PLAY•LOVE
WELCOME to NIU
Welcome, NIU Huskies!
Our entire NIU community is thrilled to start the 2024-25 academic year with new and returning students like you who want to develop new knowledge and skills, achieve bold goals and improve our society. You belong here, and we are your champions.
This year, I strongly encourage you to not only get involved on campus, but in our local community as well. DeKalb and Sycamore are home to wonderful residents, partners, experiences and places to help you be successful and connected. You have a wealth of opportunities to explore, contribute and grow beyond our physical campus. Here are a few suggestions:
• Our area is rich in artistry, music and cultural diversity. Take time to attend community festivals, art shows and social events. They will broaden your perspectives and deepen your appreciation for the vibrant culture that surrounds us.
• Volunteering is a meaningful way to serve others and develop lasting relationships. Numerous organizations and causes benefit greatly from your time and talents. Whether it’s tutoring, tending to community gardens or serving at a food bank, your contributions help make a positive impact.
• We’re fortunate to have a great variety of shops, restaurants and cafés accessible via the free Huskie Bus Line. By supporting local businesses, you not only enjoy delicious food and unique products, but also help sustain the local economy. Make it a point to explore these establishments and get to know the people who run them – many are Huskies themselves.
• There are also numerous opportunities for internships and parttime jobs that provide valuable work experience, enable you to develop professional skills and expand your network. NIU’s Career Services office is happy to assist you in finding the right fit.
• Mark your calendar for NIU’s 117th annual Homecoming celebration Oct. 13-20, 2024. Immerse yourself in Huskie spirit as alumni, students and neighbors gather for fun events, activities and gameday against Toledo, showcasing the pride and traditions of our community.
The experiences and connections you make at NIU are an integral part of your success and development while in college and well beyond. Together, we will make this academic year one of the very best.
Go Huskies,
LISA C. FREEMAN President
WELCOME to DeKalb
Welcome, Huskies!
I personally welcome every NIU student to DeKalb for the new school year and tell you on behalf of DeKalb how excited we are to have you here.
As a lifelong DeKalb resident and proud NIU alumnus, I can’t wait for you to see all of the cool things DeKalb has to offer. Our downtown is pedestrian friendly, is home to numerous great shops and restaurants, has great outdoor dining spaces and is host to can’t-miss community activities including NIU’s Homecoming Block Party. I encourage you to come downtown to shop, eat and enjoy a show at our historic Egyptian Theatre.
This is Huskie country, and it is your town, so come out and explore DeKalb. You’ll find an incredible variety of restaurants providing food from cultures around the globe. You’ll discover unique cultural experiences when attending places like the historic Egyptian Theatre and our Stage Coach Player’s Theatre. You’ll have access to all the major brands for your day-to-day needs. And you’ll be able to attend local festivals like the DeKalb Corn Fest and Music at the Mansion.
I encourage you to spend some time getting to know us. You’ll find a community that welcomes new ideas, embraces innovation and people who are working hard to cocreate an environment where everyone feels that they belong. We are not perfect, but we are committed to growing and expanding our understanding and compassion for each other. That is why we value cocreation. It takes all of us, working together, to continue to improve DeKalb and this great nation of ours.
Forward, together forward, COHEN BARNES, ’95 Mayor, city of DeKalb
DEKALB COLLEGE TOWN FOOD TRADITIONS
THE GREAT BEER NUGGET DEBATE
Pizza Pro’s, Fatty’s, Vinny’s Pizza, Pizza Villa. Ask a group of DeKalb residents where you can get the best beer nuggets, and you’ll get a spirited debate.
What are beer nuggets, anyway?
They’re deep-fried pizza dough with a side of cheese sauce or marinara (beer not included). And they are definitely a DeKalb tradition. Who makes them best? You’ll just have to sample them and come to your own conclusion.
COLLEGE TOWN PIZZA
With all the chain shops and quite a few local joints, DeKalb has no shortage of pizza places. Thick crust, thin crust, tavern style — we’ve got it all.
THE SWEET LIFE
No college town is complete without some dessert treats. Here are just a few of our favorites.
l The Confectionary: Since 1982, The Confectionary has been making handcrafted chocolates and other treats right here in downtown DeKalb.
l Ollie’s Frozen Custard: Another DeKalb tradition is Ollie’s Frozen Custard, a thick, creamy treat made with dairy and egg yolks.
l Insomnia Cookies: When that late-night cookie craving hits, call Insomnia cookies — open until at least midnight daily.
l La Michoacana Ice Cream Bar: Traditional and innovative Mexican frozen treats are now a staple near NIU’s campus.
*See the Experience DeKalb County March Madness Pizza Challenge bracket and winner on Page 7.
FRIDAY 8/23
SATURDAY AUGUST 24TH - 9:30PM AUGUST 23rd, 24th, 25th DEKALB CORN FEST
SUNDAY 8/25 12-1:30 2 OF US 2-3:30 ROCKIN’ MOXIE 4:30-6 7TH HEAVEN Presented By
5:30-6:30 MATT RIPSCH
7-8 LEROY WINN POWER TRIO 9-11 MIKE AND JOE
SATURDAY 8/24
12-1:30 AUSTIN HOPKINS 2-3:30 WAIT, WHAT 4:30-6 BACK COUNTRY ROADS 7-8:30 HI INFIDELITY 9:30-11 SUGAR RAY
for more information visit cornfest.com
INTERNATIONAL FOOD
You might expect pizza and beer to be college town food traditions. But DeKalb also has a long history of great international restaurants.
OLD FAVORITES
Many of DeKalb’s international restaurants have roots going back decades. Here are just a few of our longtime favorites from around the globe.
l Yen Ching: For more than 30 years, this family-owned restaurant has been DeKalb’s go-to for Chinese food.
l Thai Pavilion: Another family restaurant that’s been a staple in the region for decades. Don’t miss the deep-fried lime tofu appetizer!
l Bea’s Wok and Roll: It won’t take long for Bea to greet you by name and ask you where you’ve been. This local place has been a DeKalb standard since the ’90s.
l Rosita’s: Since 1972, Rosita’s familyowned restaurant has been serving great Mexican food from the same location on East Lincoln Highway.
l Fushi Yami: Sushi is another DeKalb tradition — although Mushroom, the table-waiting robot, adds a modern twist.
NEW TRADITIONS
Newer global restaurants also abound. It hasn’t taken long for these more recent additions to become favorites of our NIU community.
l Jamrah Middle Eastern Cuisine.
l The Flame Greek Restaurant.
l Omi Sushi.
l Nami Ramen.
l Burger Naan Indian Fusion Street Food.
LOCAL/GLOBAL MARKETS
In addition to conventional grocery stores, DeKalb features several small markets with global appeal.
• Ruby’s Asian Market: With Asian pantry staples and locally made kimchi, Ruby’s has options you can’t find anywhere else.
• DeKalb Fresh Market: This small Mexican grocery is a local favorite.
• Gurukrupa Indian Grocery and Copy
• Keyboards, drums, percussion, audio and recording, basses, amplifiers, band and orchestra supplies
• Lessons - guitar, bass, ukelele, keyboards, vocals percussion and other instruments just $30 per half hour
DINE where to
AMERICAN
BARB CITY BAGELS
118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-754-5211 barbcitybagels.com
CLASS VI
214 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-994-9735 classsixdekalb.com
COUNTRY STORE AND CATERING
456 N. Main St., Sycamore 815-899-2333 countrystorecatering.com
CULVER’S DEKALB
1262 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 779-777-7997
CULVER’S SYCAMORE
1200 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-899-0200 culvers.com
DAIRY RIPPLE
675 E. State St., Sycamore 815-899-3500 sycamoredairyripple.com
DIRTY BIRD 815
124 S. Maple St., Sycamore 815-991-5877 thedirtybird815.com
EGG HAVEN PANCAKES & CAFÉ 2562 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-748-1200 egghavencafe.com
EGGSCLUSIVE CAFÉ
265 S. Peace Rd., Sycamore 815-899-3447 eggsclusivecafe.com
ELLWOOD STEAK & FISH HOUSE
2219 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-901-0270 ellwoodsteakandfishhouse.com
FRENCH TOAST PANCAKE HOUSE
831 S. 4th St., DeKalb 815-754-6900
HOBNOBBERS
2030 Baron Dr., Sycamore 815-991-5775 hobnobbersrestaurant.com
HY-VEE
2700 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-756-6174 hy-vee.com
JUNCTION EATING PLACE
816 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-758-5441 thejunctioneatingplace.com
KATE’S PLACENUTRITION & WELLNESS 114 S. California St., Sycamore 815-757-5418
THE LINCOLN INN AT FARANDA’S 302 Grove St., Dekalb 815-756-2345 farandas.com
LOTHSONS KARRY OUT CHICKEN
644 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-756-4303
MARIA’S LITTLE ITALY 1969B DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-901-1298 Mariaslittleitaly.com
NAT’S ON MAPLE 112 S. Maple St., Sycamore 815-895-4243 natsonmaple.com
POPEYE’S LOUISIANA CHICKEN
1127 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-517-1431 popeyes.com
PORTILLO’S
1780 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-895-0100 portillos.com
RAISING CANES CHICKEN 2411 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-754-5432 raisingcanes.com
SHARK’S FISH AND CHICKEN 901 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb 815-758-6600 lucindaave.ordersharksfishand chicken.com
SHAWN’S COFFEE SHOP
204 Somonauk St., Sycamore 815-895-5282 shawnscoffeeshop.com
SLOW SMOKE BBQ
265 W. Peace Rd., Sycamore 815-991-5514 slowsmokebbq.net
Omi Sushi
Ellwood Steak & Fish House
ElJimador
SONIC DRIVE-IN
1115 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb 815-901-0923 sonicdrivein.com
SYCAMORE PARKWAY RESTAURANT
605 E. State St., Sycamore 815-895-6700
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
1950 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-748-7427 texasroadhouse.com/ locations/482-dekalbil
THE GROVE TAVERN
204 N. 4th St., DeKalb 815-264-2125 thegrovetavern.com
THE SYCAMORE CAFÉ 1170 DeKalb Ave., #101, Sycamore 815-899-8070
TOM & JERRY’S SYCAMORE 1670 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-895-4420 sycamoretomandjerrys.com
ETHNIC
ANDALE TACO SHOP
202 E. State St., Sycamore 779-222-4131 andaletacoshop.com
BEA’S WOK ‘N ROLL 1402 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-756-1660
BUFFALO GRILL TACO
422 W. State St., Sycamore 815-757-2504
BURGER NAAN
121 N. 2nd St., DeKalb 815-517-1348 burgernaan.com
BURRITOVILLE
1026 Hillcrest Dr., DeKalb 815-756-8848 burritovilledekalb.com
CHINA HOUSE
1900 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-748-0032 chinahouseiltogo.com
CHINA INN
630 Plaza Dr., Sycamore 815-899-1188 chinainnsycamoreil.com
CHINA ONE
131 S. 4th St., DeKalb 815-756-9102 chinaonedekalb.com
EL JIMADOR
260 E. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb 815-301-5008 eljimadordekalb.com
FLAMINGO RESTAURANT AND ICE CREAM MEXICAN CUISINE
1029 Pleasant St., DeKalb 815-901-0049
FUSHI YAMI HIBACHI N’ SUSHI 822 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-748-8868 fushiyami.com
JAMRAH MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE 2672 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-517-0007 jamrahrestaurant.com
KHANA KHAZANA INDIAN CAFÉ
1005 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-517-1793
LOS 3 BURRITOS
185 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-756-6060 los3burritosdekalb.com
LOS RANCHEROS
2350 #A Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-758-2200 losrancherosrestaurante.com/ dekalb
MARIA’S LITTLE ITALY 1969B DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-901-1298
NAMI
913 S. Annie Glidden Rd. DeKalb 815 699-6333 namidekalbil.com
NINA’S TACO SHOP
122 E. Page St., Sycamore 815-991-5336
OMI SUSHI
3206 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-517-0098 omisushiil.com
PANDA HOUSE
901 Lucinda Ave., Ste. M, DeKalb 815-758-0051 pandahousedekalb.com
REN’S CHINESE RESTAURANT
310 E. State St., #10, Sycamore 815-899-8883
ROSITA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
624 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-756-1201 rositas.com
TACOS SALSAS Y CARNITAS
1021 W. Hillcrest Dr., Ste. A, DeKalb 815-787-6898
TAMALES LOS GRISOLES
4199 Route 38, Malta 815-825-3069 tineztacos.com
TAPA LA LUNA
226 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-217-0990 tapalaluna.net
TAXCO RESTAURANT
223 W. State St., Sycamore 815-895-2545 taxcorestaurant.com
THAI PAVILION
251 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-756-6445 thaipavilionskokie.com
THE FLAME
209 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 779-270-2000 theflamedekalb.com
THE VILLAGE
418 W. State St. 815-991-1158 thevillageonstate.com
YEN CHING
810 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-758-2007 yenchingweb.com
BAR & GRILL
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
2466 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-754-9299 buffalowildwings.com
FATTY’S PUB & GRILLE 1312 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-758-7737 fattysniu.com
HOMETOWN SPORTS BAR & GRILL
241 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-217-3325 hometownsportsbar.com
KJ’S TAP & GRILL 518 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-748-2577
LORD STANLEY’S ANNEX 142 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-754-9031 stanleysannex.com
MOLLY’S EATERY & DRINKERY 1000 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-997-3013 mollysdekalb.com
SULLIVAN’S TAVERN
722 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-756-4323
REMINGTON’S GASTROPUB
102 S. Third St., Malta 815-825-2794 remingtonsgastropub.com
CUB & SPANK’S, INC. 113 N. Maple St., Sycamore 815-895-4015
HINK’S BAR & GRILL 123 S. California St., Sycamore 815-899-9990
LOST MINE LOUNGE & 2ND FRAME GRILLE 1745 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-895-2611 bowlfourseasons.com
MVP SPORTS BAR & GRILL
122 S. California St., Sycamore 815-895-1888 mvpsportsbarsycamore.com
PJ’S COURTHOUSE
TAVERN & GRILLE
202 W. State St., Sycamore 815-895-9253 pjscourthouse.com
PUB 64
332 W. State St., Sycamore 779-222-4935
SKI’S ALL AMERICAN PUB
1001 W. State St., Sycamore 815-899-9018 skispub.com
PIZZA
DOUGH BROTHERS PIZZERIA
20 W. Benson Ave., Cortland 815-754-0000 doughbrotherspizzeria.com
D.P. DOUGH
215 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-766-3199 dpdough.com
GIORDANO’S OF SYCAMORE
1840 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-899-2999 giordanos.com/locations/ sycamore-dekalb
ITALIAN DREAMS
436 N. Main St., Sycamore 815-899-0905 italiandreamspizza.com
JB’S WORLD FAMOUS PIZZA
142 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-756-8718 jbsworldfamous.com
MARIA’S LITTLE ITALY
1969 B DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-901-1298
OLD SCHOOL PIZZA
507 N 3rd St Unit 2, Malta 815-981-8805 oldschoolpizzamalta.com
PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA
203 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb 815-787-7272 papajohns.com
PIZZA PRO’S
1205 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-758-4776 pizzaprosdekalb.com
PIZZA VILLA
824 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-758-8116 pizzavilla.com
PIZZA. BEER. WHISKEY
327 W. State St., Sycamore 815-970-9052 pizzabeerwhiskey.com
ROSATI’S PIZZA
456 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-981-9188 myrosatis.com
ROSATI’S CHICAGO PIZZA
630 Plaza Dr., Sycamore 815-895-4646 rosatispizza.com/location/ sycamore-il
SAM’S PIZZA
526 E. State St., Sycamore 815-895-6121 samspizzasyc.com
VINNY’S PIZZA & WINGS
221 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-787-6200 vinnyspizzadekalb.com
ZANA’S WOOD FIRE PIZZA 1406 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815-517-1493 zanaswoodfirepizza.com
SWEET TREATS
CAST IRON COFFEE
901 Lucinda Ave., Suite D, DeKalb 815-517-0654 www.castiron-coffee.com
CASSIE’S POPCORN
Corner of State St. and Maple St. Sycamore 815-751-7099
CESARONI DELI
219 W. State St., Sycamore 779-222-5087 cesaronis.com
CRUMBL COOKIES
2566 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 815- 787-6083 crumblcookies.com
DUNKIN’
460 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-255-4009 www.dunkindonuts.com
DUNKIN’
1101 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-901-0484 dunkindonuts.com
ELLESON’S BAKERY
344 W. State St., Sycamore 815-895-4533
INSOMNIA COOKIES
203 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb insomniacookies.com
LA MICHOACANA
ICE CREAM BAR
162 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 779-777-7040
LALA’S BAGELS
2205 Pleasant St., Unit 2, DeKalb 815-748-7707 lalasbagels.com
OLLIE’S FROZEN CUSTARD 2290 Oakland Dr., Sycamore 815-758-8222 olliesfrozencustard.com
POLKA DOT BAKERY
366 W. State St., Sycamore 815-764-9747
PRINCESS ALEX ICE CREAM
210 W. Elm St., Sycamore 815-895-6111
SWEET DREAM DESSERTS & CATERING, INC. 815-756-8150
TERESA’S BAKERY
817 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 815-754-0226
THE CONFECTIONARY DEKALB 149 N. Second St., DeKalb 815-758-5990 theconfectionary.com
TROPICAL SNO 403 E. State St., Sycamore 815-899-5601
FOOD TRUCKS
BIG D’S HOT DOGS DeKalb 815-501-8509
BURRITOVILLE
DeKalb 815-756-8656
CREAM KING ICE CREAM TRUCK Maple Park 630-701-5669
DIRTY BIRD CHICKEN Sycamore 815-991-5877
FILTHY HOG Sycamore 815-991-5877
JAH LOVE JAMACIA DeKalb 779-212-9346
NINA’S TACO TRUCK Sycamore 815-991-5336
SLOW SMOKE BBQ Sycamore 815-739-4317
SWEET BUTTS COTTON CANDY DeKalb
TINEZ TACOS Malta 815-825-3069 tineztacos.com
TREE HOUSE PIE CO. Sycamore 630-394-3537
WILD CARROT COOKING CO. Waterman 815-761-9902
PLAY where to
One of the best parts of college can be discovering exciting things to do in a new town. DeKalb and our surrounding communities have a lot to offer, including hidden gems known only by locals. Whether you’re venturing out for the afternoon or a night on the town, there’s something close by to keep you entertained.
FUN AND GAMES
l Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb is a game lover’s dream. They keep the games in great condition, and there’s always something new to play.
l Fargo Indoor Skatepark and Skate Shop, located in a historic downtown DeKalb building, is the place to ride and shop for gear.
l Our Huskie Den offers bowling and billiards on campus. Or head over to DeKalb’s Mardi Gras Lanes or Sycamore’s Four Seasons Sports.
LOCAL FLAVORS
l Barb City Bagels in downtown DeKalb and The Junction Eating Place on Lincoln Highway are family-owned establishments that offer a small-town atmosphere with great food and service.
l Old School Pizza, located in an old school building in nearby Malta, is a one-of-a-kind pizzeria with tasty eats and iconic pop culture décor.
l Insomnia Cookies in downtown DeKalb has the sugary treats you crave, even when it’s late. They’re open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
l The DeKalb Farmers’ Market brings locally grown produce, bread, baked goods, olive oil, honey, coffee, flowers, food trucks and live music to downtown DeKalb every Thursday from June to September.
The DeKalb Foodie Map provides an overview of all the tasty places to visit in town. You can browse for ethnic options, places that provide delivery, restaurants that are open late and places that are found exclusively in DeKalb.
CONCERTS AND SHOWS
l Our historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb hosts music performances, comedy shows, theater productions and more.
l Stage Coach Players, DeKalb’s community theater company, brings stories to life on stage. Their performances typically take place Thursday through Sunday.
l College of Visual and Performing Arts events, such as concerts and theater productions, are free for students. See a show and support your fellow Huskies.
Live music at the Egyptian Theatre
Jonamac Orchard
ANNUAL FESTIVALS
l Corn Fest: One of Illinois’ last free music festivals. Enjoy music, vendors, carnival and of course, free corn on Saturday!
l Kite Fest: Enjoy a picnic and watch the kites fly, or fly one yourself at this yearly fall festival.
l Sycamore Pumpkin Festival: Sycamore’s annual Pumpkin Festival celebrates fall with a parade, carnival and pumpkin carving contest.
l Reality Bytes Film Festival: Short fiction films and documentaries are accepted for submission into this festival from high school, undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States and around the world. Local residents are invited to watch the films during the three-night celebration each April.
l STEMFest: The Midwest’s premier festival celebrating science, technology, engineering and math, NIU’s STEMFest features hundreds of hands-on exhibits, contests and activities. STEMfest is free and held on NIU’s campus.
PARKS AND NATURE
l Outdoor Adventures plans fun opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, such as bike rides in local parks and trips to national parks.
l The DeKalb Park District has something for everyone, including biking and walking trails, special events and concerts, and plenty of places to relax with a book.
l Katz Dog Park, is an off-leash dog park with adjacent playground, skate park and softball field. There’s something for everyone, including your furry friends.
OUTDOORS
• Parks
• Trails
• Disc Golf
• Rivers ARTS AND THEATRE
• Egyptian Theatre
• Stage Coach Players
• NIU School of Theatre and Dance
ART GALLERY
• Gallery on State, Sycamore
• NIU art galleries
SEASONAL FUN
• Jonamac Orchard
• Sledding
YEAR ROUND
• Ax throwing
• Bowling
• Indoor skateboarding
Corn Fest
College is a great time to learn about yourself and meet new people. For some college students, this means romance is on the horizon. Our advice? Be true to yourself. Surround yourself with supportive friends and significant others who share your values. And don’t be afraid to try something new.
LOVE in DeKalb
THE PERFECT DATE
What does your perfect date look like? Whether you’re heading out with a group of friends or getting to know someone who might be “the one,” a date can be a chance to learn more about yourself, your campus and your town.
The perfect date doesn’t have to be expensive, either! Here are some of our favorite date ideas.
1
Playful date: Playing games can lower the pressure and help you get to know someone new. Consider bowling, pool and arcade games in the Huskie Den, a visit to the NIU Esports Arena, Syco Escape Rooms or maybe a trip to the retro-cool Star Worlds Arcade on DeKalb’s East Lincoln Highway.
2
Outdoor adventure: If you love being outdoors, DeKalb has lots to offer. Rent a canoe or kayak on the East Lagoon. Take a walk on the Kishwaukee-Kiwanis Trail or play some disc golf. If you have a car, check out Shabbona Lake State Park and the many county parks and forest preserves throughout DeKalb County.
3
Campus explorer: You don’t have to leave NIU to have a great night out! NIU students get free admission to world-class dance, theatre and music events from NIU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. For a romantic evening, consider a trip to the NIU Observatory to view the night sky.
4
Sports fan: Admission to NIU Athletics regular season home games is free for NIU students! Check out a game, tailgate on the east lawn and share that quintessential college experience with someone special.
5
Arts lover: If you’d like to check out the arts scene beyond campus, don’t miss DeKalb’s historic Egyptian Theatre, home to music, films and other performing arts. While you’re downtown, check out the local art galleries, antique shops and restaurants.
6
Book lover: If your perfect date involves a good book, you have options! Visit the NIU Library’s special collections with your special someone. Take a trip to Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe in downtown DeKalb, or attend a free concert at DeKalb’s beautiful public library.
THE KISSING BENCH
hen you find your perfect date, you might take a detour to NIU’s “kissing bench” – located near Swen Parson Hall. The old, twisted branches of the Scotch pine tree once bent in the shape of a heart before the tree needed a limb removed. Legend had it that every time someone shared a kiss at the bench, the branches bent more into the shape of a heart. The bench remains a beloved romantic spot on the campus.
Katherine McLaughlin Photography
