Visit Lake County, Illinois

04/23/2025

And our two April libations of the month are 🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁 Tighthead Brewing Company in Village of Mundelein's Irie IPA and Harbor Brewing Co. in Village of Lake Villa and Village of Winthrop Harbor's HBC Root Beer. Enjoy Illinois Only In Illinois Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Take a stroll on the Lake County, Illinois Libation Trail and discover some of the unique and new offerings.

04/23/2025

🏃‍♂️ Experience the Loop the Lakes 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, April 27 at Century Park Pavilion in Village of Vernon Hills - Government! 🏅🌊 Support the Vernon Hills Park District Scholarship Fund while enjoying a scenic USA Track & Field Certified course around Big and Little Bear Lakes. 🍎Post-race snacks, awards and nature views make this the perfect event for ages 6 and up!
📸: Vernon Hills Park District


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Support the Vernon Hills Park District Scholarship Fund by participating in our annual Loop the Lakes 5K Run/Walk. The USA Track & Field Certified course winds through picturesque Century Park Arboretum. Runners and walkers can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature as they loop around Big....

04/22/2025

Happy in 🌎 🌻 🌳 .
📸 : of Lake County Forest Preserves by Simon Laufer.
Enjoy Illinois Only In Illinois Fort Sheridan Historical Society

As principal guardian of Lake County’s open space and natural areas since 1958, the District manages more than 31,000 acres of land and offers innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all people. Visitors of all ages can enjoy over 208 miles of trails for a variety of o...

04/22/2025

🎨Let your creativity take flight at Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets' Birds on a Wire painting event this Thursday, April 24 in Lake Barrington! 🍷 Whether you're a first-time painter or a pro, enjoy step-by-step guidance, all supplies included and a complimentary house wine or beer with your ticket. 🖌️Get ready to paint, sip and unwind!
📸: Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets


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Join me at the next Paint and Sip at the Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets Thursday, April 24th at 6pm

04/20/2025

🍳 Wake up and smell the pancakes—Lake County is serving up some seriously satisfying brunch and breakfast spots! From the classic comfort food at Lake Villa Restaurant in Village of Lake Villa, to farm-fresh bites at The Café at Elawa Farm, to modern twists at Brunch Cafe in Village of Deerfield, there’s something for every palate. 🥓☕ Start your day deliciously in the land of lakes!
📸: Singh's Kitchen in MainStreet Libertyville


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So what do you pick to eat in that awkward time span between breakfast and lunch as your stomach stirs restlessly, awaiting your decision? Do you go the route where your plate is doused in maple syrup and other sweet glorious treats? Do you pack on the protein complemented with salty delights? Our a...

04/19/2025

📬 Stay in the loop with all things Lake County by subscribing to the Visit Lake County Insider newsletter! From local events and seasonal festivals to new attractions and hidden gems, this monthly roundup delivers travel inspiration straight to your inbox. 🌳🎉 Sign up today and be the first to discover what’s happening in the land of lakes!
📸: Wine Walk at Grayslake Village Center in Village of Grayslake, IL, ArtWauk in City of Waukegan and Tulips at Richardson "World's Largest" Corn Maze


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Sign up for the land of lakes newsletter to receive the area's travel news...

04/18/2025

🎡 Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor in Village of Gurnee officially opens its gates today for the 2025 season! Guests can enjoy live shows, unforgettable food and fan favorite thrills! Be sure to keep an eye out their newest coaster, Wrath of Rakshasa, coming soon! 🎢 Make this your go-to spot for nonstop adventure and family fun all spring and summer long!
📸: Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor


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Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago in Gurnee, IL feature 17 coasters, live shows, delicious dining options, 11-themed areas with other fantastic rides and tons more.

04/17/2025

💚Spring has arrived in Lake County, and the weekend of April 18–20 is packed with fun for all ages! Check out below for more info on all of the family-friendly cheer. 🐰
📸: Richardson "World's Largest" Corn Maze

1. Tulip Festival at Richardson "World's Largest" Corn Maze
2. Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor in Village of Gurnee opens for the season
3. "The Addams Family" musical at Genesee Theatre in City of Waukegan
4. Wauconda Park District hosts Earth Day Event in Village of Wauconda
5. Easter Egg Hunt at Canlan Sports in Village of Libertyville, Illinois - Government


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04/16/2025

🎶 Get ready, music lovers — Ravinia Festival in City of Highland Park, Illinois - Government tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 24, for the 2025 season! 🎟️ From June through September, this iconic Highland Park venue hosts over 100 world-class events, spanning genres from classical to rock to jazz and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to experience unforgettable performances under the stars at North America's oldest music festival. 🎼
📸: Ravinia Festival


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Ravinia Festival is the oldest music festival in North America and is lauded for presenting world-class music in an inviting, natural environment. The festival attracts over 600,000 listeners to more than 100 events that span all genres including classical, chamber music, jazz, rock, world, music th...

04/15/2025

🎸 It’s the LAST NIGHT to apply for Season 19 of the Bitter Jester Music Festival in City of Highland Park, Illinois - Government! Emerging bands and solo artists from across the Midwest—this is your shot to shine on a professional stage and be discovered by new fans all summer long. 🎶 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this multi-state music competition!
📸: Bitter Jester Music Festival


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The Bitter Jester Music Festival (BJMF) returns for its 19th season of live concerts this summer (2025)! This is a FREE, family-friendly concert series with FREE PARKING! BJMF is recognized for showcasing over 150 exceedingly talented emerging musicians from across the Midwest each year at its free....

04/14/2025

🐰 Lace up and hop into spring at the Bunny Wabbit Run in Village of Libertyville, Illinois - Government on Saturday, April 19! 🌷 With a 5K, 10K, half-marathon and a 200m Kid’s Dash with the silly Wabbit—plus an Easter egg hunt for kids 8 and under—it’s a race-day celebration for all ages. 🥚🌳 Set against the scenic trails of Lake County Forest Preserves' Des Plaines River and Independence Grove, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend with the whole family!
📸: Lake County Forest Preserves


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The Bunny Wabbit Run offers a 5K (one hop), a 10K (two hops), a half marathon and a 200m Kid’s Dash with the silly Wabbit, followed by an Easter egg hunt for children ages 8 and under!The scenic course features a few rolling hills which winds its way through the open prairies and lush green forest...

04/13/2025

The countdown begins for the Bristol Renaissance Faire. The faire brings food, rides, games, shopping and entertainment for all ages. Delve into what thou may fancy this season! Faire opens on July 5 on Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day.
📸: Bristol Renaissance Faire just over the border. U.S. Travel Association

For 9 glorious weekends starting in early July, each Saturday and Sunday, plus Labor Day Monday, visitors take a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England, complete with 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters. A beaut...

04/12/2025

With summer just around the corner, dining lakeside is just one of the top things to do in . 📸: El Puerto Mexican Restaurant in Village of Fox Lake Enjoy Illinois Only In Illinois

With 75 inland lakes, it’s no wonder that Lakeside dining is something that we serve up right in Lake County, Illinois.

04/11/2025

Farmers Markets are a place where neighbors, friends and family shop for unique handmade goods and explore the never-ending mix of items from welcoming vendors 🍒🥑🧀🍯. Mark your 📆 . 📸: Grayslake Farmers Market in Village of Grayslake, IL
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Lake County, Illinois Farmers Markets are more than just places to find the freshest, locally grown and deliciously ripe fruits and vegetables of the season.

04/10/2025

Whether its snapping something enticing, flipping through the air, becoming an egg sleuth or selecting dozens of delights at the market, this weekend is jam-packed with tons of things to do this weekend April 11-13. Enjoy Illinois Only In Illinois

1. Photo Contest in Lake County, IL Government
2. Circus Vazquez at Gurnee Mills in Village of Gurnee
3. Village of Lake Zurich Egg Hunt
4. Egg-Citing Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast in Village of Fox Lake
5. Elawa Farm Winter Market in City of Lake Forest, Illinois

The land of lakes has a ton of things to do, but we have to keep it limited to a top five things to do this weekend April 11-13.

04/09/2025

Experience the delights of Village of Grayslake, IL where you can indulge in one-ounce wine pours while browsing the charming mom-and-pop shops that dot the area during Shop N Swirl! Enjoy Illinois Only In Illinois Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum

We're stocking up for the annual Grayslake's Shop'n'Swirl 2025! Taste a lil' wine while exploring your favorite (and soon-to-be-favorite) Grayslake small businesses.

04/08/2025

A new month means a new accommodation to explore. The first December hotel spotlight of the month is Navy Lodge Great Lakes in City of North Chicago, Illinois - Government and Wingate by Wyndham in Village of Gurnee. Enjoy Illinois Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Only In Illinois

Recline and relax with a lavish overnight stay in the land of lakes. Here is your monthly showcase of Lake County's Hotel Spotlight of the Month

04/06/2025

🎪Get ready for a world-class spectacle as Circus Vazquez brings breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling lights, live music and jaw-dropping performances to Gurnee Mills in Village of Gurnee! Experience the magic in Parking Lot E—this is a show you won’t want to miss! ✨ Grab your tickets now and prepare to be amazed! 🎭
📸: Gurnee Mills


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Visit and enjoy the world-class show of Circus Vazquez. Full of thrill, light show, live orchestra, very talented high-level acrobats, dancers, aerialists. Circus Vazquez will be here from April 4- April 14 in Parking Lot E.Continue here for tickets