Lake Forest College visitor guide for North Chicago trips

Lake Forest College is in Lake Forest, about 30 miles north of Chicago. Founded in 1857 as Lake Forest University, it later took its current name.

The College divides its grounds into North, Middle and South Campus, linked by wooded ravines. It describes the campus as one suited to walking, biking or skateboarding, so allow time to move between its areas. Forest Park Beach on Lake Michigan is four blocks from campus.

A personal campus visit can combine a campus tour, a meeting with an admissions counselor and conversations with students. Schedule at least 48 hours in advance; the College can tailor an itinerary to the time you have available.

First-year and transfer visit options may include specialty tours, admissions meetings and student conversations. Some events may offer a chance to sit in on a class, while certain activities are reserved for admitted students. Check the official site before you go for current visit options and arrangements.

Campus parking is limited, and guests who bring a car should register their vehicle through the College’s Visitor Registration Portal before arriving. Registered guests may use marked, non-reserved spaces on any campus.

For drivers coming from Chicago, the College’s directions route you north on I-94, then onto US Route 41 where I-94 splits toward Milwaukee, with an exit at Deerpath Road. For Middle Campus and most College offices, turn south onto Sheridan Road from Deerpath Road, then left onto College Road to enter through the stone pillars.

Metra’s Union Pacific North line stops in downtown Lake Forest, and the College describes the station as a ten-minute walk from campus. The train journey to Chicago takes about an hour, with the station a half-mile walk from campus.

If you are coordinating travel around North Chicago as well, getting around North Chicago without guesswork is a useful part of planning the wider trip.

Start by arranging any admissions visit in advance, then decide whether you will drive or use Metra. If you drive, register the vehicle before setting out and follow the College’s directions for the campus area you need. If you take the train, account for the walk between downtown Lake Forest and campus.

Red Carpet Inn North Chicago is a hotel in North Chicago. For campus-specific visit arrangements, parking guidance and directions, check the official site before you go.