The sixth stop on the Get Up! Get Out! Get Active! Initiative was Evanston, IL. Located just north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan, Evanston, IL is the home to Northwestern University. As a result, this town is full of both students and families who are eager to soak up outdoor activities. Despite visiting the city in the middle of the afternoon, we saw plenty of activity as residents wanted to take advantage of the early autumn warmth.

Evanston residents seemed to occupied with activities along the lakeshore. These activities included walking, biking, and running on the free paths along the lake, and sailing on the lake's inviting waters. Everyone from students to mothers with newborns to older residents looked to take advantage of the free walking, biking, and running trails along the lake. These trails extend for miles and run both through Northwestern University as well as north and south of the university through the city itself. The city of Evanston has gone to great lengths to create resident friendly parks along the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. Clearly the city of Evanston puts a focus on allowing its residents to be active and healthy.

The other popular activity we spotted was sailing. While in Evanston we found an array of small sail boats active in the water. Speaking with residents confirmed that sailing is a popular activity when the weather cooperates. Our source informed us that residents and students alike can rent boats from several park facilities. Sailing is a great way to get out and enjoy nature while exercising both the body and mind.