Many visitors to Chicago get entranced by the millions of things they can do there and never leave the city. This is a mistake! Some of the Midwest’s greatest treasures are found in the surrounding suburbs: Wilmette’s jaw-dropping Baháʼí House of Worship, the enchanting Naperville Riverwalk, thrilling Six Flags Great America, and the list goes on.
But with hundreds of suburbs to potentially visit — 205 to be exact — how does one choose? I grew up in Chicago’s ‘burbs. My top five recommendations are Evanston and Wilmette to the north and Oak Park, Naperville, and Geneva to the west. These suburbs have several interesting things in common that appeal to out-of-town visitors. First, they’re within an hour or two from the city via public transportation, so you don’t need a car to access them. Because who wants to brave the snarls of Chicago traffic if you don’t have to? No thanks!
Second, they are mostly walkable, meaning you can exit the train and easily and safely walk to shops, restaurants, and interesting sights or attractions. Finally, all these towns have a unique offering or combination of offerings — something special to see or experience that makes them stand out. This could be a historic monument, a dreamy harbor, an enclave with a cool vibe — or a combination.
Chicago’s best northern suburbs: Evanston and Wilmette
I went to college in Evanston, so I might be biased, but my guess is that many Chicagoans would agree that it’s one of Chicago’s stand-out suburbs, blending picturesque parks and beaches with a dynamic downtown, elegant homes along Lake Michigan, and the beautiful campus of Northwestern University. Evanston meets all the criteria I named previously. From Chicago, you can get there via either the Metra commuter train (the Union Pacific North or UP-N) or CTA’s “L” or elevated train (Red Line to Purple Line) in less than an hour. From the Davis train or “L” station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Northwestern campus, a jumble of new and old buildings spread across several miles of scenic shoreline, the Chicago skyline visible in the distance. Majestic old oaks dot the grounds and turn brilliant colors in autumn — the loveliest season to visit, in my opinion…