Welcome to Evanston, Illinois!

Evanston is the home of Northwestern University. Located on Lake Michigan  just north of Chicago, Evanston is just an “L” ride away into the heart of Chicago.

Evanston was actually founded after Northwestern. In 1851, the plans for Northwestern began and in 1855, Northwestern University began its first classes. The founders of Northwestern, one being John Evans, submitted to the county judge their plans for a city and their wishes to rename the town Evanston in 1854. In 1857, the town of Evanston was named.

Today, with a populartion of approximately 74,000, Evanston is thriving as an independent city. There are many culturla outlets in Evanston, there is a thriving business economy (such as the still developing Sherman Plaza), and public lakefront recreation activities. Evanston's quaint, tree-lined streets are dotted with older houses, colorful shopping venues, and fine restaurants. An excellent public transportation system enables easy travel around town and beyond.

-adapted from material on the City of Evanston Website

Downtown Evanston