Join the Downtown Evanston History Tour

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Evanston’s Past

How It Works

Step 1 – Download Vibemap

Follow the links below to download the Vibemap app and make a profile.

Step 2 – Earn Points at participating locations!

Check In, Share, Save, and Add Tips through the app and watch your points soar as you explore

Step 3 – Earn badges and prizes

As you explore, you’ll earn points and unlock badges which qualify you for exciting rewards.

Participants can level up their history knowledge along the way:

The deeper you dive into Downtown Evanston’s past, the more chances you’ll have to win special rewards.

Grand Prize – Legendary Historian:

A $250 Evanston E-Gift Card will be awarded to the participant with the most points.

Level 1 – History Buff:

Earn a custom Downtown Evanston History Tour sticker and a Downtown Evanston drawstring bag.

Level 2 – Preservationist:

Receive a raffle entry for one of ten $25 Evanston E-Gift Cards and an Evanston History Center mug.

Level 3 – Master Storyteller:

Receive a raffle entry for one of five Evanston history packages, including free entrance to the Dawes House and the book Hidden In Plain Sight: Evanston's Double Houses.

  • Download Vibemap on the App Store
  • Download Vibemap on Google Play
Get the app and be on your way to win prizes, unlock experiences and claim rewards.
Check out Vibemap on the app store.

Downtown Evanston History Tour Partners

Evanston History Center

The Evanston History Center collects, preserves, and shares Evanston history to educate, inspire, and enrich the people of Evanston.

Downtown Evanston

Downtown Evanston is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation that provides marketing, special event, placemaking, and general management services for the downtown Evanston business district. The mission of the organization is to market, maintain, develop, and improve the vitality of the local economy and quality of life within the designated Special Service Area (SSA) boundaries.

Northwestern University

Since 2015, the Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations at Northwestern University has redefined our partnership with the City of Evanston, transforming it into a benchmark for university-city collaborations nationwide.