10 Things to Do in Zion That You Shouldn't Miss

October 24, 2017 Roseanne Arnett

Zion is a city in Lake County, Illinois, United States. The population was 22,866 at the 2000 census, and had grown to 24,413 as of 2010. The city was founded in July 1901 by John Alexander Dowie. He also started the Zion Tabernacle of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church, which was the only church in town. It was built in the early 1900s and burned down in 1937. The city was named after Mount Zion, Israel.
Restaurants in Zion

1. Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets

58 116th Avenue, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 +1 262-857-2101
Excellent
36%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 183 reviews

Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets

Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets is located near Kenosha, Wisconsin. Find impressive savings at 90 stores, including Adidas, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap Outlet, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and many more.

Reviewed By Allen21096 - Chicago, Illinois

I'm not sure why, but every time that we get near the Wisconsin/Illinois border, I am told that we have to stop at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. I mean - how much can someone buy?? It is located on the east side of I-94 and has very easy access on and off the highway. There is plenty of parking. I have found that the best thing to do is to just drive slowly around the outdoor mall and you'll find a store that you'll like.

2. Genesee Theatre

203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085-4221 +1 847-263-6300
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 218 reviews

Genesee Theatre

The historic Genesee Theatre is a 2,400 seat entertainment venue located in Waukegan, Illinois. Located along the northern shore of Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee, the Genesee Theatre is a hub of activity for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Hosting a variety of music, comedy, and dance, the Genesee marks Waukegan as a destination for high-quality entertainment once reserved for major cities. The Genesee was built in 1927 as a vaudeville stage and movie palace before being restored in 2004 to its modern glory as a live entertainment venue boasting one of the largest stages in the Midwest, an acoustically dynamic auditorium, and a beautifully restored grand lobby for intimate and elegant events.

Reviewed By carpediem1010 - Chicago, Illinois

Over the holidays I took my parents and teenage son to see Michael Carbonero, a True TV magician. Top performance very well rounded show with humor mixed with magic tricks. My parents, upper 70's were hesitant of going to this theater, however it was a wonderful surprise how well refurbished it was on the interior decor. Very clean and comfortable. They have one small bar/concession stand which was good to grab a beer and a Sprite before the show. Parking in lot across street was a little pricey at $20 car.

3. The Tempel Lipizzans

17000 W Wadsworth Rd, Old Mill Creek, IL 60083-9761 +1 847-244-5330
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

The Tempel Lipizzans

Lipizzaner Stallions have been enchanting audiences for 450 years. Witness art and history come to life at one of our Matinee or Evening Performances or during a Behind-The-Scenes Tour (available by appointment only). From the playful bounding of new foals to the strong, precise jumps of our stallions, the whole family will be captivated by the strength, beauty, and intelligence of these horses. Each performance, to music, is a study in classical horsemanship which has been practiced in Europe since the 16th century; the Lipizzaners have been performing at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria since the 1500’s. There are very few places in the United States where such an art can be observed. We offer a taste of Vienna, Austria right in your back yard. Performances begin mid June and run through mid September.

Reviewed By Curt C - Antioch, Illinois

I thought I knew what to expect but actually being there and witnessing the artistry of the horses and riders is awesome.

4. Civil War Museum

5400 1st Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140-6508 +1 262-653-4141
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 201 reviews

Civil War Museum

The accredited Civil War Museum opened in 2008 on Kenosha Wisconsin's scenic lakefront campus. 57,000 Sq Ft covers American Civil War history like no other, offering the enthusiast a chance to learn about the contributions of the Upper Middle West. Already acclaimed for their permanent exhibit featuring life-scale, interactive exhibits, and audio and video technology. Introduced in 2013, the award-winning 360 degree film "Seeing the Elephant" is a 10 minute long glimpse into the life of a mid-western soldier, from recruitment, to training, through battle and finally returning home. See also the Veterans Gallery commemorating soldiers from each war fought by the US.

Reviewed By David W - Chicago, Illinois

If you are travelling anywhere near Kenosha and miss this, you've made a mistake. Especially if you have any interest in history, and not just Civil War history. The price of admission was much more than worth the chance to view and participate with remarkable...MoreThanks for the great review! You're absolutely right - to take a trip to Kenosha without stopping by our Museum would be a grave mistake. Even if you don't consider yourself a Civil War buff there's plenty to see and experience here. Come back soon!

5. Illinois Beach State Park

Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099 +1 847-662-4811
Excellent
31%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
8%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 135 reviews

Illinois Beach State Park

Reviewed By Ryan C - Chicago, Illinois

After visiting lake Geneva and finding out any beach would charge $5 or more, it was good to see this is free, also with lots of free parking and still has facilities. The beach is not fantastic but it's pretty good and reasonably quiet, didn't do any trails but it's a big space so looked good. Lots of picnic benches and camping spots

6. Gold Pyramid House

37921 N Dilleys Rd, Wadsworth, IL 60083-9630
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Gold Pyramid House

Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois

If you have traveled enough over the years, you might come to the conclusion that you've seen it all. Nothing more could surprise you, not a restaurant or a hotel or a historical site or an attraction of any kind. Think again. Have you visited the Gold Pyramid House at 37921 North Dilleys Road in Wadsworth, Illinois? It is straight out of the days of the Egyptian Pharaohs. The Gold Pyramid House was built in 1977 by Jim and Linda Onan as a private residence for their family. Bizarre? This is the definition of the word. At one time, the house was the world's largest gold structure. Today, it is believed to be the largest 24-karat gold plated object in North America. The six-story-tall, 17,000-square-foot architectural oddity is one of the most bizarre houses ever constructed. Onan, a rich Armenian garage builder, made numerous trips to Egypt and incorporated many artifacts and furnishings into his one-of-a-kind home. It includes an enormous 64-foot-tall, 200-ton statue of Ramses II, a three-pyramid three-car garage, a replica of King Tut's tomb, a metal palm tree and a driveway lined with 80 stone sphinxes. Not surprisingly, the walled property is surrounded by a moat that is 20 feet deep. Tours are offered from May to October. Call 847-456-5310 to verify. Curiosity seekers frequently stop at the house's iron gates to take pictures. Looking for something more bizarre? Linda Onan runs her own online Egyptian gift shop while Jim Onan sells Pharaoh's Gold II on the site. It's a beer Onan brews himself that he claims is based on a 4,000-year-old recipe. I wonder if King Tut endorsed it. He certainly would get a kick out of the Gold Pyramid House.

7. 60 to Escape

6170 Grand Ave, Store 147, Gurnee, IL 60031-4592 +1 844-623-7227
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 255 reviews

60 to Escape

The rules here are so simple that they're laid out right in the business's name: 60 to Escape. Small groups of friends, family members, or coworkers are locked in a room, where they have only an hour to use problem-solving skills and teamwork to escape. Players can select from a variety of scenarios to challenge themselves with.

Reviewed By Jbohacheff

If you are into riddles and mind puzzles this is the place.The story line is mind challenging and entertaining. This is no video game. My wife and I did well together and completed 80% of the puzzle. We would have beat the clock if we had more people. Best for two or more couples.

8. Migrator charters

701 N Point Dr, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096-1371
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Migrator charters

Welcome to Master Captain Caleb's Migrator Charters. Fully Licensed to charter in WI and IL. Join us out on Beautiful lake Michigan for the Best Salmon and trout fishing lake Michigan has to offer. Our goal is 100% customer Satisfaction. We offer a large Variety of charters ranging from a Evening 3hr twilight charter to an all day 8hr offshore trip.

Reviewed By Steve-Chicago34 - Chicago, Illinois

Took my two teenage boys on an afternoon charter with Captain Caleb, had a great fishing outing on Lake Michigan. In 2 hours we took in 10 fish, large lake trout and coho, and a few jacks. Had a very large king, jumped up and got away (really). Very impressed, considering it was mid sept, warm day, and evening charter, enjoying sunset . Friends and family happy too, lots of fish for everyone. Great deckhand, Price was reasonable too.

9. Jelly Belly Center

10100 Jelly Belly Ln, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158-3631
Excellent
31%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 506 reviews

Jelly Belly Center

Reviewed By lynne p - Hobart, Indiana

This place was supposedly closing a year or two ago, but still open. Right over border of IL. Took boys when little years ago so was 2nd visit. Enter one door for tour. All employees were pretty friendly but seemed disorganized. Not as efficient as could be. Hard to get samples. Man serving them was a bit too silly and entertaining instead of passing out samples. Tour is fun, sit on train, must wear hat for safety reasons. Makes more stops than movement and go to five "stations" to learn all about the history and candy making process. Make it down the road over border in IL. The train driver (Dominique?) was great! Get small bag of candy at end of tour. Tour is FREE. It lets you off in store and there's candy galore. While jelly belly's are main attraction they make other candies. If u just want taste of jellies and not worried re presentation go for the "flops" cuz they are cheaper. Had a bogo table too. Have souvenirs, jelly belly items of all types, and other types of candy. Can print coupon online. It's a fun place worth seeing with or without kids. While waiting for tour have new interactive room that just opened. Again girl not organized. they just let u kind of mill around and wait not giving u info as to when tour starting.

10. Gurnee Mills

6170 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031-4592 +1 847-263-7500
Excellent
36%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 340 reviews

Gurnee Mills

Gurnee Mills is the largest outlet and value shopping destination in Illinois. Gurnee Mills provides the ultimate indoor, climate controlled shopping experience with more than 200 stores including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, H&M, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buybuy Baby and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Shoppers can dine at great restaurants including Rainforest Cafe and Ruby Tuesday. Catch a movie at Gurnee Marcus Cinema 20, enjoy indoor ice skating, miniature golf and laser tag at Rink Side Sports and Entertainment. Gurnee Mills is located at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Grand Avenue (IL 132) in Gurnee, IL, equidistant between Chicago and Milwaukee, and a 40-minute drive to either city.

Reviewed By LaurelNixon - Illinois

I noticed another review that said it was so far away ... that is relative. I'd probably say that about any other mall because they'd be farther from where I live. Nevertheless, it is perfect for a daytime destination with your kids. There are areas for kids to play and climb (and give parents a chance to sit and rest!) The crown jewel, so-to-speak is Bass Pro Shop. Their large aquarium is a must see for kids (people even ask if there's an "entrance" fee, which there isn't - it's free!) Be sure that you keep hands OUT of the water as it is a fragile environment for the fish. There's a spot to pose for a photo op for the kids. Walking around the mall itself, you will need to fend off the aggressive kiosk salespeople - but you'll find that around any other indoor mall. The mall's food court is par for mall food courts, although the smell that wafts around the mall from it and the popcorn vendors is a bit rancid - they should work on that! Tips for visiting: remember where you park and wear comfortable walking shoes!

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