North Suburbs

Travel Guide

North Suburbs featuring a house
North Suburbs featuring a fountain and a garden
North Suburbs featuring a house
North Suburbs featuring a house
North Suburbs showing street scenes

Away from the tall skyscrapers, high-end shopping, elevated trains and large lakeside parks of Chicago are multiple friendly cities with unique attractions.

The sprawling city of Chicago extends to its North Suburbs, with quiet residential areas, lovely parks and attractions worth taking a side trip to see. Pick one town for an extended visit or travel between several nearby communities.

In Skokie, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Centerfulfills its mission to remember the past and transform the future. Its architecture illustrates a passage from darkness into light. See an 1847 log cabin and a historic engine house at the Skokie Heritage Museum.

Evanston, just north of Chicago, is known for Northwestern University, an excellent research and academic facility. Stroll the campus and see Big Ten football and other sports at Ryan Field. In the evening attend world-class musical performances at SPACE.

The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette is one of the most beautiful and most popular spots to see in this area north of Chicago. Envisioned in 1903 and finally open to the public in 1953, the temple is both a place of worship and an amazing architectural feat. Notice the nine gardens and fountains and nine entries, some with beautiful reflecting pools, all surrounding the giant domed structure. North of the temple, watch the boats in Wilmette Harbor or put your feet in the sands of Gillson Beach.

Bring the kids to Glenview for fun, educational outings. The Kohl’s Children’s Museum has hands-on exhibits that promote learning through play. See the interactive silo, livestock and crops at the Historic Wagner Farm. Learn about native plants and animals at The Grove.

Drive about an hour north from Chicago to Great Lakes, near North Chicago. Here the Great Lakes Naval Museum tells the history of the U.S. Navy’s operation from the American Revolution to today and illustrates the transition of an enlistee from a recruit to a sailor during 8 weeks of basic training.

Enjoy the scenery along Lake Michigan as you travel to Chicago’s North Suburbs. Stop at beaches to swim or watch sailboats catching the wind.

Where to stay in North Suburbs

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Half Day

Visitors to Half Day enjoy its theaters, and if you want to do some exploring, Marriott Theatre is worth a stop.

Half Day
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Bannockburn

The restaurants, shopping, and lake views are just a few things travelers enjoy about Bannockburn. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Conway Farms Golf Club or Marriott Theatre.

Bannockburn
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Riverwoods

Visitors to Riverwoods enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Ravinia Green Country Club is worth a stop.

Riverwoods
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Gross Point

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travelers like about Gross Point. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian and Baha'i House of Worship are a few top places to visit.

Gross Point
Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue

4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (884 reviews)
"great food spots all around and beautiful sites to see"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (474 reviews)
"It was a great property to stay at, definitely would book again!"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop

3.5 out of 5
1436 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness center, and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (344 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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