Location: Lake Forest
Top Things to do in Lake Forest
Countries
What to do and see in Lake Forest, Illinois (IL): The Best Free Things to do
Lake Forest is a city located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 19,375. The city is along the shore of Lake Michigan, and is a part of the Chicago metropolitan area and the North Shore.
Restaurants in Lake Forest
1. Market Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
Normally my review would spotlight the shopping/dining aspects of Market Square. However, with pretty much everything closed in keeping with COVID 19 guidelines, I thought I'd focus on the walking-around-whilst-keeping-a-safe-distance aspects of this interesting destination/photo op. Designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, it is often considered the first planned shopping center in the United States. It features commercial/residential buildings around a central green lawn square. There is a fountain at the east end and a 1917 flag pole memorial to WWII soldiers at the west. There are shops on the first level and apartments above. The fountain statue, "Friends," by Sylvia Shaw Judson, Shaw's daughter, was erroneously identified as "Girl with Baby on Shoulder," until 2016 when a plaque with the correct name was installed. Shaw's design included a plethora of architectural elements such as carved wooden beams, gabled roofs, clock towers, stucco walls, sundial, weather vane, and so on in an eclectic English/Flemish/Bavarian/Baroque/Palladian/Renaissance style. The prime location, in the center building at the head of the square (directly opposite the train station) was originally filled by the First National Bank. In 1931 Marshall Field's took over the space with its very first branch location. In 2008 new owner Macy's closed it. The History Center of Lake Forest - Lake Bluff has an online collection of photos and postcards of Market Square from its construction to the present day. Market Square gets 5 stars for being the perfect backdrop for a leisurely spring stroll during these pace-and-space-yourself-carefully days. There is pull-in, two-hour-limit parking around the square. See my June 26, 2016 review for more details.
2. 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.
3. Elawa Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Nycethings1234
Beautiful farm in west Lake Forest. It hold many event and has a super farmers market in the summer from there own grown veggies and flowers.
4. 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.
5. Lake Forest Book Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By xcsk - Lake Forest, United States
We continue to shop at the Lake Forest Book Store because they have a good selection of books but I especially value their free gift wrapping.
6. Popcorn Factory Store
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By illinoistravelere
I have never ordered online, so all of our experiences have been in the brick/mortar outlet store. The manager, Sandy, is both professional and friendly and the product is fresh and fairly priced. We have been shopping here for years. I understand the honest frustration of the shoppers who have been disappointed by their online experiences, but don't let that keep you away from the factory store. You can sample before you buy and if you come right after a holiday, you will find even more terrific bargains.
