North Shore Chicago Itinerary

Three Days of Leisure and Learning on Chicago’s North Shore

Chicago’s North Shore offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, architectural wonders, and rich history, making it an ideal destination for a three-day getaway. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this region is home to iconic gardens, fascinating museums, and cultural gems that allow visitors to explore both the serene and the thought-provoking. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy retail therapy, or reflect on historical narratives, this itinerary captures the highlights of Chicago’s North Shore and will leave you with memories of a trip well-spent.

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Chicago Botanic Garden Aerial

Enjoy These Great Attractions and More:

Chicago Botanic Garden
Baha’i House of Worship
Westfield Old Orchard
Charles Gates Dawes House
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Day-to-Day North Shore Chicago Itinerary

Day 1 of Things To Do North of Chicago

Start your North Shore adventure with a peaceful retreat to the Chicago BotanicGarden.Spanning385 acres, this stunning space—made up of 27 gardens and four natural areas—offers a lush collection of plants and landscapes, from serene water features to diverse seasonal blooms. Spend your morning wandering through the themed gardens, such as the Japanese Garden or the Aquatic Garden, taking in the natural beauty that draws visitors year-round.

If you are looking to learn more, the garden regularly offers educational tours and workshops. After soaking in the Botanic Garden’s ease and tranquility, take a short drive to the breathtaking Baha’i House of Worship. This strikingly ornate temple, one of only seven Baha’i temples in the world, stands as a symbol of unity and peace. Its unique architectural design, with intricate carvings and soaring domes, invites quiet reflection. Don’t forget to explore the well-manicured gardens that surround the temple, adding to the overall sense of serenity.

Day 2 of North Shore Chicago Attractions

Your second day takes a leisurely turn, beginning with some retail indulgence at Westfield Old Orchard, an upscale open-air shopping mall. Here, you will find a mix of luxury brands, popular retailers, and plenty of dining options, making it the perfect place for a morning of shopping or a relaxed lunch.

In the afternoon, dive into local history with a visit to the Charles Gates Dawes House, a stunning lakefront mansion built in the late 19th century. As the former home of Charles Dawes, the 30th U.S. vice president, the house is an architectural marvel that transports you back to the early 1900s. While here, also explore the Evanston History Center, located inside the mansion. This center—which welcomes 4,500 visitors every year—offers exhibits on local history, giving you a deep dive into the area’s past and the people who helped shape it.

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Day 3 of Final Group Activities in the North Shore of Chicago

Begin your final day with some cultural immersion at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. This premier venue showcases an impressive range of performances, including theater, dance, and concerts, making it a must-visit for art lovers. Whether you’re attending a morning matinee or simply walking through the space, the center provides a glimpse into the vibrant artistic spirit of the region.

The building itself is modern and welcoming, often hosting national touring productions, local theater groups, and even educational programs for the community. Check the event calendar ahead of your trip to catch a show that aligns with your interests, whether it’s a Broadway hit or a local concert. Even if you aren’t able to attend a performance, simply visiting the center can inspire you to explore Chicago’s rich performing arts scene. In the afternoon, head over to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for a deeply moving experience. This award-winning museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust while also teaching universal lessons about human rights and social justice. Start your visit by walking through the permanent exhibits, which feature both powerful personal stories and historical artifacts that convey the gravity of the Holocaust.

The museum also includes interactive displays, such as the Take a Stand Center, which allows visitors to engage with life-sized holograms of Holocaust survivors who answer questions about their experiences. Beyond its Holocaust-focused exhibits, the museum addresses other instances of genocide and explores contemporary issues of intolerance and prejudice, urging visitors to reflect on how the past can shape our understanding of human rights today. Be sure to allow enough time to take in the thought-provoking temporary exhibits that often feature cutting-edge perspectives on history, culture, and activism. The museum’s mission of remembrance and education makes it a poignant final stop on your NorthShore journey, leaving you with both historical knowledge and a renewed sense of responsibility to promote tolerance and understanding in today’s world.