Directions
Feel free to consult one of Northwestern's web format or printable maps, showing the Evanston campus and the home of the English Department. Located on the south side of campus, the department resides in University Hall, a high-Victorian Gothic limestone building with a distinctive clocktower visible from many parts of campus. The Department Office is located on the second floor, in Room 215.
Detailed directions from O'Hare and Midway Airports and downtown Chicago
The English Department is located in University Hall on the Evanston campus of Northwestern University. The campus is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan, twelve miles north of downtown Chicago. Evanston is the first suburb north of the City of Chicago.
From Chicago O'Hare International Airport
By Car: Take the airport access road (Interstate 190) towards Chicago. Soon after leaving the airport take Interstate 294 northbound. Look for signs to "Milwaukee." There is a toll, so have change on hand. After four miles, exit eastbound on Dempster Street (US 14 - state route 58). Continue on Dempster Street for ten miles to Evanston. Soon after passing under two railroad bridges take a left at the next set of traffic signals. Proceed north on Chicago Avenue for one mile to the University. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
By Taxi: Cabs are available at meter rates (about $35+). A better suggestion is to call Wilmette's 303 Cabs toll free on 1-888-CALL-303. Cabs are usually waiting and will pick you up in the limousine lane. Check their Rates page to determine current fares.
From Chicago Midway Airport
By Car
Take Cicero Avenue north to the Stevenson Expressway (Interstate 55). Take I55 towards downtown Chicago. I55 joins Interstate 90/94 just southwest of Chicago loop. Head northbound. Look for signs to "Wisconsin" and "Kennedy Expressway." After twelve miles take Interstate 94. Watch for signs to "Milwaukee" and "Edens Expressway." After six miles, exit eastbound on Dempster Street (route 58). Continue on Dempster Street for four miles to Evanston. Soon after passing under two railroad bridges, take a left at the next set of traffic signals. Proceed north on Chicago Avenue for one mile to the University. Travel time is about 75 minutes.
By Public Transit
Take a Chicago Transit Authority Orange Line train to Clark/Lake Station on the Loop elevated. Cross to the other platform and take a northbound Brown Line train for five stations to Fullerton. From the other side of the same platform take a northbound Red Line train to Howard Street. Then take a northbound Purple Line train five stations to Foster. Walk east until you cross Sheridan Road, then turn left. Follow side-walk until Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue meet. University Hall will be to your left.
From Downtown Chicago
By Car
Take Lake Shore Drive (US 41) northbound. Join Sheridan Road and follow northwards to Evanston and the University. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
By Commuter Train
The Metra Commuter Rail provides service from Northwestern Train Station (Ogilvie) in the west Loop. Take a Pacific North Line train to Davis Street, Evanston. Travel time is 25 minutes and the cost as of 2010 is $3.50. Exit the station towards the front of the train onto Church Street. Walk east on Church Street to Chicago Avenue, then turn left. Walk north on Chicago Avenue until it meets Sheridan Road. University Hall will be immediately to the northeast.
By Rapid Transit in Peak Hours
Take a Chicago Transit Authority Purple Line "Evanston Express" train from any station on the Loop elevated. Alight at Foster station. The Department is two blocks east of Foster station. The fare is $2.25.
By Rapid Transit in Off-Peak Hours
Take a northbound Chicago Transit Authority Red Line train from the State Street subway to Howard Street. Then take a northbound Purple Line train five stations to Foster. Walk east until you cross Sheridan Road, then turn right. Follow the side-walk until Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue meet. The fare is $2.25.
Parking is available in the large lot on the southeast side of campus. However, you will need a daily parking permit available for purchase at the Parking Office at 1841 Sheridan Road. Limited parking is available on neighboring streets.