Lake County Road Trips - Route 83

"Get your motor runnin'. Head out on the highway. Looking for adventure In whatever comes our way…"

Dunn Museum copyright Lake County Forest Preserves A tour starting with chocolate definitely has a "sweet" note about it. The Long Grove Confectionery Co. offers a view into the chocolate and candy production ends in the store. The legendary candy company will get you jazzed up to begin your trek.

Witness and partake in art creation at Patterson Glassworks in Mundelein. The Illinois-Made facility offers a glassblowing class, provides a demonstration or visitors could just shop the studio. Follow up your artistic session across town at Park Street Craft Kitchen and Bar to treat your taste buds to authentic Peruvian cuisine. The land of lakes eatery provides an alfresco dining experience as well. For dessert, head across the street to Tony Cannoli for another Illinois-Made experience. As the sun goes down in the village, visitors can wet their whistle with to partners from the Lake County Libation Trail, a collection of breweries, distilleries and wineries serving craft adult beverages. Mundelein is home to two partners: Bosacki’s Brewery and Illinois Made Tighthead Brewing Co.

"Let's Go, Take a Ride"

Continue northbound to the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Grayslake, where a special event is always happening. Not only do they host the annual county fair, they present ongoing antique, crafts, RV, boating, and other weekend shows throughout the year.

Visit the Lake County Forest Preserve District-run Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville, showcasing local land of lakes history, interactive and traveling exhibits, including the oldest artifact, a fossil rock estimated to be 420 million years old and more. Learn more about the dinosaurs that lived in Lake County, and get up close and personal with our very own Dryptosaurus.

Lunch brings so many options for your taste buds from brunch to international eats, to American cuisine to Greek and everything in between with plenty of outdoor dining Blarney Island in Antioch during the summer. Check out our Dining Guide for all the options. Then, stroll and visit the mom-and-pop shops in Libertyville. Or, for the more adventurous and recreation-spirited, Independence Grove Forest Preserve. This premier sanctuary boasting beautiful native plants and flowers has a little bit for everyone – trails for walking and biking, boating, birdwatching and a serene setting by the 110-acre lake. Not to mention their Craft Beer Garden that features myriad Lake County Libation Trail partners suds and vino.

EVENTS

No matter the time of year there's a marquee event for you and the family on Route 83: the 94th annual Lake County Fair (July 26-30) and Schoolhouse Rock Live! (July 14-23) in Grayslake (at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center and the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts respectively), Thunder on the Chain Drag Boat Races (Thursdays through late August) and Taste of Summer (July 13-16) in Antioch or splashing in Diamond Lake Beach or watching the pro cyclists zip down through downtown Mundelein at the Intelligensia Cup Grand Prix (July 24).

Dinnertime. The legendary seafood house, Dover Straits Restaurant is highlighted by fresh seafood, delectable chops, live entertainment and an exceptional cocktail bar. Gale Street Inn is also another great dinner spot for great chops, ribs and more. The youngsters can see the eclectic-colored fish, while you pick out your lobster of choice. If you're looking for the more casual route, head to Bill's Pizza & Pub.

Rest your head, easy, with several options, including Doubletree by Hilton Libertyville-Mundelein, Baymont by Wyndham Mundelein, Comfort Suites in Grayslake, and Hampton Inn & Suites in Libertyville. If the parental unit needs another form of relaxion and unwinding your mind after a long day chilling in the hotel, visit RISE Dispensaries Mundelein.

Finish your trek to the northernmost part of this itinerary, charming downtown Antioch. Boutiques, one-of-a-kinds, antiques, a movie theatre, a playhouse, an old-time candy shop, restaurants and more, await. Next visit the historic Hiram Buttrick Sawmill for a scenic snap. Boat rentals along the nearby Chain O’Lakes State Park get you to the on the water, a wonderful hike in the scenic state park, horseback riding exploration or rest your head at the campsite. Antioch offers a variety of dining options like Station 51 Truck Company Bar & Grill, The Mexican Paradise Cafe, The Rivalry Alehouse, Johnny's Snack Shop, Oliverii North and more.