How to Spend the Perfect Fall Weekend in Lake County, Illinois

Known for its gorgeous waterfronts, Lake County, Illinois, is a great place to spend a fall weekend. Halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, it features 170 lakes and rivers, plus miles of hiking and biking trails. Brilliant fall colors, average temperatures that tick up to the mid-70s, and plenty of additional attractions create memorable visits. Here’s a quick guide with some ideas on how to spend a perfect fall weekend in Lake County.

Friday: A Day for Food and Drink

Once you arrive in Lake County, the first spot you might want to visit is Lambs Farm. This home and work site for people with developmental disabilities includes a rescue center for puppies and kittens, a thrift shop, country store, and cafe and bakery. Plenty of farmyard fun includes a petting area with sheep and goats. In addition, ride on an Old World carousel or play a round of mini-golf. 

Afterwards, take a drive to Beelow's Steakhouse, a Lake Zurich, Illinois, restaurant decorated with beautiful wood and a massive stone fireplace. Locally raised cuts of beef and pork from the family's prized stock characterize this popular eatery.

Wine and spirits tastings are next on the agenda. Known for the natural beauty of its 20-acre estate, Valentino Vineyards Inc. grows 20 grape varieties. They’re aged in French and American oak barrels, bottled onsite and generally available year-round. You can also sample many varieties in the tasting room.

In Antioch, Illinois, the Trombino family has planted and harvested grapes that thrive amid Northern Illinois’ sometimes harsh climate. 

Grape vines grow across four acres at their Vigneto del Bino Vineyard. Inside the winery building you’ll find a gift shop and spacious tasting room. Purchase four tastings for $5 or six for $7.

Spirits lovers will appreciate Illinois’ first craft distillery, North Shore Distillery. Handcrafted, award-winning vodkas, gins and liqueurs reflect the founders’ dedication to using the best ingredients and equipment. Enjoy tastings hosted by gregarious owners, Derek and Sonja Kassebaum, or sip spirits in the cocktail bar—open on weekends. On your next visit, make time for a Saturday distillery tour.

End your day with contemporary, fusion Japanese cuisine at Starfish Sushi, in Lincolnshire. 

There’s a downtown feel to this suburban restaurant, which is full of stone and brick facades. Choose from an extensive wine and sake list, too. Those who aren’t sushi fans may enjoy beautiful plates featuring sea bass, chicken or steak. 

Saturday: Fall for Festivals

It doesn’t get much better than festival hopping on a crisp fall day. At Six Flags Great America, the Halloween-inspired Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS® features midways full of living dead and haunted houses that will leave you screaming. For another spooky adventure take a roller coaster ride in the dark! During daylight hours kids can trick-or-treat among Looney Tunes characters, too.

Halloween is especially spooky inside Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, too, a 42,000-square-foot national recognized haunted attraction. In addition, clowns and ‘undead’ roam the grounds outside this ‘Best Haunted House in Chicagoland.’ After surviving ’60 minutes of pure terror,’ you can explore prop design and costume departments, too.

Other seasonal events take place throughout the fall. Mid-September in Gurnee is time for the Annual Legions of Craft Beer Fest, featuring dozens of craft beers and ciders from unique breweries. Food trucks will be on hand, accommodating every taste, from gourmet grilled cheese to decadent cupcakes. Chicagoland musicians and other performers entertain throughout the day, and Gurnee American Legion Post 771 sponsors several raffles.

Get a taste of country living during Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms in Prairie View. Enjoy tractor-drawn hayrides or follow the new corn maze. Pony and camel rides, Parakeet Encounter and weekend Pig Races are other favorites. You can sample fresh homemade apple cider and pumpkin donuts, too.

Each fall, Richardson Adventure Farm opens to the public as well, with more than 30 activities for all ages, from different pedal cart tracks and zip lines for different age groups to miniature train rides and a 50-foot-long tube slide. Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch or explore the Farm Corn Maze. The world’s largest, most intricate corn maze covers 33 acres and 10 miles with plenty of twists and turns, and 5 maze games too.

After a day outdoors, schedule an early dinner at Gurnee’s The Chocolate Sanctuary, with upscale casual surroundings and a sweet boutique for chocolate lovers. Cocoa inspired dishes include Cocoa-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup or Cocoa-Nib Crusted Salmon. Choose from 15 chocolate-infused martinis in their stylish cocktail and dessert lounge, complete with views of the pastry chefs.

After dinner, enjoy a performance at the nationally recognized Ravinia Festival. Although most events take place before Labor Day, programming extends through mid-September, from O.A.R. and Bonnie Raitt, to mariachi and chamber music.

Sunday: Fun Day

Before you leave Lake County, savor burgers and brews at Lincolnshire’s Half Day Brewing Co., where truffle-infused deviled eggs and farm burgers have a big fan base. Order grilled Ahi tuna and massive pork chops, or a classic Reuben with beer-braised corned beef alongside a Half Day Brew stout or IPA.

Where to Stay

For a relaxing stay, make reservations at one of Lake County’s suite hotels. Modern suites at Hotel Indigo Chicago/Vernon Hills feature bright pops of color and large sitting areas. Relax at the heated indoor pool or over one of 25 martinis in the “Phi” Bistro & Bar. Hotel Indigo is located near dozens of restaurants, with nearby bowling, golf and Six Flags Great America Theme Park. One of the area’s most popular attractions, Six Flags Great America features multiple roller coasters, including one whose height and steepness are among the biggest in the world. There are plenty of concessions and shopping options available, too.

The Hyatt Regency Deerfield lies along Chicago’s North Shore, minutes from O’Hare International Airport or the Metra train station to downtown Chicago. Fitness facilities complement suite-style rooms, offering soothing earth tones and spacious bathrooms.

Smart and stylish, SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Waukegan/Gurnee features free, in-room Wi-Fi and a separate living area in each suite. Swim inside the bright and airy pool area or hit the Fitness Center. A complimentary breakfast and onsite market will satisfy morning hunger and snack cravings. On chilly fall evenings, a stone fireplace warms the patio. The hotel is close to Six Flags and Gurnee Mills Shopping Center, too.

Inside the Chicago Marriott Suites Deerfield, French doors separate spacious bedrooms from private parlors, equipped with a microwave,refrigerator and wet bar, as well as a sleeper sofa. The pet-friendly hotel features several fitness trails, plus indoor and outdoor pools, and two restaurants.

At the recently renovated Embassy Suites Chicago North Shore - Deerfield each suite includes a separate area with a sofa sleeper, microwave, refrigerator and wet bar. Enjoy complementary cooked-to-order breakfasts and a nightly manager’s reception. Dine out at CADWELL’S Grill where you can order a Gorgonzola Prime Burger or baby back ribs. The hotel has received a GreenLeaders Gold Award & Certificate of Excellence, too.

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You’ll undoubtedly ‘fall’ for Lake County and wish there was more time to explore. Just be sure to consult our website for more travel ideas before your next visit.