Lake County Road Trips - Route 41

"Where the days are longer, the nights are stronger than moonshine..."

A scenic backdrop of Lake Michigan complements nature, history, an eclectic arts scene and great eats. Let's Go, take a ride!

Route 41 is highlighted by miles of trails for hiking, biking, running and exploring as well as a nautical vibe on the Great Lake. After a road trip journey, visitors can indulge in craft brews along the Lake County Libation Trail. This itinerary is equipped with a forest preserve, an Illinois state park, two harbors, the country's lone Navy boot camp facility and a defunct military base, all showcasing breathtaking views. Birders can rejoice as over 300 species make their residency in the land of lakes.

You can even take a selfie at the end of Amstutz Expressway in Waukegan before Batman disappears into the Bat Cave. Or you could try to escape Punxsutawney, PA like weatherman Phill Connors attempted to do in "Groundhog Day." The end of this expressway is where the 2005 film 'Batman Begins' was shot. Travel along the coast of Lake Michigan where it's "cooler than a polar bear's toenails." Continue here to view more about Lake County meeting Hollywood's big screen.

Day 1:

History is rich in Lake County, and so are the memory makers you can create. Rise with the sun from your rested stay at Illinois Beach Hotel or The Inn on Sheridan. The Sheridan Road hotel is an independent boutique hotel that offers beautiful, comfy accommodations in the heart of downtown Zion. It’s only blocks from the Lake Michigan shore and Metra Rail service. Also in Zion, the Illinois Beach Hotel is located along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering stunning views of the body of water and the surrounding state park. The 92 guest room and suite facility have been recently renovated with a locally-sourced fare restaurant called Nolan's. The Illinois Beach Hotel is the only accommodation resting steps away from the Great Lake.

Take a trip through yesteryear as Waukegan's History Museum at the Carnegie, a restored 1903 landmark overlooking Lake Michigan, includes a personal book collection from native son Ray Bradbury, not to mention various timeframes of the City of Progress through the past.

Explore northeastern Lake County at one of Lake County's two state parks - Illinois Beach State Park. Known for its dunes, walking trails and birdwatching, you could spend several hours building sandcastles and soaking in vitamin D. The 4,160-acre park offers ample outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing and camping. Then head north to Harbor Brewing Co.'s Lakefront Biergarten and quench your thirst located at North Point Marina. This Lake County Libation Trail partner is a highlight of one of our many micro-breweries.

Take a car ride with nostalgia—homes of yesteryear, accompanied by discovering public art displays along Lake Michigan on Sheridan Road. On the map is the City of Waukegan, with majestic Waukegan Harbor & Marina for scenic strolls, fishing or just chill on the beach. The downtown area is an ode to artistic vibes, historic buildings and Waukegan's son, Pulitzer Prize-winning Ray Bradbury. In the heart of the downtown business district is the authentic mexican, taste-bud-pleasing cuisine at Toluca's, The land of lakes local Mexican eatery is a gem in the City of Progress promising a vibrant tapestry of flavors. Indulge your taste buds with The recently renovated authentic eats from Taqueria is nothing short of special. The City of Progress restaurant is highlighted by tacos, aguas frescas, enchiladas, tortas and more with their specialty's including parillada de carne y mariscos y camarones cucurachos (grilled meat, seafood and shrimp). Or taste the flavors on the dock of the bay at The Tropics, Stone Creek Grill, one of the visiting food trucks at Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten and more. Quonset Pizza in Waukegan is another splendid option as the pie-making restaurant has been a staple for nearly a century. Top off your visit with an evening toast at Lake County Libation Trail stop Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Co. and/or have another drink along the drink at Green Town on the Rocks or stay a little longer at the Harbor!

Day 2:

Highland Park’s Ravinia Festival stands as not only North America’s oldest outdoor music festival but also one of its most musically diverse. This Lake County staple has provided visitors with exceptional acts since 1905. The land of lakes stage annually showcases a slew of star-studded names like Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Lauryn Hill, Pitbull, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Ricky Martin, Snoop Dogg, Tony Bennett and more. This itinerary also offers the convenience of Route 41, Sheridan Road and the east-west thoroughfare, Lake Cook Road.

Whether you want to see current chart-toppers, rock legends, rap stars or take in the sounds of Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), Ravinia has something for everyone. CSO's summer residency is at the Highland Park staple. So your evening is booked!

In the day, explore Chicago Botanic Garden. The Glencoe sanctuary Garden sits on 385 acres and features four natural areas spread across nine islands surrounded by lakes. The 28 different gardens inside the Glencoe sanctuary offer ample opportunity to snap a picture of the vernal equinox boasting their Butterflies & Blooms exhibit, Model Railroad exhibit and more color palette explosions in an exceptional natural habitat.

A thirst or hunger coming on during your ride? Nearby in downtown Highland Park is Lake County Libation Trail partner Lynfred Winery. Grab a bottle to take with you when you head to the music fest or enjoy a few sips in their tasting room.

In Highland Park, you're options range from American cuisine Backyard Grill, Indus Progressive Indian Restaurant (an award-winning restaurant) where the traditional Indian flavors meet modern culinary techniques from the Indus valley or dine down by the bayou outside of the downtown area at Bluegrass.

Or you could take in the delectable eats provided by Highwood. You're options are endless from the divine Italian cuisine at Disotto highlighted by pizza, pasta, seafood and other Neapolitian favorites and there's plenty more where that came from.

If you'd like to chill out instead of Chicago Botanic in the afternoonn, you could sunbathe and take a dip in the drink at Foss Park Beach in North Chicago, Waukegan Muncipal Beach or Rosewood Beach in Highland Park all sitting along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Take in the night with other Libation Trail partners in the area include Broken Tee Brewing Co. and 28 Mile Distilling Co. in Highwood as well as Steep Ravine and Lynfred Winery in Highland park.

Day 3:

The Shanty in Wadsworth is also a delectable option for lunch or dinner.. but in this case maybe brunch to start your day. The Food Network eatery featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," this renowned culinary village was voted "Best of Chicago" and an "Illinois Delicious Destination" The century-old tradition creates locally-sourced, scratch-made American and global-inspired dishes. Order their whiskey shrimp dish, one of the Wadsworth eatery's award-winning cuisines. If you stay at The Forester, you can indulge of an incredibly loaded menu of exceptional tastes with their Oaken Bistro+Bar.

While the land of lakes is home to fully-operational Naval Station Great Lakes, there's also an army base that has been a fixture in the community. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in the Highwood, Highland Park and Lake Forest areas is a National Historic Landmark that preserves this army post with breathtaking architecture and a fanfare view of Lake Michigan. Once a post of the U.S. Army Post named after Civil War Cavalry General Philip Sheridan, the defunct fort located in Highland Park, Highwood and Lake Forest has been closed since 1993. During the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, Fort Sheridan was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Places by the American Institute of Architects. The army fort was maintained for over 100 years, as it opened in the late 1800s. The Fort Sheridan District is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Possibly a relative, someone someone you know or even yourself went through boot camp at Great Lakes. Visit the National Museum of the American Sailor in North Chicago to glimpse of what Navy life was like and is today. There might be a traveling exhibit to check out or volunteer recruits to engage with to learn more. (The National Museum of the American Sailor is currently closed till further notice due to renovations).

If the museum is still closed while your here, Tucked within Naval Station Great Lakes, Veterans Memorial Golf Course offers players more than just a round of golf. With its rolling fairways, tree-lined vistas and welcoming layout, the 18-hole, North Chicago course has become a favorite destination for both experienced golfers and casual players looking to experience the game at a relaxed pace. Practice facilities, including a putting green and a driving range with natural grass tee stations, give players the chance to fine-tune their swing before heading to the first tee. Whether chasing birdies or simply savoring a peaceful walk along the fairways, the course offers a reminder of why golf endures as a timeless pastime. Be sure to visit the onsite restaurant in Buckley’s that offers an array of American eats.

After a busy day and an empty tummy, visit downtown Lake Forest. Head to isit Francesca's Intimo, renowned for its flavorful and familiar Italian dishes, this nearly 20+-year-old neighborhood institution is going strong. The menu features Rome's zesty, earthy cuisine and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The piattis are highlighted by salads, paninis, seafoods, pizza and various pasta delights, located in the heart of the city’s downtown area. You must try their desserts as they are to die for.

"If you're in the know of where to hold 'em and when to fold 'em," visit the land of lakes newest attraction, American Place Casino. The Waukegan facility is temporarily housed in a sprung tent featuring slots, table games, three restaurants (that can also be an option for dinner if you're traveling without kids of course) in Asia-Azteca, North Shore Steaks and Seafood, Pizza and Prime or L'Americain and sportsbook. If you're more for experience, The LightHouse hosts myriad stand-up comedians gracing the stage.The permanent casino will be built adjacent to the temporary site, slated to be completed in 2028. But for now, "luck be a lady tonight!"

If you do have kiddies, Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest provides a children's theater outdoors or you can head to Lambs Farm in the Green Oaks/Libertyville area or Elawa Farm where you can meet a ton of critters like a camel, goats, lambs, cows and more.

On day two and three, you can rest easy at SpringHill Suites or Hampton Inn & Suites in Waukegan, the Courtyard Highland Park or The Forester in Lake Forest.

If you happen to be at The Forester in late July to August, you could attend Chicago Bears Training Camp. Stay tuned for details.