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Northwestern University

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Immerse in Northwestern University’s vibrant campus life, architectural beauty, and lakeside views on a tour that connects people and ideas. Ideal for prospective students.

This tour currently has no scheduled dates.

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Discover Northwestern University’s stunning, wooded campus on the shore of Lake Michigan. This two-hour walking tour explores a wide variety of architectural styles, from 19th Century Collegiate Gothic buildings to cutting-edge, contemporary designs.

Duration
2 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Suburbs
Architects and Styles
Meet

Outside Segal Visitors Center, 1841 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL

Learn how the campus doubled in size in the 1960s following a lakefill plan developed by noted architect Walter Netsch, whose Brutalist structures transformed the feel of the university.

Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • The Northwestern tour is unique among the tours I give because of the quiet, bucolic setting of the campus and the backdrop of Lake Michigan. It contains buildings by noted architects Daniel Burnham, George W. Maher, Henry Ives Cobb, and Walter Netsch and covers a wide variety or architectural styles over more than 150 years of campus development.
      Mitch RosenfeldCAC Docent
    • We did the walking tour of the Northwestern University Evanston campus with docent, Janell, today. It was an interesting and informative tour of the campus and we learned so much about the atchitecture of many campus buildings. Our guide did a wonderful job walking us through this beautiful campus. Highly recommend this tour and our docent, Janell!
      Annie Z.Chicago, IL

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

All walking & bus tours FAQ
  • An exterior photo of Annie May Swift Hall.

    Annie May Swift Hall

  • An exterior photo of Charles Deering Library

    Charles Deering Library

  • A photo of Weber Arch.

    Weber Arch

Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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