🇺🇸 Chicago Hidden Gem｜Northwestern University Walking Tour Guide

If you’ve already explored downtown’s popular spots and want to discover another side of Chicago, head to Northwestern University! Here, you’ll find uncrowded scenery and effortlessly chic photo opportunities at every turn. 🚇 Getting There Take the CTA Purple Line from downtown Chicago. Get off at Davis Station or Foster Station – both are just a 5-8 minute walk from the heart of campus. Walking also lets you enjoy the beautiful surroundings! 🚶‍♂️🌳 📍 Classic Route (2-3 hours walking) – Start: University Hall 🏛️ Enter from Clark Street and you’ll immediately see this 19th-century Gothic building. Covered in green ivy with striking spires, it’s perfect for wide shots on the lawn or close-ups of architectural details. Summer sunlight adds amazing texture! ☀️ – Second Stop: Deering Library 📚 A 5-minute walk north on Sherman Ave brings you to this European-style library. Capture the sculptures, arched windows, and stone walls with lush trees in the background – instant artsy vibes! – Third Stop: Campus Lawn 🌿 Head east from Deering to an open green space dotted with white benches. Perfect for candid walking shots or clean compositions with historic buildings in the distance. – Final Stop: Lake Michigan Shoreline 🌊 Continue east to NU’s “private” lakefront. Expansive blue waters with sailboats and birds in the distance. Don’t miss: Painted rocks 🎨 – Bright, ever-changing student art. Lakeside pathway – Frame the sky, water, and campus for that perfect summer shot. 💡 Tips Wear light colors (white, blue, light yellow) to complement the red bricks, green trees, and blue lake. Best light: 3-5 PM – soft, golden, and perfect for photos. The campus is huge! We only covered the southeast corner in a morning. Explore more if you have time! Follow this route for a seamless, photo-filled walk covering all the highlights – no backtracking needed! Perfect for your next Instagram post. 📲✨ #NorthwesternUniversity #Chicago #ExploreChicago #LakeMichigan #CampusTour