Away from the tall skyscrapers, high-end shopping, elevated trains and large lakeside parks of Chicago are multiple friendly cities with unique attractions.
The sprawling city of Chicago extends to its North Suburbs, with quiet residential areas, lovely parks and attractions worth taking a side trip to see. Pick one town for an extended visit or travel between several nearby communities.
In Skokie, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Centerfulfills its mission to remember the past and transform the future. Its architecture illustrates a passage from darkness into light. See an 1847 log cabin and a historic engine house at the Skokie Heritage Museum.
Evanston, just north of Chicago, is known for Northwestern University, an excellent research and academic facility. Stroll the campus and see Big Ten football and other sports at Ryan Field. In the evening attend world-class musical performances at SPACE.
The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette is one of the most beautiful and most popular spots to see in this area north of Chicago. Envisioned in 1903 and finally open to the public in 1953, the temple is both a place of worship and an amazing architectural feat. Notice the nine gardens and fountains and nine entries, some with beautiful reflecting pools, all surrounding the giant domed structure. North of the temple, watch the boats in Wilmette Harbor or put your feet in the sands of Gillson Beach.
Bring the kids to Glenview for fun, educational outings. The Kohl’s Children’s Museum has hands-on exhibits that promote learning through play. See the interactive silo, livestock and crops at the Historic Wagner Farm. Learn about native plants and animals at The Grove.
Drive about an hour north from Chicago to Great Lakes, near North Chicago. Here the Great Lakes Naval Museum tells the history of the U.S. Navy’s operation from the American Revolution to today and illustrates the transition of an enlistee from a recruit to a sailor during 8 weeks of basic training.
Enjoy the scenery along Lake Michigan as you travel to Chicago’s North Suburbs. Stop at beaches to swim or watch sailboats catching the wind.
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