The Rock

The Rock is a large boulder made of purple-and-white quartzite situated between two campus buildings and serves as a community message board. Its rough surface has been painted countless times by students seeking to share messages with the wider campus.

The boulder was brought to campus in 1902 by a graduating class from a Wisconsin lake as a water fountain. Over the decades it transformed into a painted message board as students began using it for communication.

Students paint the boulder to share thoughts, announce events, and express personal messages to the campus community. This practice has become a way for different generations to leave their mark and connect with others on campus.

Groups wishing to paint the surface must arrive early to secure their painting slot before other groups claim it. Weather conditions can affect paint adhesion, so plan painting visits during dry periods for best results.

The boulder originates from a Wisconsin lake and had to be repaired in 1989 after it cracked during a relocation project. Engineers used specialized epoxy to bond the fractured pieces back together.

Location: Evanston

Inception: 1902

Part of: Northwestern University

GPS coordinates: 42.05156,-87.67592

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27