The Top 5 Attractions in Evanston

Evanston, Illinois. The city with so much, but overlooked far too often on a national level because of its giant neighbor to the south.

A Big Ten university, several unique shopping districts and numerous options for fun dining can make for a good alternative for a day when coming in to Chicago for a week.

So if you have one day to experience everything that is Evanston, what would you pick?

Lets take a look at Tripadvisor.com, the tool most often used by travelers to find out what a particular city or town has to offer. Visitors rate their experience at attractions, restaurants and hotels and the site ranks them based on the votes.

SEE EVANSTON ON TRIP ADVISOR

According to Evanston’s visitors, here are the five best things to do in the city.

1. Northwestern University : No surprise here. The University has put Evanston at the forefront of the world for decades.

Reviewer from Tampa, Florida states:

“Northwestern is one of America’s great universities and the surrounding neighborhood is a picture postcard “college town. It is the ideal exploring adventure for any family. The university has events such as theatrical productions, concerts, exhibits every day. These can range from comedy shows to rare book exhibits and from football games with 25,000 fans to a solitary walk along the shore of Lake Michigan. The campus features hidden gardens and even its own beach! The nearby neighborhood is full of cute little shops, cafes, and bistros. Dining can be anything from fast food to elegant! Be prepared for lots of student activity and more purple gear than you ever imagined.”

2. Space : The concert hall venue and recording studio on Chicago avenue comes in at No. 2, drawing “excellent” reviews from more than half of its visitors.

Reviewer from Chicago, Illinois states:

“You can’t go wrong at Space. Have been there 4 times, and each time we had so much fun, whether up dancing to Shameka Copeland, or just smiling and listening to Ari Hest, we love it. Service great, great choice of beers (but, it’s not a gettin crazy drinking place), have yet to have the pizza yet-but heard it’s great. Sound system terrific.”

3. Grosse Point Lighthouse : One of the most famous lighthouses in America is also a hit with Evanston tourists.

Reviewer from Galway, Ireland states:

“This is one of my favorite places in the world. As a child I remember coming to the beach and looking at the lighthouse. These summers I love to watch the sailboats out in the lake and walk along by the waters edge looking at the green trees along the waters edge. One day sitting on the rocks we saw a deer. I have load of photographs of my own kids playing in the sand on this beach. There is a lovely playground and a community garden in the park just north of the lighthouse. This is a special place that holds many memories.”

4. Mitchell Museum of the American Indian : History buffs love the Central Park Ave. museum that pays homage to Native Americans.

Reviewer from Vail, Colorado states:

“Small museum with friendly staff. No crowds. Hands on. Great for children. Enjoyable displays . I walked to museum on a sunny Saturday and enjoyed Evanston window shopping and a healthy lunch. Great way to spend an afternoon!!”

5. Mary and Leigh Block Museum : With all the great art Evanston has to offer, it’s no surprise an artsy place made the top five.

Reviewer from Nashville, Tennessee states:

“I have always enjoyed the thoughtful and well curated shows at the block and the accompanying movie theater. The galleries were closed for renovations but should be reopening next month. A nice free treat if staying in Evanston.”

So that’s what visitors think. What about residents, though? Let us know what’s in your top five in the comments here, or email your thoughts to tim.moran@patch.com.