Whatever you’re facing, we can help. The team at Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center offers compassionate care close to home.
For more than 50 years, we’ve supported people across DeKalb County. Our goal is to make it easier for you to get the help you need. That’s why many of our services are no- or low-cost for people who live in DeKalb County.
Help with emergency needs
• Walk-in peer support 24/7 at The Living Room
• Mobile Crisis Response team for callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Ben Gordon Center Response Line: 866.242.0111
Support for everyday life
• Psychiatry care and medication management
• Employment support
• Therapy for children, teens, adults and families
• Skill-building services and case management
Care for substance use disorders
• Treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders
• Recovery services
• Peer support from people with lived experience
Welcome to DeKalb!
Greetings from Campus and Community Leaders
Hello Huskies! As someone who grew up here and is a fellow NIU alum, I can’t tell you how excited I am to have you in our community. I hope you’ll take some time to explore DeKalb and make the connections that will help it truly feel like home. Don’t miss Corn Fest, in downtown DeKalb, Aug. 28 to 30. It’s a DeKalb tradition with live music, carnival rides, great food and incredible local and national talent.”
Cohen Barnes Mayor, City of DeKalb NIU Class of 1995
Welcome, NIU Huskies! As you begin your journey at NIU, know that you belong here. One of the best ways to make the most of your experience is to get involved, build friendships, develop leadership skills and make a positive impact on campus and in the community. Join us at the Campus Meets Community Block Party Sept. 2 at MLK Commons to connect with student organizations, local businesses and new opportunities that can help make NIU feel like home.”
Lisa C. Freeman President, Northern Illinois University
Welcome to a new chapter of your journey! Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories and remember that every step forward is a step toward your future. I hope you take the time to discover all the great things DeKalb County has to offer. Don’t miss the Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb for a wonderful Huskie celebration!”
Cortney Strohacker Executive Director, DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau NIU Class of 1995
I want to extend a city of DeKalb welcome to all our incoming NIU students, faculty and staff! I am the chief of police for the DeKalb Police Department, and it is an honor to serve you as citizens of the great city of DeKalb. I personally challenge my officers daily to be righteous in their actions, and I promise you righteousness is exactly what you will see from DeKalb PD. I hope you have an amazing school year, and I hope to see you all around town.”
David Byrd Chief of Police, DeKalb Police Department
Welcome to NIU and the DeKalb community! As a student leader, one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to get involved early and say yes to new opportunities. Some of my favorite college memories have come from joining organizations, attending campus events and building connections with people from different backgrounds. DeKalb may feel small at first, but it quickly becomes a place that feels like home. Take time to explore local restaurants, community events and traditions that make this area unique. Don’t miss Week of Welcome and Homecoming. Both are great opportunities to connect with fellow Huskies and experience the spirit of our community. I hope your time at NIU is filled with opportunity, friendship and unforgettable experiences. Welcome to the Huskie family!”
Leilani Rodriguez Student Government President, Northern Illinois University
Food Lovers and Spirit Sippers
From college town food traditions (beer nuggets, anyone?) to elevated international cuisine, DeKalb punches above its weight when it comes to great eats.
Farmers’ markets: All summer long (until early September) downtown DeKalb hosts a Farmers’ Market Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Sycamore Farmers’ Market takes place Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at the DeKalb County History Center.
Coffee cravings: Multiple Starbucks locations on and off campus are just the start of DeKalb’s coffee culture. Don’t miss locally owned Cast Iron Coffee on Lucinda Avenue just across from campus, and Barb City Bagels in downtown DeKalb.
Sweet treats: Insomnia Cookies, Michoacana, Teresa’s Bakery and The Confectionary are just a few of the shops serving sweet treats near campus.
Volunteer and get involved.
International Food: DeKalb serves up delicious international food including Thai, Japanese, Peruvian, Greek and Middle Eastern.
College town favorites: Are there any college town foods more iconic than pizza and tacos? While Pizza Villa and Burritoville are two hometown favorites, the variety in both categories is tremendous.
Food Truck Wednesdays: Every Wednesday in the fall and spring, NIU hosts a variety of local food trucks on Normal Road. Music and activities from the Campus Activity Board make it a celebration.
There are so many simple ways to help our neighbors not go hungry. Volunteers at NIU’s own Huskie Food Pantry organize inventory, assist clients and more. Rooted for Good (formerly the DeKalb County Community Gardens) relies on volunteers to garden, harvest vegetables and staff their mobile food pantry.
For those who imbibe: Jonamac Orchard sells a variety of locally made hard ciders and apple wines, while Whiskey Acres Distillery handcrafts spirits using corn grown right here in DeKalb County. DeKalb’s Class VI wine bar and retail shop offers a variety of unusual wines from around the world.
t View DeKalb County restaurants.
Culture, Traditions and Global Connections
Explore DeKalb’s local history and the many international cultures that come together in our college town.
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
8 Countries in 1 Day: Each fall, the DeKalb Public Library hosts this celebration of international food, crafts, arts and activities. This year, don’t miss it Saturday, Sept. 19.
Dual-language elementary schools: DeKalb School District 428 boasts dual-language (Spanish and English) programs at three of the district’s elementary schools. Starting in kindergarten, students are immersed in both languages throughout the school day.
Network of Nations: This warm and welcoming ministry is dedicated to forging friendships between international students and the local community. Whether you’re an international student or just want to make connections with this community, you are welcome.
International food markets: Ruby’s Asian Market, Mi Tierra Fresh Market and Gurukrupa Indian Grocery are just a few of the markets selling specialty international foods in DeKalb.
Student organizations: The Burma Interest Group, the Japanese Language and Culture Club, the Afro-Brazilian Capoeira Club, the Ballet Folklórico Aztlán and many more student organizations at NIU celebrate many different cultural traditions.
Cultural celebrations: DeKalb hosts celebrations of Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and more.
Volunteer and get involved. Volunteering at your local public library is a great way to connect with people of all cultures. Learn more on the DeKalb Public Library website, and be sure to check out our amazing local library. Welcome
DeKalb is known as the Barb City, and our high school is the proud home of the DeKalb Barbs. But where did we get this name? Joseph Glidden, who developed barbed wire, is a historic citizen of DeKalb. Glidden began to mass produce his invention and eventually sold half of the company to Isaac L. Ellwood. Together, the two formed the Barb Fence Company.
Learn more about DeKalb’s rich agricultural and industrial history with these local attractions:
n DeKalb County History Center: Located in Sycamore, the center is committed to exploring local history through a variety of perspectives. They’re always looking for volunteers and interns to help with archives, greet visitors and maintain the building, grounds and collection.
n Ellwood House Museum: The Ellwood House Museum is a historic site situated on 10 acres of parkland in the heart of DeKalb. It includes the 1879 Ellwood Mansion and 1900 Ellcourt House, as well as exhibit spaces.
n Glidden Homestead: Located just off campus, the Glidden Homestead is a living history museum of the mid-19th century Midwest.
2:00 - 3:30pm Tim Gleason Full Band 4:30pm-6:30pm PriSSilas Band 7:00pm-9:00pm Bon Journyed 9:30-11:00pm Pop 2000 Tour
12:00-1:30pm Jack Evans 80’s & 90’s Country 2:00pm – 3:30pm Grace & John Duo Acoustic 4:30-6:00pm Hillbilly Rockstarz PRESENTED BY:
Sunday
Places.
Artists, Creators and Makers
DeKalb is a small town with a big arts community. Between open mic nights at Hometown Sports Bar and workshops at Jubilee Art Gallery, there are so many ways for you to get involved.
Dance classes for adults and kids: If you search online for dance studios in DeKalb County, you’ll find multiple options in both DeKalb and Sycamore. With classes for children and adults, it’s not hard to learn dance at any age.
Art galleries and associations: Many local galleries support and sell the work of local artists and offer workshops and other events. Don’t miss the workshops at DeKalb’s Jubilee Art Gallery and the Kishwaukee Valley Art League.
Community music ensembles: The DeKalb Municipal Band, Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, DeKalb Festival Chorus, Bread and Roses Chorus and the NIU Community Steelband are just a few of the musical ensembles open to community members. If you love to sing or play, check them out.
NIU music, theatre and dance performances: Tickets are free for NIU students and inexpensive for all. But you get more than you pay for when you experience NIU’s world-class performances. Visit the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts for all upcoming events.
Community theatre: DeKalb’s Stage Coach Players is community theatre at its best. With new productions every month or two, there are many chances to audition or volunteer.
Find arts and culture venues and events:
“Downtown DeKalb has such a cool vibe, and I am excited that my business and I are a part of it. I loved my experience in DeKalb when I attended NIU, and moving back here several years ago with my husband and my business felt like coming home. Our community embraces public art and artists, and I am honored the new luminaria installation is helping contribute to the color and vitality of downtown DeKalb.”
Elisa Boughner, DeKalb artist and Artifex Studio owner, NIU class of 1985 (BFA) and 1987 (MFA)
Volunteer and get involved.
Want to get involved but don’t have the time to join a performance ensemble? DeKalb’s historic Egyptian Theatre is a nonprofit organization and needs volunteers to keep this wonderful theatre open for the community. Learn more at EgyptianTheatre.org.
osfoncall.org/urgentcare
Game Players and Family Fun Seekers
Tabletop gaming: Local shops Affinity for Gaming and There’s Fun in Store host regular Magic the Gathering tournaments. Dungeons and Dragons campaigns can be found at both shops and the DeKalb Public Library.
Kishwaukee Family YMCA: Fitness classes, sports leagues, two swimming pools and childcare make the Kish YMCA a great place for active family fun.
Summer and winter adventures: DeKalb’s Hopkins Park pool is set to reopen in late summer 2026, and splashpads are available at DeKalb’s Welsch Park and the Sycamore Park District’s Legacy Campus. In winter, check out the sledding hills at both Hopkins Park and the Legacy Campus.
Bowling and arcades: NIU’s Huskie Den, complete with bowling, arcade games and pool tables, is open to NIU folks and the
public. Mardi Gras Lanes and Four Seasons are also great options for bowling, and don’t miss Star Worlds Arcade for a mix of modern and retro games in a family-friendly setting.
Fun on the farm: Orchards aren’t just for apple picking. Local favorites such as Jonamac, Honey Hill and Kuipers often boast petting zoos, corn mazes, flower fields, slides, obstacle courses and other family fun. Free admission Monday to Friday at Jonamac and Honey Hill Orchard.
Sycamore Family Sports Center: Go-karts, mini golf, a driving range and batting cages provide family fun in nearby Sycamore.
Fall fun: Halloween is a big deal in DeKalb County. Sycamore and DeKalb both offer downtown trickor-treating, for businesses and small children, and Sycamore’s Pumpkin Fest in October is not to
t Find local family farms, orchards, Christmas tree farms and more.
be missed. Corn Fest in DeKalb kicks off the season in August, along with seasonal sunflower fields at Lake Shabbona State Park, Jonamac and Enchanted Valley Farm in Kingston.
NIU Esports Arena: NIU’s stateof-the art Esports Arena is open to anyone with an NIU OneCard. Open play on consoles and PCs is always free.
For NIU students, faculty and staff, my message is, you are welcome here! Our NIU Esports Arena is a space for everyone, no matter how experienced you are or how new you are to video games. I think esports and video gaming have the ability to enrich our lives and provide a community connection that helps students succeed and thrive in college. I hope you stop by Altgeld 100 for free open play any day school is in session!”
Russ
Devereaux, Director of NIU Esports
Volunteer and get involved.
DeKalb’s Tails Humane Society is a favorite for local volunteers. Kids as young as five can be trained as Tails Pals, working with a parent or other adult to socialize dogs and cats.
Outdoor Adventurers
Bike trails: More than a dozen miles of interconnected bike trails cover DeKalb and Sycamore, all linked to the 17-mile Great Western Trail. In this area, local biking adventures abound.
Shabbona Lake State Park: DeKalb County is home to Shabbona Lake State Park and Recreation Area featuring camping, hiking, fishing and boating, just 14 miles from NIU’s campus.
Hiking and forest preserves: DeKalb County boasts19 different forest preserve areas, with even more in adjoining counties. Merritt Prairie – donated to the county by former NIU professors Jim and Helen Merritt – is a favorite, just six miles from NIU’s campus.
Pumpkin patches and apple orchards: There are few things better than a beautiful fall day spent picking apples, drinking cider and, of course, eating apple cider donuts. Jonamac Orchard in nearby Malta, Illinois, is just one of the many near NIU, and it hosts NIU Alumni, Homecoming and Family Weekend events.
NIU Adventures: NIU Adventures offers outdoor adventure trips, bouldering, gear rental and team building. Students and the public can rent camping gear, bikes and sport equipment for as little as a few dollars a day.
Katz Dog Park: Furry friends need outdoor adventures, too. Katz Dog Park includes a traditional dog park and a separate off-leash hiking area.
Disc Golf: DeKalb’s Prairie Park (which can be reached via walking/ biking trail from NIU’s East Lagoon) boasts a beautiful nine-hole disc golf course.
We are blessed to have wonderful parks and recreation resources and facilities within our local community. Along with our 44 park sites, DeKalb Park District features 10+ miles of walking and biking trails, the historic Ellwood House Museum, the newly renovated Hopkins Pool, a sled hill, a dog park, a skate park, two golf courses and a disc golf course. I invite all NIU students and staff to take advantage of the DeKalb Park District’s year-round events and wide variety of athletic and recreational programs.”
Tia Anderson, DeKalb Park District board member and NIU alum
Volunteer and get
Whether you’d like to volunteer weekly or just once in a while, the DeKalb County Forest Preserves
many ways
make
Learn about volunteer opportunities and find trail maps on the Forest Preserve website.
Our NIU community is made up of passionate individuals who want to make a difference and leave the world better than they found it. There are so many ways to do that on campus and in our broader community. Here are just a few examples. Don’t miss the others in callout boxes throughout this welcome book.
Student Activist Groups: Many student groups work to make a positive difference. DREAM Action NIU is a student-led organization that aims to increase awareness of issues faced by undocumented students in the U.S. Prism is
NIU’s LGBTQ + and ally student organization. The NAACP, the oldest civil rights organization in the U.S., has an active student chapter on the NIU campus. And the list could go on. Check out Huskie Hub to find a group that fits your interests.
Kishwaukee United Way:
The Kishwaukee United Way partners with 23 different nonprofit organizations, so you can sign up in one place for many volunteer opportunities.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The NIU Institute of Environmental Studies designated the Rick Johns Memorial Donation Garden as the “Student Internship Site of the Year for 2026” 900 Normal Rd., DeKalb, IL. 60115 (815) 756-4888 http://www.stpaulsdekalb.org
NIU Cares Day: Each spring, NIU traditionally has a campuswide day of service where NIU students go out into the community and spend the day planting, painting, sorting, cleaning or doing other tasks needed by local organizations. The United Way also hosts a day of service each year.
Find ways to get involved on Huskie Hub: Huskie Hub is your source for events and opportunities on and off campus including volunteer opportunities submitted by community partners. Whether you’re hoping to meet new people,
develop leadership skills or give back, Huskie Hub can help you find opportunities that match your interests.
WELCOME
DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre not only offers more than 100 shows each year. It also hosts DeKalb’s Pride Fest every June, as well as the DeKalb County Volunteer Fair, school district art shows and other civic events.
Faith Communities: DeKalb and the surrounding towns are home to dozens of faith communities from many traditions.
Find a list of faith communities.
As a nonprofit organization, the community is core to our mission. When we say that we provide ‘Entertainment for All,’ we mean that and support that year-round by partnering with organizations and events that align with our values and help improve the quality of life for all.”
Alex Nerad, Executive Director, Egyptian Theatre, NIU alumnus
Get involved and make a difference.
Family Service Agency: If you have time to volunteer, DeKalb’s Family Service Agency has many options –including mentoring children and playing games with senior citizens. When you’re busy, making a difference can be as simple as shopping at the Country Store Thrift Shop, just across from campus on Lincoln Highway. The shop is entirely volunteer run, so all proceeds benefit senior services for DeKalb County.
Safe Passage: Safe Passage, DeKalb County’s domestic violence shelter and prevention nonprofit, needs direct-service volunteers to staff the crisis hotline, volunteer at the emergency shelter and more. Or you can help behind the scenes with event planning, office support and similar tasks.
Getting Around Town
Many free transportation options are available to NIU students, both on and off campus.
n The Huskie Line bus is operated by the city of DeKalb and is free to all NIU students with your OneCard. It offers a variety of routes with many stops on and off campus.
n The Huskie Safe Line operates overnight until 7 a.m. to keep you safe when you need to travel late at night.
n The Elburn Shuttle: Route 12 of the Huskie Line bus goes to the Metra Train Station in Elburn, where you can catch the commuter train to Chicago and the western suburbs.
View maps and schedules, and download the bus tracker app to plan your trip.
DOWNLOAD THE APP
Huskie Line bus uses the ETA Spot app to provide real-time bus tracking capabilities. You can track your bus by visiting dekalbpublic.etaspot.net or bydownloading the app free of charge in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Holmes Student Center/DuSable Hall/Russell Road/Welsh Park/University Village (East side)/Greek Row/Amber Manor/Normal Road/Islamic Center of DeKalb
Annie Gidden Road/Twombly Road/Ridge Drive
The city of DeKalb provides transportation services as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These services are funded by the state of Illinois, the Federal Transit Administration and Northern Illinois University. Students must be certified to use the paratransit service. To be certified, please contact the city’s paratransit service provider, Transdev Services Inc., at 815-420-5500 to request an application. Applications can also be downloaded from the city’s website.
For additional information, please visit: cityofdekalb.com/1259/Paratransit.
Holmes Student Center/DuSable Hall/University Village (east side)/Varsity Square Apartments/Eco Park/College Park/Hope Haven/Eden’s Garden/Suburban Apartments (all three shelters)/Greek Row/Amber Manor/Lucinda Avenue
Overnight Route (Safety Line)
Holmes Student Center/NIU Academic Buildings/Health Services/NIU Police Department/ Downtown DeKalb/Taylor Street Plaza/Schnuck’s/West Lincoln Highway/Northern View/ Convocation Center/NIU Residence Halls/University Village/Eco Park/College Park/Hope Haven/Eden’s Garden/Suburban Apartments (all three shelters)/Greek Row
Elburn METRA Shuttle/Route 12 West Locust Street at Normal Road/Lincoln Highway at Pearl Street/Locust Street/ Downtown DeKalb/Pleasant Street and 10th Street/Elburn Train Station/METRA
DeKalb/Taylor Street/Schnucks
Lincoln Highway/Locust Street/Downtown DeKalb/Seventh Street/Founders Elementary/ Taylor Street Plaza/Ashbury Court Apartments/Schnuck’s/DeKalb Elks Lodge/CVS
Plaza/Ollies/YMCA/Northwestern MedicineKishwaukee Hospital/Target/Kinder Care/DeKalb High School/County Health Department/ DuSable Turnaround/Annie Glidden North/North First Street/Jewel-Osco
DeKalb/Park 88/Chicago West (runs 24/7) DuSable Turnaround/University Village (East side)/Greek Row/Amber Manor Apartments/West Lincoln Highway/Clinton Rosette Middle School/KinderCare/ North Seventh Street/Founders Elementary/Nestle/Target Distribution Center/3M/Superior Diesel Inc./META/Facebook/Ferrara Candy Packaging Center/West Taylor Street/ Lions Park/Schnuck’s/Hampton Inn/The Knolls/Barsema Alumni Visitors Center
Sycamore Road/ Downtown Sycamore Civic Apartments/Downtown Sycamore/DeKalb County Government Buildings/ Sycamore High School/Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital/Davita Sycamore Dialysis/Walgreens/Target/Farm and Fleet/Walmart/Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care and Clinic
