Dawes Park: Evanston's Lakeside Jewel
Discover Evanston's lakeside oasis: Dawes Park offers scenic beauty, recreation, and community spirit on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Dawes Park, nestled along Lake Michigan's shoreline in Evanston, Illinois, offers a serene escape with stunning lake views and recreational opportunities. A beloved community hub, it hosts events, provides green space for relaxation, and connects residents and visitors with nature.
A brief summary to Dawes Park
- 1700 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, Illinois, 60201, US
- +1847-488-4311
- Visit website
Local tips
- Enjoy the sunrise over Lake Michigan for a peaceful start to your day.
- Check local event listings for concerts and festivals held in the park during the summer.
- Take advantage of the walking and biking paths that connect to the Chicago Lakefront Trail.
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Evanston, head east on Church Street towards Sheridan Road. Turn left onto Sheridan Road, and Dawes Park will be on your right, stretching along the lakefront. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
Take the CTA Purple Line or Metra UP-N line to the Davis Street station in Evanston. From there, walk east on Church Street to Sheridan Road, then turn left. Dawes Park will be on your right. Alternatively, several CTA and Pace bus routes stop near the park. Check the CTA or Pace Bus Tracker for real-time arrival information. A single ride on CTA or Pace is $2.50.
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Driving
From I-94, exit onto Dempster Street East. Continue east to Sheridan Road and turn right (south). Dawes Park will be on your left. Limited street parking is available along Sheridan Road. Vehicles without a current Evanston wheel tax are subject to parking fees, enforced between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week, at $3 per hour from April 1 through October 31, and $0.50 per hour from November 1 through March 31. Several parking garages are also available in downtown Evanston, with hourly rates ranging from $1 to $18.
Discover more about Dawes Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Levere Memorial Temple
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Evanston SPACE
0.8 km
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Penny Park
1.7 km
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Bahá'í House of Worship
3.2 km
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Northeastern Illinois University
8.3 km
A diverse Chicago university with a rich history, offering accessible education and a vibrant campus life in the heart of North Park.
Anita Willets Burnham Log House
8.5 km
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 1830s log home and studio of artist Anita Willets Burnham in Winnetka, Illinois.
Old Treaty Elm
8.8 km
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Blue Star Memorial Woods
9.2 km
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Historic Wagner Farm
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Hutchinson Street
10.0 km
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Alta Vista Terrace Historic District
10.6 km
Discover the historic charm and architectural beauty of the Alta Vista Terrace Historic District in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood.
Irish American Heritage Center
10.7 km
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The Race House
11.5 km
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Glencoe Historical Society
12.0 km
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Norwood Park Historical Society
12.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park
0.3 km
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Charles Gates Dawes House
0.4 km
Discover the historical elegance of the Charles Gates Dawes House, a museum reflecting the life of a vice president and architectural beauty in Evanston.
Evanston History Center
0.4 km
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Frances Willard House Museum
0.5 km
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Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University
0.7 km
Explore the diverse and enriching exhibitions at the Block Museum of Art in Evanston, a cultural treasure housed at Northwestern University.
Halim Time & Glass Museum
1.1 km
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Northwestern University
1.1 km
Explore the historic and culturally rich Northwestern University, a must-visit destination in Evanston, Illinois, offering stunning architecture and vibrant campus life.
Merrick Rose Garden
1.1 km
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Dearborn Observatory
1.1 km
Discover the wonders of the universe at Dearborn Observatory in Evanston, Illinois, a historic site perfect for astronomy lovers and curious travelers.
Merrick Park
1.1 km
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Merrick Park in Evanston, Illinois, a perfect spot for relaxation and nature exploration.
Shakespeare Garden
1.2 km
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American Toby Jug Museum
1.4 km
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Grosse Point Lighthouse
1.9 km
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Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
3.2 km
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Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
4.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Pasta Luna
0.4 km
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Prairie Moon
0.4 km
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La Cocinita Restaurant
0.4 km
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Tapas Barcelona
0.4 km
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Picnic
0.4 km
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Frida's Breakfast and Lunch
0.5 km
Experience delightful breakfasts and lunches at Frida's in Evanston - where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Mt. Everest Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience the rich flavors of Indian and Nepalese cuisine at Mt. Everest Restaurant in Evanston - a true culinary delight.
LeTour
0.5 km
Experience authentic French cuisine at LeTour in Evanston - where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Peppercorns Kitchen
0.6 km
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Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
0.6 km
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NaKorn Urban Thai (Evanston)
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand at NaKorn Urban Thai in Evanston - where tradition meets modern dining.
Trattoria Demi
0.6 km
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Reza's Restaurant- Evanston
0.6 km
Discover authentic Persian flavors at Reza's Restaurant in Evanston - a delightful stop for food lovers seeking cultural cuisine.
elephant + vine
0.6 km
Explore vibrant vegan cuisine at Elephant + Vine in Evanston—where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity in every delicious dish.
Mid Kitchen
0.7 km
Experience a nutritious twist on breakfast at Mid Kitchen in Evanston – your go-to spot for healthy vegan and gluten-free options.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Accents Plus
0.5 km
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Ten Thousand Villages
0.5 km
Shop ethically at Ten Thousand Villages in Evanston – a unique gift shop offering fair trade treasures from global artisans.
Talia
0.5 km
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Comix Revolution Evanston
0.5 km
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cloth + home
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Madison Grace
0.5 km
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Stepping Out on Faith Consignment Shop
0.6 km
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High Touch
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Artem Pop Up Gallery
0.6 km
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Ayla's Originals
0.6 km
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Gearhead Outfitters | Evanston outdoor gear and apparel store
0.7 km
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Skylight Vintage
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Crossroads Trading
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Alley Gallery
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Stumble & Relish
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ridgeville Tavern
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Bitter Blossom
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Chili's Grill & Bar
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The Blue Horse Tavern
1.0 km
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Oskar
1.5 km
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Ward Eight
3.0 km
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The N Shore Bar
3.3 km
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Delilah's
12.8 km
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The Whistler
13.7 km
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The Pink Squirrel
13.7 km
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King of Cups
14.0 km
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Best Intentions
14.7 km
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The Up Room
15.1 km
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The Revel Room
15.2 km
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Blue Line Lounge & Grill
15.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious flavors at Blue Line Lounge & Grill in Chicago's Wicker Park, perfect for a night out or casual get-together.
