Lake Forest, IL
This city in Lake County, Illinois is a wonderful place to live and recreate.
Residents enjoy the fact it’s not too far from Chicago but feels like Lake Forest is worlds apart from downtown. The fact the community is on the shore of Lake Michigan and contains many historic properties just adds to the allure. In addition, residents of this city are friendly and welcoming.
To make the most of your time in Lake Forest, check out any of the following places.
Market Square
This section of Lake Forest is a historic area, and today it serves as a gathering place for people from the community. The surrounding area contains many unique local shops for you to explore, so it's likely you'll find something that caters to your tastes. If you're in the mood for food, the bakery at Market Square is well-loved by locals, and you can enjoy sitting on the patio outside when the weather is nice. During the summer, Market Square hosts events like car shows and live musical performances, changing things up and giving you another reason to spend some time there.
Wildlife Discovery Center
This living natural history museum is unique for the area and is a favorite of quite a number of locals, so you should check it out if you haven’t already. The facility is small enough to feel intimate, yet it contains quite a few displays that vividly illustrate the concepts of environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation. Among the live animals at the museum are a number of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and even mammals. The outdoor interpretive trail helps you see everything in action outside of the facility. Adult programs, birthday party celebrations, traveling wildlife exhibits, summer camps, and many other opportunities are offered through the center. It’s a great place to learn while having a great time.
Elawa Farm
This restored gentleman’s farm and garden is a unique combination of historic buildings, designed landscapes, and raw natural terrain. The group that manages the place is a public-private partnership, so the public can visit and enjoy the unique experience. People come to soak in the well-manicured grounds, explore the wilderness, or even rent the facilities for events like weddings or company parties. The onsite kitchen allows you to sit back and enjoy some quality food, including unique take and bake dishes you prepare at home. From May to October, a Garden Market gives you a place to buy produce, flowers, and herbs grown at the farm, as well as other area farms.