North of Chicago, a string of lakefront suburbs known as the North Shore offers a very different day from the city: quiet beaches, a historic lighthouse, one of the most striking religious buildings in the country and a large botanic garden. Evanston, Wilmette and Glencoe sit one after another along the lake and can be combined in a single day by car, bike or train.
Key takeaways
- Evanston has lakefront parks, beaches and the Grosse Point Lighthouse, whose grounds are open year-round.
- The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette is free to visit and open daily.
- The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe covers 385 acres with 27 display gardens; admission and parking are charged.
Evanston
Evanston, directly north of the city, is home to Northwestern University and a long stretch of lakefront parks. Its beaches are run by the city and have their own season and fees, so check before a summer swim. At the north end of town, the Grosse Point Lighthouse has guided tours of the tower on summer weekends, and its grounds and small gardens are open to visitors year-round. Downtown Evanston has plenty of places to eat.
Wilmette and the Bahá’í House of Worship
Just north of Evanston, in Wilmette, the Bahá’í House of Worship is a white, domed temple covered in intricate lacework-like ornament, surrounded by formal gardens. It is open to people of all faiths, and admission is free. The auditorium and gardens are generally open every day, and a welcome center next door has exhibits about the building and the Bahá’í faith. It is a peaceful, unusual stop and easy to reach from the CTA Purple Line’s Linden station, a few blocks away.
Glencoe and the Chicago Botanic Garden
A few miles further north, the Chicago Botanic Garden spreads across 385 acres and nine islands in the Cook County forest preserves. It has 27 display gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden and a fruit and vegetable garden, plus natural areas such as prairie and woodland. The garden is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. It charges admission and a parking fee, with free days for Illinois residents on selected dates. You can easily spend half a day here.
The three stops compared
| Evanston | Wilmette | Glencoe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main draw | Lakefront parks, lighthouse, downtown | Bahá’í House of Worship | Chicago Botanic Garden |
| Cost | Free to walk; beach fees in summer | Free | Admission and parking |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours | About 1 hour | 3 to 4 hours |
| Transit | CTA Purple Line, Metra | CTA Purple Line (Linden) | Metra Union Pacific North |
Tip: Drive or ride north in the morning, spend the longest block of time at the Botanic Garden, and stop at the Bahá’í House of Worship on the way back in the late afternoon, when the light on the dome is at its best.
Who this day suits
- Garden lovers and photographers.
- Visitors looking for a quiet day by the lake away from city crowds.
- Architecture fans, for the Bahá’í temple.
Getting there
The CTA Purple Line serves Evanston and ends at Linden in Wilmette. Metra’s Union Pacific North line stops in Evanston, Wilmette and near the Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The Green Bay Trail and other bike routes connect the suburbs for cyclists. By car, Sheridan Road follows the lakeshore and is a scenic drive.
Before you go
- Check the Botanic Garden’s admission, parking fees and resident free days.
- Lighthouse tower tours run on summer weekends only; the grounds are open year-round.
- Evanston’s beaches have seasonal fees for non-residents.
- Dress respectfully for the Bahá’í House of Worship; it is a place of worship.
By bike
The North Shore is one of the best areas near Chicago for a bike day. Quiet streets and the Green Bay Trail connect the suburbs, and Sheridan Road runs close to the lake with views between the houses and trees. A loop from Evanston to the Botanic Garden and back makes a full, varied day with frequent places to stop. Check local trail maps before you set out, since some sections run on shared roads.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is trying to see the whole Botanic Garden in an hour. Give it time. Another is assuming the North Shore beaches work like Chicago’s: each suburb sets its own rules and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chicago Botanic Garden free?
No. It charges admission and a parking fee, with free days for Illinois residents on selected dates. Check the official website.
Can anyone visit the Bahá’í House of Worship?
Yes. It is open to people of all faiths, and admission is free.
Can I reach the North Shore by train?
Yes. The CTA Purple Line reaches Evanston and Wilmette, and Metra serves all three towns.
For another garden day west of the city, compare Morton Arboretum vs. Cantigny Park: Choosing a DuPage County Garden Day. Spring blooms at the garden are part of Spring in Chicagoland: Blossoms, Birds and Waterfalls.