Things To Do This Weekend January 28-30, 2022
By: Jeff Randolph 01/26/2022
With these frigid temps we often forget that with every passing day we are getting closer to spring. Embrace the season in Lake County and find some things to occupy your time until the warmer weather hits. Let’s take a look at things to do this weekend January 28-30, 2022.
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If you are looking for seasonal events in the land of the lakes there are plenty to choose from. For a list of Winter Festivals in Lake County click here.
The local professional hoops team takes the court in Gurnee. Cast a line and compete against other anglers in Wauconda. Visit some reptiles in Lake Forest. A local artist showcases their work in Ingleside. The history of Lake County is on display in Grayslake. Lets take a look at the top five things to do this weekend January 28-30.
1. Vipers Pro Basketball versus Illinois Bulldogs at Warren High School in Gurnee
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It’s a slam dunk with Lake County professional men’s American Basketball Association (ABA) basketball team in Gurnee on Saturday. Vipers Pro Mens Basketball Team hosts the Illinois Bulldogs of Chicago for their last scheduled home game of the season at Warren Township High School. The semi-pro ballers are showcased in a family-friendly environment entertaining to even the most novice basketball fans. The land of lakes hoops heroes are led by guards Jabari Alex and Mark Hall (averaging 33.5 and 29 points per game respectively). The team consists of former NCAA Division-I collegiate athletes, international players and local ballers with hopes of moving to the NBA hardwood.
Saturday, January 29; 5:30 p.m. Admission: $5-$15. Warren Township High School-Almond Campus, 34090 N. Almond Rd., Gurnee.
2. LVVA Ice Fishing Derby at Bangs Lake in Wauconda
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Prepping for the land of lakes great outdoors this spring? Grab your tackle box, hookline and sinker and head to the 13th annual LVVA Ice Fishing Derby at Bangs Lake in Wauconda. The weekend-long virtual competition has become one of the largest and most successful ice fishing events in Northern Illinois. Anglers participate by downloading the FishDonkey App. All fish must be caught on Wauconda’s Bangs Lake only. The FishDonkey App has the ability to take a timestamped image of your catch, and track your location to ensure the Bangs Lake hook, line and sinker. Casters can take home the prizes in categories like Biggest Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Perch, Crappie, Walleye and Bluegill/Pumpkinseed. Largest catch honors are highlighted by an overnight stay and fishing charter at Red Deer Resort in Hayward, WI, a $600 gift certificate to McQuoids Inn in Isle, MN, $100 VISA gift cards and other wildcard prizes and raffles. Young anglers can participate too as the award for Biggest Fish for All Categories receives a CLAM Bucket full of assorted gift items. The event benefits Veterans Path to Hope Outdoors. The Wauconda derby begins on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., and runs through Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, January 28-29; Fri.: 1 p.m.- Sat.: 3 p.m. Registration is $25. Kids ages 14 and under receive free admission with a paying adult. Bangs Lake, 112 Park St., Wauconda.
3. Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest
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”Puff the magic dragon” lived by a Great Lake. Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest is a living museum and wildlife habitat that is home to over 200 animals and 85 species including a bobcat, raptors, a sloth, an eagle, an assortment of venomous and non-venomous reptiles like komodo dragons crocodilians, snakes, turtles and tortoises and more. The Lake County animal sanctuary houses one of the largest public exhibits of rattlesnakes in North America, including four species that are native to Illinois. Engage on a hike and observe the natural as it is adjacent to Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve Trail and the historic Elawa Farm. Due to the ongoing public health crisis, Wildlife Discovery Center has mapped a one-way trail to visit the unique outdoor animals. The exhibits and programs are free of admission and will kindle a lifetime bond with nature. However, donations are appreciated. The Lake Forest biological station encourages social distancing, and visitors must wear a face covering.
Friday-Sunday, January 28-30; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Wildlife Discovery Center, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest.
4. The Art of Aruna Sarode at Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside
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Embrace the majestic lure of nature and the human spirit. Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside hosts The “All Things Beautiful” exhibit featuring the works of local fine arts painter, Aruna Nitin Sarode. Sarode’s works consist of acrylic, oil and watercolor painting mediums, and her canvasses are highlighted by wild animals, landscapes and the rich cultural beauty of humanity. Her works are available for sale through the Friends of Volo Bog with 25% of the proceeds supporting the National Natural Landmark. After viewing the exceptional art work of the Chicago-based maker, on Sundays, you can take a self-guided tour of the Land of Lincoln’s lone, open-water quaking bog. Sarode’s exhibit runs on select days through February 27.
Friday-Sunday, January 28-30; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside.
5. Grayslake Municipal Heritage Center and History Museum
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The Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum obtains an array of galleries, archives and collections that showcase the rich history of Lake County. A centerpiece of the museum is an exhibition called “Embracing Change: The Growth of Grayslake.” The award-winning display provides a detailed look at the Village of Grayslake’s growth as a community, through rare imagery and interactive displays. Be sure to check out the downtown land of lakes facility’s other exhibits like “Overcoming Disasters: A Community Comes Together” and “Grayslake Bars and Prohibition.” To support future initiatives at the Grayslake center, they encourage visitors for a donation of $1-$3.
Friday-Saturday, January 28-29; Fri.: Noon- 4 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Suggested donation: $1-$3. Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake.
To look at the winners of our #LetsSnapLake County Photo Contest 2021 click here. For more ideas on things to do this weekend January 28-30 click here.
