Top Things to do in Lake County
Top Hotels in Lake County
- 1. Home2 Suites by Hilton Lincolnshire Chicago
- 2. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield
- 3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn - Deerfield
- 4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein
- 5. Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee
- 6. Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
- 7. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/Waukegan
- 8. SpringHill Suites Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
- 9. Hampton Inn Chicago/Gurnee
- 10. Hilton Garden Inn Lake Forest Mettawa
Countries
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Lake County, Lake County
Discover the best top things to do in Lake County, United States including Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Volo Bog State Natural Area, Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, Wildlife Discovery Center, Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, Prairie Wolf Slough, Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve, Mellody Farm Nature Preserve.
Restaurants in Lake County
1. Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
This extraordinary forest preserve is worth a visit any time of the year. Becuase of this season's heavy snowfalls, not all of the paths had been cleared. You could tell from tracks in the snow that this did not stop visitors with appropriate footwear from striking out across the terrain. During this particular visit, ice skating was forbidden, but ice fishing was going on. I couldn't resist taking photos of groups of fisherpeople scattered across the lake -- some drilling holes as I watched. The thaw is coming. Because this property is so large and has so much parking, it is very easy to social distance during your visit. See earlier reviews for more details (May 9, 2020; July 18, 2017; and September 4, 2016).
2. Volo Bog State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By WanderThirst2012 - Chicago, United States
This is a unique State Natural Area that was created when the Wisconsin Glacier retreated over 12,000 years ago. Many see it as a wonderful place to hike the great trails but it is so much more than that. It is a wonderful location for bird enthusiasts, it has an amazing assortment of wildflowers (in season) and other wetland plants you are unlikely to see at most State or National Parks. They have an outstanding staff and the Bog tours, scheduled bird walks, naturalist hiking tours and astronomy groups are scheduled on a regular basis. Be sure to call ahead if you want to join one of the organized groups or just show up if you would like to check it out yourself. This is a "must see" for the nature lover that is willing to look a bit closer to everything that is available at this fabulous State Natural Area.. and it is all free.
3. Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
Lately I have become interested in a Japanese outdoor wellness practice called "shinrin-yoku". It translates as "to bathe in the atmosphere of forest" and provides stress relief and relaxation. The tranquil paths of Ryerson are the perfect location for this. Park at Brushwood or the Visitors' Center and choose a path into the Conservation Center. You will immediately find yourself in quiet surroundings where you can easily expand your connection to nature through your senses. I have been coming to Ryerson for decades, but COVID-restricted lifestyle changes have made me appreciate this place even more. Perhaps I'll see you there. I'll be the one in the "Ryerson helped me survive the pandemic" T-shirt. See my earlier reviews (January 12, 2013; October 39, 2016; October 14, 2019; and April 16, 2020) for more details.
4. Lyons Woods Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
5. Wildlife Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
This living natural history museum is following government guidelines and is closed until April 30. Check the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation page for updates. Meanwhile, after the closing on March 13, the Center used its Facebook page to offer a "meet the staff" series. Starting March 21, the curator, Rob Carmichael and other staff began an ongoing series of educational and entertaining videos with Facebook Live episodes. Colouring pages are also being posted. As someone who grew up with Marlin Perkins and Wild Kingdom, I am delighted by these family-friendly activities and encourage you to take advantage of them until the WDC re-opens. Parks and Rec has set up a virtual recreation center that is could be a model for other communities. Follow the links on their website for a well-chosen collection of resources under the categories of "Stay Active," "Keep Learning," "Be Informed," and "Feel Connected". See my earlier reviews (December 26, 2019; June 14, 2019; June 2, 2018; September 2, 2016: and October 14, 2013) for more details.
6. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
See my earlier reviews (June 2, 2015; October 1, 2019; and April 13, 2020) for more details. Today I hiked the birding loop which really showcases everything the preserve has to offer --spectacular views of Lake Michigan, prairies, ravines, bluffs, a military cemetery, the Hawk Watch volunteer station (August to November), bridges, historical signage, trails, woodland, pebble beach, etc. It sounds like a lot, but it's very doable. It can all be seen in a two-mile hike. Don't leave the area without admiring the attractive 19th-century limestone buildings (officers' quarters, etc.) in the nearby "historic district". They have been repurposed into modern residences. Sixty four of those handsome buildings were designed by eminent architecture firm Holabird & Roche. They designed some of the world's first skyscrapers. By 1920 they were one of the largest architecture firms in the country. Their work on the Palmer House is world-renown. There is also a 54-acre parade ground. Before the fort was decommissioned in 1993, we would come for the inspiring and patriotic July 4th fireworks display.
7. Prairie Wolf Slough
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
That peaceful stream in the slideshow is the Middle Fork of the Chicago River. The online hiking difficulty ratings for this site are "easy" and "moderate". The trail loops are both short and flat -- making for a perfect family outing. See my earlier reviews from May 27, 2016 and September 9, 2018 for more details.
8. Openlands Lakeshore Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Located just 25 miles north of Chicago, the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve presents a rare opportunity to visit one of the last remaining ravine and bluff ecosystems in the metropolitan region. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission designated the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 2013, recognizing the quality of our restoration efforts. For more information, please visit Openlands.org.
Reviewed By iTraveltheworld195 - Highland Park, United States
We are so lucky to have this beautiful natural resource in our backyard! About a mile and half of walkway along Lake Michigan. Currently there is a an unpaved portion of "prairie" walk in the middle but I have heard from a reliable source that they have finally obtained approval to connect the two completed portions. We had no idea that this walk was being developed and were so happy when it popped up a couple of years ago. Lovely place to walk your dog, go for a run or ride your bike.
9. Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
