use of each building as well as University history.
7. Meet an Astronomer
The Dearborn Observatory, on the campus of Northwestern University invites the public to view the heavens with the aid of its telescope for two hours every Friday night. To get the full two hour opportunity you will have to make a reservation, but the second hour is open to walk ins.
8. Check Out “Ghostwriter”
Head over to the Evanston Public Library to view one truly unique and amazing sculpture. Hanging from the ceiling, “Ghostwriter” is entirely composed of 2,500 pieces of aluminum suspended from 900 wires. The pieces suspended in the air create a head and then two other segments. The library also has several other pieces of art on permanent display, but Ghostwriter is definitely the most striking. 1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201
