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OR Picnics

Our first OR Picnic is scheduled for July 15, 2025, 12pm -1pm.
At the Lakefill Northpoint in Evanston.
You bring lunch and OR will have ice cream treats and raffle prizes.

picnic map

 DIRECTIONS

Interactive map of Northwestern University: Northwestern University Maps: Evanston Campus

Google Map: Northwestern University Lakefill - Google Maps

From Sheridan Road → Lakefill

Distance: ~3-5 minutes

  1. Start at Sheridan Road & Campus Drive
    • Near "The Rock" (painted boulder) and the Charlie’s Café bus stop.
  2. Walk EAST toward the lagoon
    • Pass the Deering Library (left side) and the University Chapel (right side).
  3. Cross the footbridge over the lagoon
    • Look for the modern steel/wooden bridge with lake views.
  4. Turn LEFT after the bridge
    • Follow the paved path along the lagoon’s edge (signs for "Lakefill").
  5. Arrive at the Lakefill
    • You’ll see open lawns, the Lakefill Pavilion, and Lake Michigan.

 From Norris Center → Lakefill

Distance: ~4-5 minute walk

  1. Exit Norris Center's east doors
    • (Facing the lake/Lagoon)
  2. Turn right (south) onto the sidewalk
    • You'll pass the Rock sculpture garden on your left
  3. At the intersection, turn left (east) onto the main lagoon path
    • Look for the large steel "Northwestern" sculpture
  4. Cross the Lagoon footbridge
    • Modern steel/wood bridge with great photo ops
  5. Immediately after the bridge, turn left (north)
    • Follow the paved path along the water
  6. Arrive at Lakefill
    • Open lawns, lake views, and the Lakefill Pavilion will be visible

From Tech → Lakefill

Distance: ~5-6 minute walk 

  1. Exit Tech's east doors (toward the lake/Lagoon)
    • Look for the glass-walled atrium facing Campus Drive
  2. Cross Campus Drive at the crosswalk
    • Head toward the Lagoon
  3. Turn left (north) onto the lakeside path
    • You'll pass the Bienen School of Music on your right
  4. Continue straight past the "Northwestern" sculpture
    • Watch for ducks in the Lagoon!
  5. Cross the steel footbridge over the Lagoon
    • Great views of the Chicago skyline from here
  6. After the bridge, turn left (north) onto Lakefill path
    • Follow this straight to reach the open lawns

From North Campus Garage → Lakefill

Distance: ~3-4 minute walk 

  1. Exit garage from northeast stairwell (Level 1)
    • Look for signs pointing to "Campus Walk" or "Lakefill"
  2. Walk east toward the lagoon:
    • You'll see the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on your right
    • Pass the SPAC parking lot on your left
  3. Choose your preferred path:
    • Paved route: Continue straight east to join the main lakeside path
    • Grass shortcut: Cut diagonally across the field (avoid when wet)
  4. Merge onto Lakefill path system:
    • The path will curve north - follow it along the lagoon's edge
  5. Arrive at Lakefill open space:
    • The Lakefill Pavilion will be visible ahead to your right

From the Lagoon → Lakefill Route

All paths lead northeast to the Lakefill

Distance: ~2-5 minute walk depending on starting point 

  1. From the West Lagoon (Near Deering Library)
  • Walk east along the lagoon's north shore path
  • Cross the steel footbridge
  • Turn left (north) after the bridge → immediate Lakefill access

 

  1. From the South Lagoon (Near Bienen School)
  • Walk north along the eastern lagoon path
  • Pass under the Tech Bridge (concrete walkway)
  • Continue straight → merges with Lakefill path system

 

  1. From the Central Lagoon (Near the Rock)
  • Take the northeast diagonal path through the grass
  • Merge with paved path near the lagoon's curve
  • Follow "To Lakefill" signs → opens to lakeside lawns