Lake Forest, Illinois offers a peaceful and natural environment with exciting places to explore for both locals and visitors. The city has events, locations, and activities to fit everyone's hobbies and interests and offer opportunities for families, couples, and individuals looking to gain the full experience of the area. Here are some of the best places to visit to get a taste of the Lake Forest area.
Wildlife Discovery Center
The Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest has both indoor and outdoor interactive wildlife events and exploration opportunities. The center has marked trails that have exhibits and habitats of local wildlife and the indoor resources include educational information and displays with some indoor animal habitats for observation and learning. This center operates as part of the historic Elawa Farm in Lake Forest and features over 85 species of animals with special exhibits and displays focused on reptiles, raptors, and birds. Outdoor exhibits provide experiences with animals such as owls, hawks, and turtles.
Interns, volunteers, and staff offer guided tours through the animal displays, nature trails, and informational sections to provide an overview and facts about the animals and their habitat environments. Families and individuals looking to learn about and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake Forest area can visit the Wildlife Discovery Center for an interactive experience and a fun learning environment.
Elawa Farm
Elawa Farm in the heart of Lake Forest, Illinois, works to serve the community with services and events for agricultural development and knowledge. Visitors can attend and shop the farm's weekly market for fresh, local, and sustainable produce and products. The farm also offers a learning kitchen for classes and workshops and offers various educational programs and events.
Elawa Farm aims to teach visitors and locals the processes and importance of sustainable farming, local resources, and healthy eating. All visitors can enjoy the beautiful views, fields, and open air of the farm environment while supporting local farmers and promoting environmental health.
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Nature lovers and hikers can enjoy the open air and vast landscape of Lake Forest's Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. The park includes 250 acres of land with varying terrains and areas such as sandy shores, rocky trails, ponds, lakes, and hills so you can experience all the great outdoors has to offer in one place. Available activities include fishing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching for all ages and interests. Fort Sheridan operates as one of only a few public access areas on the shores of Lake Michigan and has breathtaking views of the lake from throughout the entire park area.
Market Square
Market Square in Lake Forest gives visitors the chance to experience a classic and quaint small-town environment filled with shops, restaurants, local artists, and historic landmarks. The buildings, origins, and architecture of the town feature history from over 100 years ago to the founding and development of the town square, and many include plaques or pamphlets with an overview of their history. Visitors can stroll through town to enjoy the fresh air while exploring all the market has to offer and experience the feel and history of the small town.
Lake Forest Book Store
Lake Forest Book Store exemplifies the atmosphere and appeal of a small-town bookstore for individuals who enjoy reading and shopping for books. The store stocks books of every genre for every age and purpose for the community to find classic literature and explore new releases. They also work to grow the community and encourage literacy through events such as author visits, book club meetings, and library connection events. You can walk through the store to browse the vast selection of books while enjoying the authentic and comforting environment of the small-town storefront and supporting local businesses.
Lambs Farm
Lambs Farm in Libertyville serves the community and Lake Forest area with a variety of activities and amenities. Visitors looking for an outdoor nature experience can visit the farmyard to view and interact with over 300 animals, each with species' information and personalized stories about their lives. Guests can feed and pet a variety of wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, horses, donkeys, and cows, or visit the indoor discovery center to play with birds, lizards, and other small mammals and learn about the local wildlife.
Lambs Farm also includes the ability to visit and shop the Cedar Chest Thrift Shop for one-of-a-kind gently used goods, with proceeds going to benefit the farm and community. Both the Magnolia Cafe and Bakery and Sugar Maple Country Store give Lambs Farm's visitors the chance to sample and purchase fresh goods, ingredients, and treats made from scratch.
Rosewood Beach
Rosewood Beach in Highland Park, Illinois offers guests the opportunity to swim, tan, and relax on the shores of Lake Michigan during the summer. The area includes designated spaces for swimming, boating, and recreation with lakefront access for all areas and sandy shores to provide an authentic beach environment. You can also walk and explore the Rosewood boardwalk to walk along the beach and enjoy the views of the lake. Visitors of all ages can enjoy playing, swimming, and lounging in the serene beach environment for a fun day in the outdoors.
Whirlyball
Whirlyball in Vernon Hills features a wide variety of activities for groups and individuals with an indoor recreation center. Whirlyball's facility offers laser tag, bowling, bumper cars, and the original game of whirly ball. Guests can choose their activities according to their interests, and large groups can reserve the center for private parties and events.
After you play, you can dine in Whirlyball's Pivot Room. The dining options feature a full menu with dishes and cocktails hand-crafted by their chef. You can also enjoy their constantly rotating stock of beers on tap or bottled. Whirlyball can provide a full day of entertainment and food for guests of all ages.
These are just a few of the best places to visit and explore in Lake Forest, Illinois. The city provides adventure for guests with various interests, such as nature, wildlife, shopping, and recreation. Did we miss your favorite Lake Forest pastime? Let us know what other fun and unique activities you enjoy in the area so we can add them to our list.