Best Places to Get Engaged on Chicago’s North Shore

If you’re planning to pop the question, then spirit your beloved away into the beauty of the seasons and stage your engagement in one of these gorgeous settings. Chicago’s North Shore reflects the charm of the moment with sensational landmarks to celebrate putting a ring on it. Get creative and find more romantic locations when you Explore North Shore Attractions. 

 

Northwestern University Lakefront, Evanston

The Lakefront at Northwestern University (Evanston)
Beyond the ivy-drenched antiquity and glossy modern architecture of Northwestern University lies a magical expanse of lakefront views. Take your honey out for a hand-in-hand stroll with the Chicago cityscape decorating a shimmery Lake Michigan as your background. See why students vote this spot the best landmark when you watch a sunrise over the water as you cuddle your newly minted fiancée or fiancé. The seabirds and beautiful campus will bear witness as you launch this new life phase together.
 

River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

River Trail Nature Center (Northbrook)
Share this lifetime highlight with some special guests in the form of ruby-throated hummingbirds, red-winged blackbirds, goldfinches or even a bald eagle. A chorus of frog song or owl hoots might chime in at River Trail Nature Center which is situated along the Des Plaines River. The center branches out with access to trails that weave through a variety of habitats, from lush woodlands to quiet wetlands. Vibrant plant life decorates your gentle walk where every twist and turn delivers sights and sounds for an outdoorsy photo op or video.
 

Gillson Park, Wilmette

Gillson Park (Wilmette)
A bounty of beautiful outdoor backdrops awaits you two in Gillson Park. Saunter along the handsome beach with its colorful collage of sailboats, kite flyers and plein air painters. Take your sweetest out on the water or bring your pup to share the moment in the beachy dog park. You can wander along the Wildflower Garden and Flower Walk or visit adjacent Wilmette Harbour and, just across the street, the astonishingly picturesque Baha'i Temple. A pretty picnic or a refreshing swim will seal the deal.
 

The Grove, Glenview

The Grove (Glenview)
Scenic gardens, historical backdrops and a gazebo are just some of the highlights in the ecologically-diverse 150+ acres of this national landmark. Comprised of forest, wetland pools, vast lawns and a vintage 1930s-era Redfield Estate with a pavilion (available for rentals if you return to tie the knot), the beautiful grounds offer a pretty mix of trails. The Woodland Dancer sculpture is a delightful highlight along with the Gothic Revival House, Blacksmith Shop, log cabin and the live turtles, birds, snakes and fish (among other types of specimens) in the Interpretive Center.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe) 
Love isn’t the only thing in bloom around here. Imagine the most romantic moment possible in one of the most stunning settings imaginable. Choose your moment with picture-perfect sparkling water features and darling archways as you declare your intentions in the colorful and fragrant gardens with their effusive spring flowering. Or cross the dramatically-lit Serpentine Bridge along the path to summer evening romance. Scope out some prime spots to pop the question beyond all the showy lilies, climbing clematis and 5,000+ roses in the three-acre Krasberg Rose Garden.
 

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, Skokie

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park (Skokie)
If you lovebirds are art lovers, too, pick a spot to proclaim your forever feelings along two miles of striking sculptures and strike a pose. This outdoor museum hosts a sublime ribbon of metal, stone and greenery along the north branch of the Chicago River. Ride your bikes or park at one of the four designated sections and explore. You can make a cheeky statement photo in Section II with Tamsie Ringler’s imagining of a house, Ted Gall's colorful stallions or Indira Johnson’s Star Woman.