The sculpture park spans two miles along the west side of the north channel of the Chicago River…read more It's not a playground park, though of course you could play here. There are trails for walking and biking, and dogs are welcome as long as you pick up after them of course. In a few areas of the park there are picnic tables as well, and there are parking lots in a few spots along the park. Currently, in 2023, the southern end of the park is under renovation. You can take tours of the park--they happen monthly. Of course you can embark on a self-guided tour as well, viewing some or all of the approximately 60 sculptures in the park. My favorite has always been the whimsical birthday cake. There's a section that has pieces by students at the local high schools as well which is a pretty cool way to incorporate folks from the community into the fabric of the park.

A few of us recently visited the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, as it was a gorgeous and warm…read moreSaturday afternoon and we wanted to enjoy the great outdoors in a socially distant manner. The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park stretches between Dempster and Touhy in Skokie alongside the north channel of the Chicago River, so it runs for a significant length. Due to time restraints we did not walk the entire length of the park, but you can appreciate several "sections" of the park and still feel good about it. This park is fine for joggers, bicyclists, or walkers looking to enjoy some nature with some public art mixed in. While there are no Picasso or Calder masterpieces amongst the sixty-plus number of sculptures, there is an eclectic variety in the collection. I liked the use of industrial materials such as steel coils, re-bars, and even parts from airplane wings. The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is free and is open every day. There are several free parking lots along the length of the park for visitors.

There is some beatiful parks and lakefront property that Evanston can boast about. There are also…read moremany parks and walking trails that go all the way from the lakefront to Dodge Ave. On my last visit I was checking out the lush greenery and lakefront property that can be found by Sheridan/Church St. near the boat launch area.

I can honestly say I probably spend half of my summer at the Evanston sailing beach and the…read moreEvanston dog beach. My dog even gets excited when we drive by on Sheridan Road. All the facilities are top notch with clean facilities and groomed beaches. The staff are always friendly and do their jobs well. We keep a sailboat at paddle board down at the sailing beach for easy access and it's easy to find street or lot parking to enjoy a day on the water!

Adjacent to the Evanston Art Center this small but historic park, with a beautiful lakefront…read moresetting, is serene. I recommend stopping here before or after the beach or Art Center.

This park wasn't here when I was in grad school, it's a real improvement. Very well used by the…read morecommunity, in fact sometimes it's overwhelmed by peaceful but popular gatherings. When it's not too crowded and weather permitting it's perfect for lunch al fresco or even just a moment of peaceful coffee. It's Evanston so bring a reusable not disposable coffee cup so you don't get silent judgment.

Located in what must be the heart of downtown Evanston, there is seating to enjoy coffee or bubble…read moretea, a snack, or simply to take in the atmosphere and people watch.

A sensational park, trail, nature reserve that has been a gem for decades. As a kid, we would often…read morevisit the forest preserve to fish, go on the playgrounds, bike the extensive well-connected trails, walk..so much memories here. Great spot to host a cookout or party with their rental shelters too. Happy to see it still functioning for many folks after all these years. Wish Charleston, SC had preserves like this!

There was a wedding reception (dinner and dancing) held in Shelter A and B of this forest preserve…read more As a former Illinois resident I thought the wedding party would be uncomfortable, given this time of year. But I was wrong! Both the weather and surroundings were beautiful; I heard they sprayed for insects beforehand as well. Many picture opportunities. Open enough to enjoy the rest of reserve and share the good vibes with passersby. Some bees came out but only when we were already packing up. Maybe more available parking spaces would've been nice. Other than that, it was a good time.

What a hidden gem! You get the best of both, beach and bluff and it is HP residents only…read more Accessible by both foot and car; but note that parking space is limited and you have to have a sticker (available at HP Rec center). No matter the purpose of your visit, this place has relax and unwind written all over it. This beach is the opposite of Rosewood, it is more of a DIY beach, which is more my vibe.

I'm not sure if this review is about the park area, the beach, the lake, or the fact that the North…read moreShore has some beautiful historical hidden gems worth exploring. Millard Park pays tribute to all of it! Thanks to Maryana R and Peter S for helping me discover this jewel. At the very end of Ravine Drive, down a long and winding road, up some stone stairs, you'll discover a piece of North Shore history. Not only will you discover a remaining stone wall structure that was part of the Robert C Schaffner Estate, built by Howard Van Doren Shaw, but the restored Schaffner Garden, which is a magical place made for a fairy princess. In the midst of wild flowers, you'll also discover planted trees and benches dedicated to loved ones who have passed on. This garden overlooks the lake and the Millard Park Beach. I can't wait to come back when the flowers are in bloom. On the beach you will find a rock garden and a fun wooden structure/rock identifier displaying native rocks. Kids and kids at heart can take the rocks they discover on the beach and match them to the rock identifier as a learning tool. It's kind of difficult to explain, so you'll just have to see for yourself! Overall, an incredible place to escape to. Note: You can only park there with a Highland Park sticker and dogs are not allowed on the beach.

I love that Winnetka has a dog beach. The only thing dividing Elder Lane Beach and Centennial…read moreBeach is a private residence. My family has had a few Fourth of July picnics here and have fond memories here. The dog beach is great and have taken other people's dogs here to let the dogs have fun. Parking is decent. I love the small rolling hills here at the park.

It was great taking my family out here for outdoor activities. My kids love it. They were playing…read moresoccer with some random friends on the fields for a few hours and got exhausted

Thanks to Google maps, i found this park. I wanted to cycle in Evanston, and needed a turnaround…read morepoint. This was it! Peaceful park, with a playground for children. This is one of those so peaceful you can take a nap type of parks; also have a picnic. I do see many more trips to this park in the future. Enjoy, if you decide to visit this park.