War Horses & War Heroes

Let the ride take you...

One of Illinois' finest treasures is the Lipizzan stallions. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the state, the Tempel Smith family has the largest privately-owned herd of these horses in the world. Foals are born dark and lighten with age until they reach their characteristic whiteness.

During each summer, your group has the wonderful opportunity to watch the Tempel Lipizzans performance from their classical dressage movements to the Airs Above Ground battle techniques. Afterwards visit the historic stables and the beautiful carriage collection.

Or during the fall into the springtime, experience a behind-the-scenes tour. Learn of their daring rescue from Vienna with the help of General George Patton during the last perilous months of World War II. Get up close to the horses in the stables, learn how they earn their interesting names and watch an actual training in the arena.

Lunch can be arranged in advance with a boxed lunch at the Farm (for performances only) or group dining at nearby Route 41 Roadhouse or Salutos of Gurnee. Both restaurants are family-owned and offer their special recipes ranging from fried chicken and peach cobbler to a secret house salad dressing and mouth-watering Italian cuisine.

Meet our local historian for a windshield tour of Historic Fort Sheridan. The site plan for Fort Sheridan grew out of its unique location high on the bluffs of Lake Michigan in an area cut deep by ravines. The unrest of the Great Chicago Fire and Haymarket Riots spurred the local businessmen to keep peace near their homes. General Phillip H. Sheridan was in charge of the project and subsequently named the fort after himself. General Patton makes another interesting appearance during this tour. Many of the original officers' homes and barracks are now private residences and the imposing water tower can still be seen today.

The tour gives time for more active groups to walk around the grounds and take photos. There is a wonderful group photo opportunity in the red hawk nest sculpture.

A sweet stop can be arranged before your trip home at Uniquely Sweet or the Popcorn Factory Store.

Should you wish to make this an overnight stay, we have over 60 hotels to choose from in Lake County. Evening entertainment is easily arranged at the Marriott and Citadel Theatres or popular Ravinia Festival. The following morning, a tour of the National Museum of the American Sailor and lunch at Port O'Call on Lake Michigan adds to the appreciation we have for our war heroes.

However you choose to piece together your tour, your knowledgeable Lake County coordinator Jayne Nordstrom will be on hand to assist you.