Lake County: Nature and Places in Illinois

Lake County, Illinois, brings together the shores of Lake Michigan, wetlands, woodland areas, lakes and historical collections. Destinations are spread throughout the county, so choose accommodation based on the specific area you plan to visit. Beaches, trails and museums have different hours and rules. This overview distinguishes natural areas from attractions in individual communities.

Lake Michigan and protected nature

Fort Sheridan offers free public access to Lake Michigan. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park stretches along 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline. Illinois Beach is the state’s only remaining beach-ridge shoreline; more than 650 plant species have been recorded in the dune area. Swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing and camping are among the park’s listed activities. Check current rules and conditions for each activity.

Volo Bog State Natural Area protects Illinois’ only open-water quaking bog. A floating boardwalk passes through stages of vegetation to an open pool. More than half of the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area is designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve; over 6.5 miles of trails lead through woodland to the Des Plaines River. The northern flatwoods forest there is a rare landscape example. Stay on authorized trails in sensitive protected areas.

More trails and waterways

At Independence Grove, 7.5 miles of trails loop around the lake; the marina rents bicycles and watercraft seasonally. The Des Plaines River Trail connects to the Millennium Trail, North Shore Bike Path and McClory Trail. Thirty-three miles of the Millennium Trail are open to pedestrians, cyclists and cross-country skiers. Chain O’ Lakes State Park is located in both McHenry County and Lake County. It offers water-based recreation and eight miles of bridle trail. These areas are widely separated, so don’t plan to visit them all on one short day trip.

Museums and history

The Dunn Museum preserves nearly 20,000 artifacts and 1,000 linear feet of archival material. The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie presents the city’s history from the last Ice Age through the 21st century. Haines House Museum at Bowen Park is one of the oldest buildings in the county. The Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home was built in 1938. Other attractions range from the Volo Museum, with over 200 collector vehicles, to Jurassic Gardens, with more than 40 moving, life-size dinosaurs. Check visiting hours and admission separately for each venue.

Prairie Crossing also offers a different way to experience the landscape, with over 175 acres of restored native vegetation and its Learning Farm. Historical events such as the annual Oakwood Cemetery Walk have set dates that should be confirmed. Choose deliberately between a day in nature, a family attraction and a museum day.

Places and accommodation search

The following English-language subpages are available for individual places in the county: deerfield 1253794992829, mundelein, north chicago, lincolnshire 1253795566197, lake forest 1255285705464, antioch 1255395548824, lake zurich, riverwoods, gurnee, waukegan, libertyville, lake bluff, deer park 1304149266685, vernon hills, tower lakes, zion, bannockburn 1368249854737, grayslake, round lake, highland park, winthrop harbor. This is a selection of places, not a claim that all of them have the same parks or museums. Compare the exact location of your accommodation with the destination you actually plan to visit.