Welcome to Lake County, Illinois

Come explore our scenic lakes, rivers and land...

TOP OF THE LIST | ILLINOIS AMERICA 250 | LOCAL INSIDER'S GUIDE | MORE TO DISCOVER |SEARCH OUR EVENTS

From the serene and scenic views of the solstice in bloom Lake County Forest Preserves to seasonal festivals, live events and shows to a range of shopping options, Lake County is a destination that is always in season. Continue here to view our stories.

We encourage you to explore our local venues. View the local perspective from our insider's guide on top places to visit, outdoor adventures in a Lake County spring time, exquisite cuisine, the Lake County Libation Trail and so much more! Top off your land of lakes experience with the best Lake County events and festivities.

OUR TOP OF THE LIST

Whether you're into having a splashing good time or a thrill-seeker or something else in between...see what's at the top of our list in Lake County!

Top 10 Things To Do in July

Lake County Road Trips

Summer Festivals in Lake County, IL

Ravinia Festival in Highland Park's 2026 Schedule

#LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest

Illinois America 250 in Lake County, IL

Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Lake County, IL

American Place Casino in Waukegan

LOCAL INSIDER'S GUIDE

Best way to experience the every season is from one of our local guides. Awesome architechtural gems, stupendous street art, summer recreation and more...
the only part of the story missing is you!

15 Lake County Architectural Gems
Lake County is known for it's iconic, eccentric and historical structures. Here are 15+ cool land of lakes architectural gems.

Street Art and Murals in Lake County
Art is everything in the land of lakes. Whether it's a mural sketched on our favorite store or installations popping up around town, the knack for art is fluent in Lake County.

2026 #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest
VLC selected eight winners for the contest run from April 1 to June 30. Click the wonderful Grand Prize-winning snap by Carlos Curiel and other winners/honorable mentions!

Illinois Maker, Tony Cannoli making his handemade cannolis in Mundelein

Illinois Makers in Lake County
The "Illinois Made" program celebrates exceptional small businesses, artists, chefs, manufacturers and more. The Illinois Office of Tourism initiative works alongside VLC to showcase these Lake County makers.

MORE TO DISCOVER

Our visitors, guests and patrons are the best travelers in the world. We appreciate each and every one of you!
Plan a visit to Lake County and help support our local businesses.

Special Offers
Receive exclusive deals & special offers from our local venues. Shopping, dining, events, hotels and more!

101 Things To Do Under $10
All you need is a crisp (or balled up) $10 bill (it's all about the Hamiltons) for some good old fashioned fun in the land of lakes.

Cheers!
Breweries, wineries and distilleries along the Libation Trail. Indoor, alfresco-style, curbside & takeout options to toast while enjoying Lake County Libation Trail Week.

Dining Guide
Experience the delectable eats prepared by the land of lakes makers. Check out our Dining Guide for local venues in Lake County.

SEARCH OUR EVENTS

Next Weekend is just around the corner! Every season in Lake County creates long-lasting memories. Start planning your adventure and view our upcoming events below or visit our entire calendar of events.

Aug. 1 - Aug. 3

CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour at Gurnee Mills

8/1/26 - 8/3/26
Escape the bustle of daily life for a One-Day Ride (18, 30, or 65 miles), a...
Explore Events @ Gurnee Mills

Jun. 9 - Aug. 4

Concerts in the Plaza at Independence Grove

6/9/26 - 8/4/26
Concerts in the Plaza is Independence Grove's outdoor summer concert se...
Explore Events @ Independence Grove Forest Preserve

Jun. 9 - Aug. 4

Kids Ice Cream Social in Fox Lake

6/9/26 - 8/4/26
Fox Lake’s Kids Ice Cream Social offers a fun, hands-on summer experi...
Explore Events @ Lakefront Park Meeting Room 3

Jul. 28 - Aug. 4

Waukegan Band Concerts at Stiner Pavilion

7/28/26 - 8/4/26
Waukegan Band concerts offer free admission and parking. Attendees are enco...
Explore Events @ Stiner Pavilion

Aug. 4

National Night Out in Fox Lake

8/4/26
Celebrate National Night Out, an evening of public safety and community par...
Explore Events @ Lakefront Park

Aug. 4

National Night Out in Vernon Hills

8/4/26
Join the Vernon Hills Police Department for the 29th annual National Night ...
Explore Events @ Hartmann Park

Aug. 4

National Night Out in Highland Park

8/4/26
The City of Highland Park Police Department will host its annual National N...
Explore Events @ Hidden Creek Aquapark

Aug. 4

Magic City Hippies at Ravinia Festival

8/4/26
Magic City Hippies have carved out a distinct place in the indie landscape,...
Explore Events @ Ravinia Festival