Northwestern University Anchors Its Main Campus in Evanston, Illinois

Lead On September 13, 2025, Northwestern University’s primary campus sits on 240 acres along the shores of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois-approximately 12 miles north of downtown Chicago.

Nut Graf A leading private research institution founded in 1851, Northwestern’s location blends a tranquil lakeside setting with easy access to Chicago’s academic and cultural resources, underscoring its appeal to students and faculty seeking both suburban calm and urban opportunity.

Campus Locations

Evanston Campus

• Main campus spans 240 acres on Lake Michigan’s shore, bordered by Lincoln Avenue to the north and Clark Street to the south.
• Home to undergraduate programs, the Graduate School, Kellogg School of Management, and key facilities such as the Technological Institute and Dearborn Observatory.

Chicago Campus

• A 25-acre Streeterville site four blocks from the Chicago ‘L’ Red Line, hosting the Feinberg School of Medicine, Pritzker School of Law, parts of Medill, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
• Established in the 1920s as part of a master plan featuring collegiate Gothic architecture to integrate professional schools into the city fabric.

Global Presence

• Doha, Qatar campus opened with journalism and communication programs, extending Northwestern’s footprint internationally.

Accessibility and Transit

• Public Transit: Served by CTA Purple Line stations (Foster, Davis, Noyes) on Evanston campus; Red Line and multiple bus routes on Chicago campus.
• Driving Address: 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208 for main campus visitors.

Why Location Matters

Northwestern’s dual-campus setup leverages Evanston’s scenic lakeside environment to foster community and research, while Chicago’s urban campus provides clinical, legal, and journalistic training in a world-class city. This geographic synergy enhances interdisciplinary collaboration and student life.