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    Dawes Park

    4.7 (26 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Vivian W.

    Beautiful park beside Michigan lake. Nice pond with water fountain. Everything so pretty. There is beach nearby, i guess you can bring your dog there. Clark beach does not allow dog. Lovely place!

    Rosa J.

    Yes, it's 2019. Hubby and I are still playing Pokémon Go. "Dawes Park" has a plenty of pokestops along Lake Michigan. It's always a pleasant walk along the shore, and there are enough rocks and barricades to keep a safe distance from getting too close to undulating water. The bicycle lanes and pedestrian walks are well-maintained and clearly-marked. In addition, free parking on Sheridan is provided. The north end of "Dawes Park" connects to Clark Street Beach and part of Northwestern campus. I personally can walk miles and miles and won't feel tired because I enjoy the views of lake so much. I sometimes detour myself to check out various buildings on NW campus, such as Ryan Fieldhouse, Lakeside field, the university library, dormitories, and the natatorium. I never went to school there, but I feel like I'm part of the community every time I meander through the paths. "Dawes Park" considers as one of my favorite getaway spots when I want to relax and unwind without packing my bag! Take advantage of what northshore has to offer without being extravagant.

    Sherwin C.

    Convenient park with plenty of parking right by the beach. It provides a great place to walk and relax just a few minutes walking distance away from downtown Evanston. The lagoon provides a great place to watch relaxing fountains, ducks walking around, and have a picnic. There's also a picnic shelter at the north end of the park with restrooms available.

    Tyler L.

    This is a standard park in Evanston that is located just south of Northwestern University. It is pretty empty but serves its purpose. It is spacious and is good for jogging, biking, or walking your dog. And in the summer time, you will see people barbecuing. With its location right next to Lake Michigan, you get great views of the water. If you happen to be visiting this city, there are worse ways to pass time than a short visit to this park.

    Pond area

    I would say it's a pretty good park, the scenery is great. I just would recommend people to drive for a long distance. You can walk around to the pond area and even have a picnic in the picnic tables but if you do not have a code or pass for the lake area you may not enter. You must have a pass. It is not easy to get in as there are people next to the gate. If you just want to go for those two things, I recommend :)

    Phil S.

    Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have so much to see and do. Dawes Park in Evanston, IL is a great spot for picnics, art fairs, walking your dog or just going for a stroll on a beautiful night like tonight. You have Lake Michigan to the east, beautiful homes to the west and a great park sandwiched in between.

    Thomas G.

    Beautiful park alongside Lake Michigan! Perfect area for any type of leisure activities you like, whether it be barbecuing, reading a book, tanning, walking, flying a kite, running, cycling, etc. My visits here are mostly while cycling, but i have ran a turkey trot at this park location. As i get more familiar with Evanston; this will be one of my normal turnaround points while cycling, and would love to park my car here for a run in the general area in the future. The views of the Lakefront are amazing! Along with the views of Arrington Lagoon! Very gorgeous at all times of the day, but the real beauty of it is in the morning and evenings; sunrise and sunset. You pick which one, but you're missing out if you haven't seen any of the two yet. Enjoy! Thomas G

    Beautiful Sunday! A bit steamy of Lake Michigan
    Natasha R.

    I've only been here a couple of times, but Dawes Park beats any other parks out of the water! It's in a great location in Evanston right off of Sheridan Road. I was just here this past weekend, and there was plenty of side street parking, however, it gets much busier during hot summer days. I love to come to Evanston as often as possible, so what I usually end up doing is parking in the public parking in downtown Evanston and walking a few minutes down the street until I reach the park/Lake Michigan. Both times I've parked there, it ended up being free. It seems that Dawes Park is connected to a couple things such as a wonderful dog beach. The park itself has a beautiful lagoon with a fountain and LOTS of room to have a picnic. There are trails to run or bike, or just walk along Lake Michigan and take in the scenery. It's also a great spot to people watch and take wonderful pictures. On the other side of Sheridan Road, there are old Victorian houses that are breathtaking, but kind of creepy at the same time! One of the best perks is that it's free and it's never too crowded, which makes it great for any occasion. Since it's so close to Downtown Evanston, there are plenty of dining options. Next visit, I am bringing my dog... :)

    Dawes Park
    Suzie B.

    I honestly think I have died and gone to heaven. It's the middle of August, and there is this gorgeous lakefront park with running and biking trails, and a dog park, and a lagoon with fountains surrounded by park benches and grass, and a bluff with cool-ass painted rocks you can sun on like a lizard, and it's only 70 degrees outside right now, and the park is only 2 blocks from my friend's apartment, and I can see the Chicago skyline beckoning "come have fun here!" That's this visitor's view of Dawes Park. What am I doing? Time for a morning run to work off all the deliciously fattening food I've consumed over the last 4 days. We're going downtown for lunch!

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    I love this little oasis by the lake. Perfect amount of shade, adorable duckies, beautiful flowers.

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    3 years ago

    Beautiful park. The trees, the pond the whole 9 yards are beautiful. Love it. Exquisite.

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    9 years ago

    Excellent relaxation spot, beautiful fountain, pleasant climate, mesmerising lake side, colourful trees, cute ducks..

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    10 years ago

    This location is awesome!!! Parking is vast & it's scenic & serene all in one.

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    12 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Dawes Park

    There are trails to run or bike, or just walk along Lake Michigan and take in the scenery.

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    Merrick Rose Garden - August 2025

    Merrick Rose Garden

    4.9(16 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    I lived there it is like an English garden. I had to park my car there to walk to busy Ridge where…read moremy apartment was. There is a sculptural fountain here with an outstretched bird's neck spouting to the sky which can be seen from the groomed grass half block to the end surrounded by artisan crafted stone wall to sit on and picnic and take off your shoes. it is quiet and across from a church. I moved and this is a blessing that this was by my first apartment, nowhere else like it. Rose garden runs behind your back on that wall and you can walk among them.

    Merrick Rose Garden is a lovingly manicured garden tucked away in a neighborhood in Evanston. I've…read moredriven in and around this area for years--literally over a decade--and never knew it was here. But a block from Ridge, you'll stumble upon a very peaceful place. It would be a gorgeous location for a special event. As I was walking around it and taking in the garden, I was actually imagining just how a wedding could be set up in the sunken portion of the garden. Around the garden are many benches around the outer perimeter, both stone benches and wooden benches for visitors. Like many rose gardens, there are some other flowers here as well. There's also a large fountain, the Centennial Fountain, on the southern edge of the garden. It would be nice to have a celebration at this garden, but I would be happy to simply visit and enjoy the sights and sounds. This isn't a park to play in; it specifically says you aren't to bring balls to play with so it was truly designed as a contemplative place to be appreciated for its beauty. The only parking here is street, and it has some restrictions at times, so pay attention.

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    Merrick Rose Garden - May 2023

    May 2023

    Merrick Rose Garden - July 22, 2022

    July 22, 2022

    Merrick Rose Garden - July 2022

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    July 2022

    Mount Trashmore - Rock and roll.

    Mount Trashmore

    4.3(3 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    Seeking to take part in a fun winter activity? Mount Trashmore has got you boo. Here are some fun…read morefacts about it. The hill was birthed from a former landfill from the 1960's. Two decades later, it was dedicated as a sledding hill for recreational use. This hill can be found along Oakton Avenue and lies within the confines of James Park. You can see it from a distance and during winter season, locals bring their children with sleds in tow to enjoy a fun filled day of winter thrills free of charge. On Mount Trashmore, there are two small bunny slopes on each side. The slope to the left of the mountain is for younger children (Ages 4-7). To the right, you'll find another bunny hill where older children (7+) hang out. The big kahuna out of the three hills is Mount Trashmore in the center. When the forecast over the weekend called for snow, I pulled my unused sled out of storage and went with my husband to Mount Trashmore. I did not conquer the mountain on my first visit for fear of the unknown and avoiding injury. On my first visit, I chose the bunny hill to the right. I was probably the only adult amongst a sea of preteens on this hill but I didn't care. As much as I wanted to, I didn't go all the way up. I chickened out and rode my sled a third of the way down. Despite the short ride, I did get a few seconds of thrills as I was coming down and actually enjoyed myself afterwards. After a fun morning of sledding, here are my afterthoughts. As a first timer cautious to sledding, I'll say this. #1) Start slow and do the bunny hill first. My two big issues were: *Mounting my sled at the midway point while avoiding a slip and fall. I managed this with no injury however the act was super awkward and my husband was laughing at me the entire time. *Steering my sled For you folks like myself who are new to this, here's a primer I wish I had prior to coming here: https://www.wikihow.com/Sled Once you've gained enough confidence, start going higher up the hill and then move on to Mount Trashmore. #2) Sledding etiquette. Wait your turn to come down the hill and if you're lingering at the base of the hill, be cautious and make room for those coming down so you don't become a sled-block casualty. #3) I would advise not going down the hill face first. I saw a kid doing that and it made me cringe inside. If you're reading this, sled at your own discretion. Come early on a Sunday before 11am to find free parking nearby on Oakton Avenue.

    Man haven't been here since I was a kid back in the 80's. I forgot the place existed. I thought My…read moretrashnore didn't exist and was just a name of a hill I used to sled on. Can't wait to come back when it's snowing and bring my kids

    Photos
    Mount Trashmore - My few seconds of thrills.

    My few seconds of thrills.

    Mount Trashmore - Masked Nina coming down the bunny hill. Watch out!

    Masked Nina coming down the bunny hill. Watch out!

    Mount Trashmore - Mount Trashmore

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    Mount Trashmore

    Shakespeare Garden

    Shakespeare Garden

    4.6(12 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    The number of blooming Tulips truly made my visit sooo worth it ! I was wowed and wowed over and…read moreover again. Shakespeares Garden is very peaceful and perfect spot with lovely seating area . It's perfect to come and reflect and perhaps read poetry or Shakespeare'a soliloquy's!! Come and enjoy this scenic and beautiful garden

    I learned of the Shakespeare Garden many years ago and have often thought I needed to visit, but…read morehave never done so until today. It's another of those places that I hesitate to review because it's a lovely place and I'd love to keep it "secret" (as much as it can be given its location on college campuses and in an urban area). It was tricky to find--for some reason I found an address on Google that led me to where the tennis courts are on the Northwestern Campus--but it's actually just north of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. The Shakespeare Garden is behind the small chapel on the Seminary grounds. It's a small garden, but beautiful, and a tranquil, secluded space. I can't wait to see it when it's in full bloom! Since spring only lasts a few minutes and it has been even cooler this far into spring than usual, the trees are still very bare and it's a bit muddy. There are several stone benches to sit at in this garden in particular--at least four of them. In addition, there are a few wooden benches just before garden as well. There are uneven paving stones in and around the garden, so you'll want to be careful especially if you or someone you're with have mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair, it will be a bumpy ride but you would be well rewarded. I was surprised to learn that the Shakespeare Garden has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. It was established by the Evanston Garden Club in 1917, as a show of solidarity with Britain and to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's death (the Drama League of America made this suggestion to encourage groups and individuals nationwide to do so). The Evanston Garden Club still maintains this space; it is not under the care of Northwestern or Garrett-Evangelical. What landed it on the National Register of Historic Places is the original Hawthorne trees that still grow here, and that this is an example of the type of project that was encouraged in bygone days. The designer of this garden has an impressive resume--he is considered the mastermind of the Forest Preserve system, as well as both Garfield and Columbus Parks in Chicago. What makes a Shakespeare Garden a Shakespeare Garden is the collection of botanicals that are planted there. This garden contains plants and flowers that are mentioned in Shakespeare's works. You may find thyme, marigolds, rosemary, tulips, columbine, lavender, and so on depending upon the time of year.

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    Shakespeare Garden
    Shakespeare Garden
    Shakespeare Garden - Shakespeares garden

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    Shakespeares garden

    Dawes Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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