8 days in Evanston, Madison & Minneapolis Itinerary

Evanston is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States, north of downtown Chicago, bordered by Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, and Wilmette to the north. Start off your visit on the 10th (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Baha'i House of Worship, visit a coastal fixture at Grosse Point Lighthouse, then deepen your understanding at Northwestern University, and finally walk around Dawes Park. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the majestic nature at Illinois Beach State Park, cool off at KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort, and then buy something for everyone on your list at Gurnee Mills.

To see reviews, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Evanston tour builder.

Newark to Evanston is an approximately 5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Newark to Evanston is minus 1 hour. In July, Evanston is slightly colder than Newark - with highs of 82°F and lows of 64°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can go by car to Madison.

Madison might be the capital of Wisconsin, but students rather than politicians give the city its identity.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): get a sense of history and politics at Wisconsin State Capitol, then take in nature's colorful creations at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and then don't miss a visit to Memorial Union Terrace. On the next day, examine the collection at The House on the Rock, then admire the landmark architecture of Taliesin Preservation: Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center , and then immerse yourself in nature at Devil's Lake State Park.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Madison day trip tool.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Evanston to Madison. In July in Madison, expect temperatures between 81°F during the day and 61°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to fly to Minneapolis.

Located on both banks of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis salutes the state's love of the outdoors with numerous lakes, wetlands, creeks, and waterfalls--many connected to one another by a national scenic byway great for sightseeing.

Change things up with a short trip to Washington County Historic Courthouse in Stillwater (about 36 minutes away). The adventure continues: take in the dramatic scenery at Minnehaha Park, observe the fascinating underwater world at SEA LIFE at Mall of America, explore the world behind art at Minneapolis Institute of Art, and browse the different shops at Mall of America.

For ratings, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, use the Minneapolis trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Madison to Minneapolis takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July in Minneapolis, expect temperatures between 83°F during the day and 65°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.