Highland Park IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Highland Park, Illinois.
1. Ravinia Festival
WORLD-CLASS OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
Ravinia Festival is a world-class entertainment venue in Highland Park hosting a variety of high-caliber pop, classical, jazz, vocal, and dance performers in a spectacular outdoor setting. The lush park setting is ideal for picnics while enjoying live music with clear acoustics throughout the venue. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed ambience with lawn seating, though they should plan for remote parking and shuttle transport to the venue.
2. Rosewood Beach
CLEAN LAKEFRONT RECREATION AREA
Rosewood Beach is one of the top attractions in Highland Park, offering a clean and comfortable beach experience along Lake Michigan. Visitors praise this award-winning beach for its well-maintained facilities and scenic shoreline. The beach provides a perfect summer destination for families and beachgoers looking to enjoy the water and shoreline views.
3. Moraine Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE DOG PARK
Moraine Park in Highland Park features a dog beach with a double-gated entrance at the lower level. While the stairs and path down can be somewhat treacherous, the park offers dogs and their owners a unique lakefront experience. The park combines natural beauty with recreational space, making it popular among local residents and visitors alike.
4. Heller Nature Center
EDUCATIONAL OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
Heller Nature Center serves as an educational site in Highland Park with various creative play options for children. The center features amenities like wheel barrels, pails, a tunnel to walk through, and a planked walkway for exploration. Nature enthusiasts can learn about local ecology while enjoying the center's trails and educational programs.
5. Downtown Highland Park
VIBRANT SHOPPING AND DINING
Downtown Highland Park offers a walkable and lively central business district with unique shopping opportunities and exceptional restaurants. Visitors can stroll from one end to the other, enjoying shopping, dining, and a day of beauty just minutes from scenic parks and Lake Michigan. The pedestrian-friendly area showcases the city's warm, friendly community spirit and progressive character.
6. Openlands Lakeshore Preserve
PRISTINE LAKEFRONT NATURE PRESERVE
Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is a stunning natural area in Highland Park offering beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The preserve features walking trails along bluffs and ravines, allowing visitors to experience the unique ecology of the region. Nature lovers can observe native plants and wildlife while enjoying the peaceful shoreline setting.
7. Park Avenue Beach
RELAXING LAKEFRONT ESCAPE
Park Avenue Beach offers Highland Park residents and visitors access to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. The beach provides a more secluded alternative to other local beaches, with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing during summer months. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake while relaxing in this tranquil setting.
8. Danny Cuniff Park
VERSATILE RECREATIONAL SPACE
Danny Cuniff Park is a popular recreational area in Highland Park offering various outdoor activities for residents and visitors. The park features play structures, sports fields, and walking paths set in a pleasant natural environment. Families appreciate the well-maintained facilities and open spaces ideal for picnics and gatherings throughout the year.
9. Ravinia District
CHARMING CULTURAL HUB
The Ravinia District is a quaint neighborhood in Highland Park located along the Green Bay Bike Trail and steps away from the award-winning Rosewood beach. This charming area is home to some of the city's best restaurants and numerous special events throughout the summer. Visitors can enjoy the district's unique character while exploring local shops and eateries in this cultural hub.
10. Chicago Botanic Garden
EXPANSIVE BOTANICAL WONDERLAND
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a spectacular 385-acre living museum just minutes from Highland Park featuring 27 display gardens and four natural areas. Visitors can explore diverse plant collections, including Japanese, rose, and native prairie gardens, as well as the popular Model Railroad Garden. The garden hosts seasonal events throughout the year, from spring flower shows to winter light displays and summer evening concerts.
11. Skokie Lagoons
SERENE WATER RECREATION
Skokie Lagoons nature preserve spans across Glencoe and Winnetka, offering beautiful water views and outdoor recreation opportunities near Highland Park. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the series of interconnected lagoons. The surrounding trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation in a peaceful natural setting.
12. Des Plaines River Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
The Des Plaines River Trail stretches over 56 miles along the Des Plaines River, offering a scenic natural escape through Lake and Cook Counties near Highland Park. This multi-use trail provides excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding through forests and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy the changing seasonal landscapes while observing local wildlife in this preserved natural corridor.
13. Port Clinton Art Festival
AWARD-WINNING ART CELEBRATION
The Port Clinton Art Festival is an award-winning event held annually in Downtown Highland Park showcasing exceptional artwork from around the country. Visitors can browse and purchase creations from hundreds of juried artists while enjoying food and live music throughout the festival. The event highlights Highland Park's commitment to arts and culture while creating a lively atmosphere for residents and tourists alike.
14. Taste of Highland Park
LOCAL CULINARY CELEBRATION
The Taste of Highland Park is a popular food festival that celebrates the city's diverse culinary scene with offerings from local restaurants. Visitors can sample a wide variety of dishes while enjoying live entertainment in the heart of the city. The event showcases Highland Park's exceptional dining experiences and community spirit in a festive atmosphere.
15. Green Bay Bike Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Green Bay Bike Trail passes through Highland Park, connecting cyclists and pedestrians to various neighborhoods including the charming Ravinia District. The trail offers a scenic route for outdoor recreation and transportation through the North Shore region. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained path while traveling between local attractions, parks, and beaches.