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Your visit to the North Shore would not be complete without experiencing the area's numerous cultural and historical attractions. From museums of every kind and architectural landmarks to breathtaking gardens, Chicago's North Shore will astound you with its natural beauty and acclaimed diversity.
Music, dance, theater, and more …the spotlight shines brightly on Chicago's North Shore. Your visit to the North Shore would be incomplete without experiencing the area's exciting variety of live entertainment. From critically acclaimed dramas and hilarious comedies to upbeat musicals and performances just for kids, the North Shore has it! The North Shore is also home to top symphony orchestras.
Our spectacular sandy beaches, beautifully landscaped public parks, lively playgrounds, and scenic lakefront jogging and biking trails captivate families and "kids" of all ages. While you are here, make time to play a round or two of golf, take a swim in Lake Michigan or visit one of the water parks, miniature golf courses, boating, or recreational facilities available throughout the area.
American Toby Jug Museum
Showcasing the largest collection of Toby and Character Jugs in the world including many rare and unique jugs within the complete Royal Doulton collection. On display are over 6,000 pieces illustrating their evolution from inception c. 1765 to the present day. Admission free, by appointment.
910 Chicago Ave. |
Evanston, IL 60202 |
877-862-9687
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Baha'i House of Worship
One of only seven in the world and the only one in North America, the Baha'i House of Worship is the largest and the oldest surviving Bahá'í Temple. Standing on the shores of Lake Michigan, the auditorium, with its walls of lace-like ornamentation and its dome rising 135 feet above the main floor, offers a scene of unsurpassed beauty. It is surrounded by exquisite gardens and fountains. This imposing and dramatic structure has received numerous design awards, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
100 Linden Ave. |
Wilmette, IL 60091 |
847-853-2325
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Captain Richard A. Schram Memorial Museum and former Navy Chapel
The Captain Richard A. Schram Memorial Museum and former Navy Chapel named for a distinguished Navy flier, it was originally erected at the Glenview Naval Air Station in 1945 then moved to its present location just south of Park Center and completely restored.
1799 Patriot Blvd. |
Glenview, IL 60026 |
847-657-3461
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Centre East
Bringing quality professional entertainment and emerging artists from around the world for over 25 years, Centre East offers the best in music, comedy and dance. Performances take place in their 869 seat theatre at the $20 million North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, the premiere performance space in Chicago's North Shore.
9501 Skokie Boulevard |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-679-9501
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Chicago Botanic Garden
Climb a waterfall garden, discover hidden rooms inside an English Walled Garden, cross 11 bridges spanning sparkling lakes, and discover a garden with 15 trains chugging across bridges and trestles. The Chicago Botanic Garden brings you 385 acres and 23 gardens of wonder to explore, twelve months a year. Highlights include seasonal festivals and tours, year-round greenhouses, art exhibitions, a school and lots of ways for families to learn about the wonders of nature.
1000 Lake Cook Rd. |
Glencoe, IL 60022 |
847-835-5440
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City of Evanston/ Forestry & Recreation
Evanston maintains 75 beautiful public parks, including recreational facilities for a variety of sports and 50 playgrounds. During the summer, five public swimming beaches are open along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
2100 Ridge Ave. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-866-2900
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Ed Rudolph Northbrook Velodrome
The Velodrome is an outdoor bicycle racing facility. Founded in 1959, the Northbrook Velodrome is a 382 meter outdoor track, asphalt coated with concrete slurry and paint. It banks 18 degrees. It is open during the warm weather months.
Waukegan Road at Maple |
Northbrook, IL
847-291-2974 ext. 646
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Emily Oaks Nature Center
Nature is truly appreciated at our thirteen-acre savanna and center. People of all ages will enjoy this natural oasis full of native wildflowers, grasses, oak trees, three-acre pond and trails. Some of the plants and animals that frequent the pond or have been sighted in the savanna include Great Blue Herons, Coyotes, Flying Squirrels, Northern Water Snakes, Red Foxes and Cooper's Hawks.
4650 Brummel St. |
Skokie, IL 60076 |
847-674-1500 ext. 2500
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Evanston Art Center
Founded in 1929, the Evanston Art Center has become one of the largest community art centers in Illinois. In 1966 the City of Evanston offered to lease to the Art Center the Harley Clarke House, a three-story Tudor mansion on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of Grosse Point Lighthouse on Sheridan Road. Over the years, the interior of the building has been redesigned to maximize space for studio art classes and our award winning exhibition program. The EAC has been dedicated to fostering the appreciation and expression of the visual arts among the diverse audience of the Greater Chicago/North Shore region. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
2603 Sheridan Rd. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-475-5300
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Evanston Arts Depot
This cultural center is a restored train station in the heart of Evanston. Home of Piccolo Theatre and Custer's Last Stand Festival and features classes in movement and meditation.
600 Main St. |
Evanston, IL 60202 |
847-328-2204
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Evanston Beaches
Evanston's beaches are open to the public during the summer months for a daily fee. Swimming, boating, picnicking, and tennis facilities are available with miles of biking and jogging paths along Lake Michigan.
Lighthouse Beach,Central Street at Sheridan Road,
Clark Street BeachClark Street at Sheridan Road,Dempster/Greenwood Street Beach,Greenwood Street at the lake, Lee Street Beach
Lee Street & Lakeshore Boulevard, South Boulevard Beach
South Boulevard at the lake.
Evanston Lakefront |
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Evanston Symphony Orchestra
The ESO was founded in 1945 by a handful of veterans and amateur musicians who were passionate about making music together. All concerts are on Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
P.O. Box 778 |
Pick Staiger Concert Hall |
Evanston, IL 60204 |
847-864-8804
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Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center
Set amidst 32.5 acres of pristine prairie, the Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center, serves as both gateway and guide to the Air Station Prairie -- and as an example of how man made structures can harmonize with the environment. Interpretive panels on the outer walls provide information on local plants and animals, wetlands, soil conservation and gardening. Surrounding the Center are a number of "interpretive zones," including a wetland deck, a sidewalk time line and history wall, and paths extending around the prairie.
2400 Compass Rd. |
Glenview, IL 60026 |
847-299-6096
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Exploritorium
Rated as the "Best Rainy Day Activity Site" by Chicago Magazine in, the Exploritorium is a place where children and adults can come and explore together through interactive play. Create a project in our arts area or make-believe in our costumed dress-up are. Build with all sizes of blocks and run your fingers through the water play area. Log on to the fun at the computer stations and experience new heights in the two and a half story tubes and tunnels.
4701 Oakton St. |
Skokie, IL 60076 |
847-674-1500 ext. 2700
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Frances Willard House
Frances Willard was one of the most prominent social reformers in 19th century America. Willard rallied support for temperance as well as many other important reform movements including woman's suffrage, women's economic and religious rights, prison reforms, education reforms and labor reforms. The Frances Willard Historical Association invites you to visit the Frances Willard House, Willard's home from its construction in 1865 until her death in 1898.
1730 Chicago Ave. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-328-7500
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Glenview National 9 Golf Club
The Glenview Park District's newest course, the Glenview National 9 Golf Club, is a 9 hole 2000 yard par 31 course designed with all players in mind. Designed by internationally known award-winning golf course architect Rick Jacobson of Jacobson Golf Course Design, Inc., each hole features four sets of tees to accommodate varying skill levels among players. The course boasts pristine conditions that rival courses 10 times more expensive. Open dawn to dusk 7 days/week
2800 W. Lake Ave. |
Glenview, IL 60026 |
847-657-1637
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Green Bay Trail
The Green Bay Trail begins in Wilmette and is 9 miles long ending in Highland Park. Activities on the trail include: walking, biking, cross country skiing, and in-line skating. The trail is asphalt and crushed stone and runs parallel to the Chicago and Northwestern rail line. The trail stays within one mile of lake Michigan and provides ample opportunities to enjoy the many eating establishments and beautiful homes along the way.
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Grosse Point Lighthouse
Built by the United States Government in 1873 as the lead lighthouse marking the approach to Chicago after several shipwrecks demonstrated its need. In 1999, Grosse Point Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes to carry that status. The Garden Club of Evanston maintains wildflower and butterfly gardens as attractive features of the lighthouse grounds.
2600 Sheridan Rd. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-328-6961
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Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
Opening in early 2009, this new center is a 65,000 square-foot building designed by renowned architect Stanley Tigerman. The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching the universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference. The museum features an authentic early 20th century German rail car, an inspiring Hall of Remembrance for contemplation and reflection, a permanent exhibition chronicling life before, during and after the Holocaust, a youth exhibit for 9-11 year olds highlighting the lessons of the Holocaust and a 225 seat auditorium.
9603 Woods Dr. |
Skokie, IL 60076 |
847-491-0905
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Kohl Children's Museum
Kohl Children's Museum offers 17 hands-on, interactive exhibits designed exclusively for children ages birth to 8. All of the exhibits and programs are designed to make learning fun and interesting for young children. A visit to a grocery store, a veterinarian's office as well as a day care inhabited by dolls allow children to participate in adult activities on their own scale. Children can build a house, make music, take care of cars, explore the properties of water and much more in the many engaging exhibits featured.
2100 Patriot Blvd. |
Glenview, IL 60026 |
847-832-6600
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Ladd Memorial Arboretum & Evanston Ecology Center
Stretching along a three-quarter mile segment of McCormick Boulevard on a narrow, 23 acre strip of reclaimed land following the diagonal course of the North Shore Channel, the Ladd Memorial Arboretum is an area of natural beauty and recreation open year-round. The Ecology Center serves as the education nucleus of the arboretum.
2024 Mc Cormick Blvd. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-864-5181
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Light Opera Works
Light Opera Works presents a season of professional musical theater productions. Three mainstage productions are presented with full cast and orchestra at Cahn Auditorium and smaller musicals are presented on the company's second stage.
600 Emerson St. |
Cahn Auditorium |
Evanston, IL 60208 |
847-869-6300
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Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art
The Block Museum is dedicated to the study and exhibition of reproducible art forms, including prints, photographs, film, video, and computer-mediated art. It is also noted in metropolitan Chicago for its outdoor Sculpture Garden. Admission to the museum is free.
Northwestern University |
40 Arts Circle Dr. |
Evanston, IL 60208 |
847-491-4000
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Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
Focusing on the art, history, and culture of the American Indian. Permanent exhibits dedicated to the Native cultures of the Woodlands, Plains, Southwest, Northwest Coast and Arctic regions of North America. Each gallery contains a "touching table" where visitors can handle real examples of Indian artifacts, as well as feel the raw materials including snakeskin, caribou fur, birch bark, turquoise and buffalo skin that were used by Native Americans. Temporary exhibits showcase emerging and established contemporary Native artists. Lectures and performances throughout the year provide a venue for multicultural education. A calendar of events is available online
3001 Central St. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-475-1030
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Music Institute of Chicago
The Music Institute of Chicago Nichols Concert Hall presents a variety of musical series and events, from classical to contemporary, by our distinguished faculty, talented students, and professional groups. John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune, calls it a "jewel box" of a hall.
1490 Chicago Ave. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-446-3822
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National- Louis University
Founded in 1886 and home of the renowned National College of Education-and Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Business and Management. Students at this private university can expect small, personalized classes and a tradition of academic excellence.
5202 Old Orchard Rd., Ste. 300 |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
224-233-2000
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North Shore Center For The Performing Arts in Skokie
The North Shore's home for world- class entertainment. This state-of-the-art two-theater facility is home to Centre East, Northlight Theatre, and Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra.
9501 Skokie Blvd. |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-673-6300
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North Suburban YMCA
This full service recreation center offers activities for all ages, from infants through active older adults. Services include a state-of-the-art fitness center, Olympic size swimming pool, full gymnasium and in-house day care.
2705 Techny Rd |
Northbrook, IL 60062 |
847-272-7250
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Northbrook Park District
The Northbrook Park District has won numerous national and statewide awards for its administration, many programs, multitude of activities, and publications. Come see why-year-round! Call us or visit site for more information.
545 Academy Dr. |
Northbrook, IL 60062 |
847-291-2988
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Northlight Theatre
Northlight Theatre is an award-winning magnet for critical and professional acclaim, and the flagship theatre of Chicago's North Shore. Currently celebrating its 34rd season, Northlight presents an exciting mix of new works and classic favorites; comedies, dramas and musicals staged by the nations finest actors, designers and directors.
9501 N. Skokie Blvd. |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-673-6300
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Northwestern University
Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a renowned educational institution rich in history and architecture. More than 150 historically significant and interesting sites on campus are featured in various walking tours, each taking approximately 30 minutes to complete. University highlights include The Arch, University Hall, The Arts Circle, and the University Library. Northwestern is one of the leading university's in the U.S. and its Evanston campus is on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.
633 Clark St. |
Evanston, IL 60208 |
847-491-3741
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Northwestern University Spectator Sports
The Northwestern Wildcats offer some of the best Division 1 college sports action in the Midwest, featuring 19 teams and competing in the Big Ten Conference.
1501 Central St. |
Evanston, IL 60208 |
847-491-CATS
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Northwestern University Theatre and Interpretation Center and Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center
As many as forty productions are mounted annually featuring both classic and contemporary plays, dance performances and musical productions. Northwestern University is one of the premier theatre and dance schools in the country.
1979 South Campus Dr. |
Evanston, IL 60208 |
847-491-3741
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Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Noyes Cultural Arts Center is the home of art festivals and art camps as well as the Piven Theatre, Next Theatre, Art Encounter, The Actors Gymnasium, and Light Opera Works. There is a full stage that seats 190 people and two galleries. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.
927 Noyes St. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-4488260
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Peter N. Jans Community Golf Course
The Peter Jans Community Golf Course is very affordable, well,-conditioned, public, 4,000 yard Par 60 Executive layout. With its shorter length yet challenging greens it is equally enjoyable and playable for the beginner or seasoned player. Located in north Evanston directly across from the Central Street CTA "L" Station with free parking.
1031 Central St. |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-475-9173
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Piccolo Theatre
The Piccolo Theatre embodies and realizes the human comedy through physical theatre, eloquence and humor in order to move, delight and transform audiences
Performances take place in the Evanston Arts Depot in their unique train station theatre.
P.O. Box 6013 |
(Evanston Arts Depot) |
Evanston, IL 60204 |
847-424-0089
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Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
The 1,003-seat Pick-Staiger Concert Hall hosts major orchestral, band, and choral performances. Built in 1975, the auditorium is known for its outstanding acoustics.
Northwestern University |
50 Arts Circle Dr. |
Evanston, IL 60208 |
847-467-4000
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Piven Theatre Workshop
An acclaimed theater and actor-training center with a 30-year history. Alumni include John Cusack, Jeremy Piven, Aidan Quinn, Lili Taylor. Year-round classes for children and adults and an Equity subscription theater.
927 Noyes St. (Noyes Cultural Arts Center) |
Evanston, IL 60201 |
847-866-8049
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Skokie Heritage Museum
Explore Skokie's heritage by visiting the historic Engine House and the original (1847) Log Cabin. These two sites have much to offer with local and seasonal exhibits, special interest classes, and educational school programs.
8031 Floral Ave. |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-677-6672
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Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is a unique facility, combining recreational features with an outstanding exhibition of large-scale contemporary sculpture in a beautifully landscaped, easily accessible setting. Stroll, rollerblade, or bicycle along the paved path and view art in nature.
McCormick Boulevard between Touhy & Dempster Street |
Skokie, IL 60053 |
847-679-4265
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Skokie Park District
The nationally acclaimed Skokie Park District features more than 50 parks and facilities, including community and cultural centers, an urban nature center, tennis, rowing, indoor skating, golf, fitness and daycare centers, and the Skokie Heritage Museum.
9300 Weber Park Place |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-674-1500
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Skokie Public Library
Skokie Public Library is truly a center for the community with more than 450,000 items available for check-out, three community meeting rooms and hundreds of events and classes offered each month. The Library offers the latest in cutting edge technology with Library Resources available 24 hours a day via their website, plenty of computers available for internet access and research and a wireless network on the 2nd floor.
5215 W. Oakton St. |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-673-7774
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Skokie Sports Park
The Skokie Sports Park features one of the top 100 rated ranges in America complete with a two-tier, 40 station range with an automatic tee-up system. The driving range features a fiber built hitting system, lights for evening practice and eleven heated stalls for cold-weather practice. Target greens provide a landing area for precise accuracy and distance control. For the less competitive golfers who prefer windmills as obstacles, a nine-hole and an 18-hole miniature golf course are sure to be a hit with the kids or the young at heart. If golfing is not your sport, try one of the park's batting cages and perfect the baseball swing.
3459 Oakton Street |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-674-1500 ext. 3100
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Skokie Theatre Music Foundation
Our mission is to educate aspiring artists in the business of music, and also to provide a state-of-the-art venue for their talents.
7924 N. Lincoln Ave. |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-677-7761
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Skokie Water Playground
The Skokie Water Playground features three slides, a zero depth pool-similar to beach entry-with play equipment including a water play structure with large bucket. The pool also has lanes for lap swim, a locker and shower area and lifeguard facilities, concession stand, turf and suntan area.
3459 Oakton St. |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-674-1500 ext. 2721
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The Grove
This prairie grove covers 123 acres of ecologically diverse prairie land preserved and maintained as former home of the visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott who brought his family from New Orleans to settle on this land in 1836. The Grove, located in Glenview is a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It offers many opportunities for educational, environmental and historical enjoyment including two historic homes, the Kennicott House and the Redfield Estate; the Grove Interpretive Center, a Native American Village, a Log Cabin, a Schoolhouse, a Wetlands Greenhouse and numerous interpretive trails.
1421 Milwaukee Ave. |
Glenview, IL 60025 |
847-299-6096
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The Skatium Ice Arena/ Weber Park Golf Course
Open year-round, The Skatium is the place for you whether your preference is hockey or recreational ice-skating. The adjacent golf course offers a 9-hole, par-3 course features bent grass greens, beautiful landscaping, a gazebo, snack shop, tournaments and lessons.
9300 Weber Park Place |
Skokie, IL 60077 |
847-674-1500 ext. 2900
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Wagner Farm
A visit to Wagner Farm affords you the opportunity to take part in and experience firsthand the workings of a genuine American farm. Wagner Farm is an 18.6 acre farm preserved for the educational and recreational enjoyment for all. See how bread was made in a wood cook stove, hear the rooster marking time with his crow or milk one of the farm's many cows. Explore the world of agriculture and rural life as it existed in 1920-1950's.
1510 Wagner Rd. |
Glenview, IL 60025 |
847-657-1506
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