Northwestern University Walking Tours

Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a renowned educational institution rich in history and architecture. More than 150 historically significant and interesting sites on campus are featured in various 30-minute walking tours.

CITY: Evanston

Gurnee Antique Center

One of Chicagoland's largest antique malls offering exceptional service and top quality antique merchandise. The spacious 24,000 square foot building is home to 200 dealers featuring a range of items that are truly antiques. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers by bringing them top quality, authentic 18th, 19th and early 20th century antiques. Conveniently located off I-94 and Grand Avenue in Gurnee with an array of restaurants and hotels close by.

CITY: Gurnee

Blackthorn Grille

The Blackthorn Grille is a traditional Irish Pub focusing on gourmet meals and a wide selection of top-quality wines and beers. You will find the finest quality in every detail at the Blackthorn Grille. From our Executive Chef to the tenured bar staff, we have created the ideal atmosphere to enjoy a meal or share a bit of drink.

CITY: Lake Villa

Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant

Big Shot is an upscale Restaurant & Piano Bar. A cozy place to meet, eat, and drink while listening and interacting with talented musicians. From the warm atmosphere to the variety of enticing menu items, this intimate spot will showcase live talent every night. The extremely friendly restaurant will invite its patrons to participate and sing along with new songs performed by talented professionals. This will definitely be a place to start and end an evening.

CITY: Arlington Heights

First Street Playhouse

This cozy, professional theater presents year round productions, including comedies, dramas and musicals.

CITY: Batavia

Oak Park Visitors Center

Stop by the Visitors Center for an audio walking tour, maps, books, souvenirs and unique gifts. Tickets are available for Hemingway's Birthplace Home and Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, Historic Pleasant Home and the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest.

CITY: Oak Park

Merrick Rose Garden

This public park exhibits 100 varieties of roses, with historic Centennial Fountain as the garden's focal point.

CITY: Evanston

Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park

Sculpture from around the world is on display from sunrise to sunset at this park located in Schaumburg's Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center.

CITY: Schaumburg

Canoe Shack

Canoe and Kayak rentals along the Fox River. These trips offer many hiking, picnicking and wildlife observation opportunities, as well as historic sites, small lime bluffs, and the country's only waterfall. Relax and enjoy the beautiful Fox River.

CITY: St. Charles

Lynfred Winery & Tasting Room

Welcome to Lynfred Winery Wheeling, a satellite location for Illinois' oldest and largest, continually-operating winery. Since 1979, Lynfred Winery has been offering guests with great wine, food and lodging. We offer wine tastings, flights, and bottles every day of the week. We have received numerous awards for our wine, and we have countless events that go on throughout the year at the winery. We also have a variety of gift and gourmet food items.

CITY: Wheeling

Dave & Buster's

There's no place quite like it! From hand-crafted tables and world class pocket billiards to the vast array of games in the Million Dollar Midway, D&B will provide one of the most unique entertainment outings you'll ever experience.

CITY: Addison

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Greater Chicago

This temple is one of only three Sri Venkateswara Hindu temples in the United States, constructed by Native American artisans.

CITY: Aurora

eSkape

This 60,000-square-foot entertainment complex includes 36 lanes of bowling, a multi-level leaser tag arena, indoor batting cages, an arcade, nightclub and the Grillworks Restaurant.

CITY: Buffalo Grove

Pheasant Run Resort & Spa

Pheasant Run Resort is the Midwest's largest entertainment resort. Located on 250 rolling acres just outside Chicago, in historic St. Charles, the resort offers 473 newly renovated rooms and exciting entertainment options.

CITY: St. Charles

Fox River Games Paintball

Bring a group of friends to play a round of paintball at Fox River Games. Open play or "walk-on" play is recreational play for all ages (age restrictions) and skill levels. Play as an individual or play in groups. Typically we are open every weekend Saturday and Sunday and during the summer we operate on Wednesdays and Fridays too. Please check our website for our operating schedule and specific hours of operation.

CITY: Aurora

The Comedy Shrine

Whether you're here to watch improv or stand-up, you're in for a great time! Come early and enjoy a drink and the thousands of pieces of comedy memorabilia that puts the "shrine" in The Comedy Shrine. Interested in classes? We have those too! You are never too old or too young to try your hand at comedy. Check out our website for upcoming class dates and prices.

CITY: Aurora

Volo Bog State Natural Area

Just 45 minutes northwest of Chicago is a state natural area featuring the state's only quaking bog with an open water center. Volo Bog State Natural Area was created when the melting of glaciers pushed deep into the ground 12,000 years ago.

CITY: Ingleside

Lombard Town Centre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Enjoy unique shopping and dining in Historic Downtown Lombard and the beautiful Lilacia Park. Special events for all ages throughout the year. Free parking.

CITY: Lombard

Bonnie Brook Golf Course & Banquet Facility

Bonnie Brook is one of the most popular public courses in Lake County, boasting a meticulously manicured 18-hole course with rolling, wooded terrain. Its natural, picturesque landscape offers golfers the ability to enjoy tree-lined fairways, spacious greens, small lakes and the beauty of the north branch of the Waukegan River, which flows gently throughout the course. With a course length of 6,701 yards, Bonnie Brook offers championship golfers a solid test while being friendly and forgiving to the high handicappers. The clubhouse features a Indoor Golf and Learning Center which houses a P3Proswing Simulator. The simulator and its software helps analyze a player's swing and provides guidance how to improve their game and is available on an appointment basis only.

CITY: Waukegan

Jeanine A Guncheon Gallery Etcetera

An unusual shop that runs the gamut from art, gifts & vintage. Uniquely individual. Owner and artist, Jeanine Guncheon, has a wide collection of her hand painted bowls, furniture, and one-of-a-kind sculptures. Commission pieces on request.

CITY: Forest Park

Stockholm's Brew Pub

Upscale restaurant and micro-brewery with foods prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Micro Brew classes too.

CITY: Geneva

Maywood Park

Just 20 minutes west of downtown Chicago, Maywood Park features live standardbred horse racing action on a ½ mile oval every Thursday and Friday night all year round. Live race post times are 7:10pm. General Parking is free.

CITY: Melrose Park

Devonshire Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center features a zero depth pool with play equipment, a water play structure, drop slide and diving board. You'll also find lockers/showers and a concession stand.

CITY: Skokie

Skokie Theater

This state-of-the-art, 150-seat auditorium presents musical and theatrical programs.

CITY: Skokie

Best Western Plus Oakbrook Inn

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 45 fully-appointed rooms in a boutique hotel setting. Every guest room features goose down comforter, cd/dvd player, refrigerator, microwave, Evening homemade choc.chip cookies, and complimentary breakfast buffet.

CITY: Westmont

Westin Chicago Northwest

The Westin Chicago Northwest is a premier meeting place with 60,000 sq.ft. of function space. For your next conference, banquet, or executive retreat, choose from 31 flexible rooms equipped with state-of-the-art-technology and comfortable furnishings.

CITY: Itasca

Ram Restaurant & Brewery

We offer a cozy setting for dining, an impressive bar, as well as our own selection of delicious micro-brews made on-site. Our restaurant features a huge variety of menu choices. Banquet rooms available.

CITY: Schaumburg

La Galerie

Art gallery featuring original artwork as well as Thomas Kinkade, H. Hargrove and Giuseppe Armani figurines.

CITY: St. Charles

Northwestern University Spectator Sports

The Northwestern Wildcats offer some of the best Division 1 college sports action in the Midwest, featuring 19 teams and competing in the Big Ten Conference.

CITY: Evanston

Greenbelt Cultural Center

Nestled within the native landscape of Greenbelt Forest Preserve, the Center and its outdoor amphitheater can be rented for meetings, conferences, classes, weddings, showers, receptions or family reunions.

CITY: North Chicago

Pheasant Run Resort

With 473 luxurious guest rooms, two championship golf courses, a renowned spa, award-winning dining and entertainment, three pools and extensive meeting and conference facilities, Pheasant Run hotel in St Charles IL is the perfect setting. And, while you're getting that special spa treatment or enjoying a romantic dinner or play, your children can have a great time in our Kid’s Klub. This special program offers supervised activities for children ages 3 to 11 years. Activities include playing games, watching movies, and making crafts to take home. Plus, every Saturday you can visit the craft corner where Mom and Dad can join in on the fun and make some seasonal themed crafts with their kids. Board games are also available for check-out through the Activity Desk.

CITY: St. Charles

Fish Lake Beach Campground

This campground has been family owned and operated since 1939. This is a great place to spend some quality family time or just to get away for some fishing, swimming and picnicking. All of the campsites have water, electricity, and fire rings. Campers can use the swimming pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, laundry facilities, rent a row or paddle boat, watch a movie Friday and Saturday nights at the outdoor movie theatre or play a round of mini golf. There are also family activities including Bingo, ceramics, crafts, pool games and story time. The campground also has 2 basketball courts, a baseball field, playground and a teen recreational center with video games. Come for a day, a week, a month or stay all season.

CITY: Volo

Gillson Park

Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property, including a harbor and beach. It is ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, tennis and other outdoor sports.

CITY: Wilmette

Ultimate Sports Dome

This sports spot features go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf and an indoor driving range.

CITY: Aurora

Nick's Fishmarket Restaurant

Elegant, romantic, and incredible service. From Motown to Classic Rock, from Jazz standards to current chart toppers, music to dance to by the Pearl St. Band!

CITY: Rosemont

Community Park

Plays host to community festivals in Hanover Park.

CITY: Hanover Park

Attic Playhouse

The Attic Playhouse strives to showcase a broad spectrum of theatre as an art form by producing: classic straight plays, small musicals, one-acts, improvisational and skit comedies and theatre for young audiences. Special attention is given to producing original scripts and encouraging new talent. At least one production a year is dedicated to these original works.

CITY: Highland Park

Prime Outlets at Huntley

Prime Outlets at Huntley offers over 40 brand name retailers at 25% to 65% off every day, including Mikasa, Reebok/Rockport Outlet Store, BOSE Factory Outlet, The Gap, Carter's and much more.

CITY: Huntley

Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower

The Millennium Carillon, a unique musical instrument consisting of 72 bells, is one of only four Grand Carillons in the world. Enjoy carillonneurs perform during the summer concert series and climb 253 steps to the observation area to marvel at the views.

CITY: Naperville

St. Charles Paddlewheel River Boats

Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles on the Fox River Queen or the St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboats.

CITY: St. Charles

Donley's Wild West Town

Wild west displays and genuine cowboy memorabilia including train rides, horse rides, panning for gold, cowboy shows and more. Extensive antique phonograph and music box collection on display. Seasonally open April - October.

CITY: Union

Midwestern Helicopter

Have you ever wanted to see the beautiful city of Chicago from above? Join us for an amazing helicopter skyline tour where you will see the city from a birds eye view! This is one of the most incredible adventures you can ever imagine. During our flight you will see all that this city has to offer - Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Willis Tower, John Hancock Observatory, Cellular One Field and the United Center.

CITY: Wheeling

Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort

308 newly renovated rooms and suites. Full-resort amenities: 27-hole championship golf course, 50,000 sq ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting/banquet space, indoor/outdoor pools, Precor Fitness Center, Spa Vargas, restaurants, lounges and much more.

CITY: Bloomingdale

DuPage Dragons Baseball

There's no place better to bring a group during the summer than to a DuPage Dragons Baseball game at the Benedictine University Sports Complex. The Dragons are in the Central Illinois Collegiate League, which is sanctioned by both the NCAA and MLB.

CITY: Lisle

Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago-Lombard/Oak Brook

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 262, two-room suite hotel with breath-taking indoor 10-story tropical atrium. Suites include living room, bedroom, wet bar, refrigerator, sofa bed, cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary evening beverages.

CITY: Lombard

Best Western Naperville Inn

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Enjoy deluxe continental breakfast, lobby computer access, 24-hour exercise room. Guest rooms each have free internet access, cable TV, microwave and refrigerator. Hotel is centrally located near restaurants, shopping and more! Easy access to I-88.

CITY: Naperville

North Riverside Park Mall

Over 130 fabulous stores featuring the latest fashions and trends, including Carson's, JC Penney, Sears and Forever 21. A new Classic Cinemas opened in 2008 showing great movies. Conveniently located on Cermak Rd., west of Harlem Ave.

CITY: Riverside

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Wood Dale

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Wood Dale is located in the Chancellory Business Park near I-290 & Thorndale Ave. (9 miles from O'Hare Airport and 35 miles from Midway) and offers 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a restaurant, a lounge, and more.

CITY: Wood Dale

Coral Cove Water Park

Dive into this beach-themed water park with 2 tall tube slides, drop-slide, diving well, walk-in swimming pool, splash ‘n spray playground, sand play area and café. Locker rooms, showers & family restrooms. Available for group rentals for 50-1500 people.

CITY: Carol Stream

Maple Avenue Gallery

Maple Avenue Gallery features sophisticated, contemporary works of art that range in price from about $500 to more than $6,000. In addition to the gallery, the company also offers custom framing and art consultations. Every month, Maple Avenue Gallery hosts receptions with live music and refreshments.

CITY: Evanston

Peggie Robinson Designs

An Evanston tradition for 28 years, designer-goldsmith Peggie Robinson and her staff can assist you in your selection of a piece of unique jewelry from their own designs, or help you design a piece just for you.

CITY: Evanston

Ryan Field-Northwestern University

Northwestern University Big 10 Football stadium located in Evanston, Illinois.

CITY: Evanston

Ram Restaurant and Brewhouse

THE RAM OFFERS A CASUAL DININGATMOSPHERE, INCLUDING A BREWHOUSE WITH ADJOINING BAR/LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT AREAS. LIVELY ENVIRONMENT ACCOMPANIED BY GREAT HOUSE-BREWED BEERS AND DAILY FOOD SPECIALS.

CITY: Rosemont

Fish Lake Campground Resort

This campground has been family owned and operated since 1939. This is a great place to spend some quality family time or just to get away for some fishing, swimming and picnicking. All of the campsites have water, electricity, and fire rings. Campers can use the swimming pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, laundry facilities, rent a row or paddle boat, watch a movie Friday and Saturday nights at the outdoor movie theatre or play a round of mini golf. There are also family activities including Bingo, ceramics, crafts, pool games and story time. The campground also has 2 basketball courts, a baseball field, playground and a teen recreational center with video games. Come for a day, a week, a month or stay all season.

CITY: Volo

Arrowhead Golf Club

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs -- Arrowhead Golf Club facilities include 27 holes, driving range and new clubhouse with elegant banquet facilities.

CITY: Wheaton

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Over 25,000 acres, nearly 140 miles of trails and educational facilities. Enjoy relaxing, volunteering and exploring the forests, lakes, prairies, and open spaces.

CITY: Wheaton

The Framery

Expert custom picture framing & frame restoration, art gallery, interior accessories with antique furniture.

CITY: Crystal Lake

Tucker Gallery, Fine Art

Tucker Gallery specializes in contemporary American and European artists. Styles and subjects range from traditional to abstract.

CITY: Evanston

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chicago - Lombard

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Spacious rooms & suites, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, high speed wireless internet, coffeemakers, hair dryers, ironing boards, swimming pool, hot tub,exercise room, and more. Adjacent meeting space is available.

CITY: Lombard

Lynfred Winery's Tasting deVine

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Founded in 1979, Lynfred Winery produces over 50 varieties of wine per year. Visit the tasting room and gift shop and enjoy.

CITY: Naperville

Oak Brook Sports Core

269-acre sports facility that offers upscale banquets, weddings, corporate picnics, golf and polo outings for 250-400 people. Tents can be added for larger groups.

CITY: Oak Brook

Rosemont Theatre

The plush Rosemont Theatre is your ticket to lavish Broadway musicals, full-scale productions and world-class entertainers. We also get raves for our extra-wide aisles, on-site parking, and our superior sound system. The Theatre presents unforgettable show-going experiences.

CITY: Rosemont

ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 136 oversized guestrooms and two-room suites, complimentary breakfast and evening beverages, indoor pool and whirlpool spa, and garden courtyard with barbeque grills.

CITY: Westmont

Batavia Depot Museum

Experience railroad and war history alongside Batavia-related exhibits. The original bed and dresser from Mary Todd Lincoln's room at Bellview Sanitarium are displayed here.

CITY: Batavia

Great Western Trail

This 17-mile trail replaces the abandoned main line of the Chicago Great Western Railroad. It is a flat easy ride connecting the communities of St. Charles and Sycamore.

CITY: St. Charles

A Leauge of Their Own - Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd., Union

This comedy follows the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1940s, at the start of World War II. All of the movie's scenes on the train and at the railroad depot were shot at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, home to more than 250 restored electric, steam and diesel trains. The Nebraska Zephyr passenger train seen in the film is part of the museum's permanent collection.

CITY: Union

Hampton Inn & Suites Addison

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - This comfortable Hampton Inn & Suites is conveniently situated near the Marcus 16 Cinema IMAX, Dave & Busters, Famous Dave's and Home Run Inn pizza. We are 18 miles west of downtown Chicago and 10 miles from O'Hare, located off I-355 at Lake Street.

CITY: Addison

Muirhead Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast

Private Master Suite surrounded by nearly 800 acres of prairie, this Frank Lloyd Wright designed home offers a private bath, historical artifacts, hearty country breakfasts and beautiful views.

CITY: Hampshire

Carleton Hotel of Oak Park

Beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites grace this historic boutique hotel. Within walking distance to unique shopping and dozens of restaurants. Conference and banquet facilities available, plus two restaurants inhouse - Poor Phil's and Philander's.

CITY: Oak Park

McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage

Home to five resident professional ensembles, student productions and world-class touring attractions plus the Gahlberg Gallery for visual arts.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

The Cottage Stamper, Inc.

St. Charles' newest source for rubber stamps, supplies and classes. Also offering custom invitations and announcements created for your special occasions.

CITY: St. Charles

Rice Pool & Water Park

Rice Pool and Water Park facilities include a zero-depth pool, thrilling slides, sand play area for children, adult lounge deck and sand volleyball courts.

CITY: Wheaton

Herrington Inn & Spa

Nestled in to the banks of the Fox River, The Herrington offers romantic getaways, executive events, weddings, corporate events, and riverside dining.

CITY: Geneva

Pinstripes

Features a distinctive entertainment and dining venue. Celebrate "sophisticated fun" in our warm and inviting 45,000 square foot indoor/outdoor facility complete with 20 bowling lanes and 10 bocce courts, exceptional Italian-American bistro with wine cellar, outdoor patio, fireplace, and beautifully appointed event and party room that can accommodate groups from 20-600.

CITY: South Barrington

Hilton Garden Inn St. Charles

This 120-room, full-service hotel and corporate training center, also offers meeting space. Deluxe accommodations, fitness center, banquet facilities and restaurant.

CITY: St. Charles

City of West Chicago’s Gallery 200

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Gallery 200 is fast becoming a haven for art lovers as a quality destination for buying and browsing great local art. The gallery, a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago, hosts artist opening receptions, art talks and workshops.

CITY: West Chicago

Chicago Indoor Racing

This indoor kart racing and entertainment facility features CyberSport, a multiplayer game that blends bumper cars, lacrosse and basketball into an alternative to racing for groups of 10 to 400.

CITY: Addison

Above and Beyond Framing and Gallery

Custom framing, art and gift gallery. Featuring Steve Hanks, Tom Lynch and Scanlan.

CITY: Bartlett

The Arboretum of South Barrington

The Arboretum is South Barrington’s newest and most exciting place to shop, dine and play. The open-air center is named for the lush treescapes and gardens of its landscape, and for the large tree farm that formerly stood on the site. An upscale mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues including iPic Theaters, the ultimate cinema experience and a new way to go to the movies; L.L.Bean’s first Midwest outdoor gear and apparel store and the incomparable Pinstripes Bowling/Bocce/Bistro.

CITY: South Barrington

Westfield Hawthorn

Westfield Hawthorn is home to Macy's, JCPenney, Carson Pirie Scott, Sears and over 140 diverse specialty retailers including: Bare Escentuals, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Disney Store, Gap, LOFT, H&M, Mario Tricoci Day Spa & Salon, Teavana, and Victoria's Secret. Ruby Tuesday and the food court offer over 20 eatery options. Sign up for the WFamily program to receive retailer discounts and invitations to free monthly fun days.

CITY: Vernon Hills

Center for History

Museum and education center highlighting our nation's social heritage through captivating exhibits and programs. Stories of the 1915 Eastland Disaster, and experience life on the run following the Underground Railroad.

CITY: Wheaton

Barrington Ice House Village Mall Shops and Restaurants

Explore this historic mall, built in 1904, featuring more than 20 specialty shops and Chessie's, an authentic 1915 train station restaurant with its own railroad car.

CITY: Barrington

The Haeger Potteries

World's largest manufacturer of art pottery. Factory outlet salesroom and Haeger Museum open to the public at original manufacturing site.

CITY: East Dundee

AMF Valley Lanes

This bowling alley has 40 lanes, and features glow-in-the-dark bowling on Friday and Saturday. Monday is 99¢ night.

CITY: North Aurora

Lynfred Winery

The oldest and largest continuously operating winery in Illinois producing more than 50 varietals and 25,000 cases of award-winning wines each year. Come in for a tour and tasting to experience the finest vintages, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious lodging. Tasting room and gift shop open daily. Complimentary tours on weekends. Gift shop featuring wine-related items, specialty gift baskets, glassware, and elegant home decor. Visit our website for events throughout the year including our renowned Oktoberfest.

CITY: Roselle

Volo Antique Malls and Mercantile Mall

Come visit our 30-acre antique theme park. Anchored by the nationally recognized Volo Auto Museum. The site also boasts great shopping in five separate malls; 3 malls selling antiques, 1 mall selling unique collectibles, gifts, vintage, home decor and lots more. Plus, all new furniture mall with everything for every room of the house. Over 400 dealer shops in one location offering a breathtaking variety from which to choose.

CITY: Volo

Kline Creek Farm

A "living history" farm depicting life in the 1890s DuPage County. Original structures, authentic recreations and livestock combine to make a realistic 1890s working farm.

CITY: Wheaton

Lynfred Winery's Tasting deVine

Founded in 1979, Lynfred Winery produces over 50 varieties of wine per year. Visit the tasting room and gift shop and enjoy.

CITY: Wheaton