Lake County Travel and Things to Do Guide

Set about halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee along beautiful Lake Michigan, Lake County spans several communities, 170 lakes and rivers, 154 miles of trails, more than 8,500 guest rooms, and a variety of unique venues with retreat, conference, and expo space. This Chicagoland area serves as a wonderful meeting destination within easy reach of downtown excitement, as well as a fun leisure destination with a number of family attractions, arts and entertainment options, outdoor recreation, and plenty of shopping and dining.

Lake County does not have a stand-alone convention center, but it does offer a number of meeting and event-ready hotels and resorts. The sophisticated Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, home to the celebrated Marriott Theatre, also features a PGA golf course, 389 rooms, four restaurants and lounges, and 40,000 square feet of event space, including a 32,000-square-foot exhibit center and four outdoor pavilions. KeyLime Cover in Gurnee is a family resort and year-round entertainment destination with 414 rooms, six restaurants, a 65,000-square-foot indoor waterpark inspired by the Florida Keys, and event spaces accommodating up to 380 guests. Another major Lake County meeting venue, the Illinois Beach Resort perched along Lake Michigan features a sandy beach, spa, dining options, 92 rooms, and stunning meeting space overlooking the water.

Outside of meetings, visitors come to Lake County for its fantastic attractions, including Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Water Park, home to such highlights as the world’s fastest, tallest, and steepest wooden roller coaster. Visitors can take in world-class performances at the Genesee Theatre and Marriott Theatre, view the world’s largest selection of Hollywood movie cars at the family-favorite Volo Auto Museum, stroll amongst 27 gardens at the 385-acre Chicago Botanic Garden, or attend the oldest outdoor music festival in North America, among many other Lake County activities and attractions.