Top Things to do in Chicago's North Shore
Top Hotels in Chicago's North Shore
- 1. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie
- 2. Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston
- 3. Graduate Evanston
- 4. Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston
- 5. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - North Shore Conference Center
- 6. Residence Inn Chicago Wilmette/Skokie
- 7. Courtyard Chicago Glenview/Northbrook
- 8. Hilton Orrington/Evanston
- 9. Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston, an IHG Hotel
- 10. The Glen Club
Countries
What to do and see in Chicago's North Shore, Chicago's North Shore: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Chicago's North Shore, United States including Emily Oaks Nature Center, Keay Nature Center, Techny Basin Conservation Area, Harms Woods, Elmwood Dunes Preserve, Dam #1 Woods-East, Dam Woods.
Restaurants in Chicago's North Shore
1. Emily Oaks Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Afocus1 - Skokie, United States
Emily Oaks in Skokie is truly a jewel in the north Chicago suburbs. A one-time neighborhood park with a skating pond, over the years it has been converted to a nature preserve that provides a wide variety of flora and fauna. Owned and maintained by the Skokie Park District, it has a facility for programming and rental space that sits overlooking one end of the pond. Paths are marked and the entire area has a sense of tranquility and information. Since its off the beaten path, it is largely unknown to other than locals. Good parking.
2. Keay Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
This nature learning center features about one-half mile of six-foot-wide paths and nature trails, a shallow pond, a rustic wooden foot bridge, and a man-made waterfall. There are three laminated trail guides at the entrance. I always have disinfecting wipes with me these days, so I was able to clean my guide before and after I used it. It is meant to be carried with you and covers the wide variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and native Illinois grasses found at the center. Most of the trees are labeled with species, date and dedication, if any. There are also bicycle racks, bird feeders (filled with suet and seed from fall till late spring), viewing areas and photo blinds. The small parking lot has eleven spaces and two handicapped spaces -- a high percentage because the center was built to accommodate the special needs of the disabled. On this visit I chatted with a working landscape painter who comes to Keay five or six times a year to capture the changing seasons. I also saw young families, a strolling elderly couple, and helmeted kids on scooters enjoying the center. It truly has something for everyone. See my earlier review (June, 2014) for more details.
3. Techny Basin Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By HTSSS
For a wholesome feeling of space and probably some beautiful birds take a long walk around Techny Basin Conservation Area. Flanked by the west fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River, it’s like a private reserve as there are usually very few people. Any time of year this spot is refreshingly pleasant for a break.
4. Harms Woods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
5. Elmwood Dunes Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
This is the site of Wilmette's first civic beach (1908). The original limestone stairway (1909) that wound down the bluff to the beachfront had been overgrown by weeds and forgotten. It has since been restored and has safety handrails. There are three benches at the top of the bluff and two more as you follow the sand path to the shore. Stop and rest to contemplate the beauty of Lake Michigan. There is some room to move off the path to allow for social distancing without stepping on the volunteer-planted native grasses and wildflowers. There is free street parking, which is restricted from Memorial Day weekend till Labor Day. See my earlier review (October 10, 2017) for more details.
