Highwood IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Highwood, Illinois.
1. Everts Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Everts Park serves as Highwood's central community gathering space with beautifully manicured grounds and a charming gazebo. Visitors can enjoy various seasonal events, festivals, and concerts that are regularly hosted at this vibrant public space. The park provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Highwood where locals and tourists alike can relax and connect with the community.
2. Celebrate Highwood
YEAR-ROUND FESTIVAL SERIES
Celebrate Highwood is a dynamic series of festivals and events that showcase the vibrant culture of this small Illinois town throughout the year. From food festivals to holiday celebrations, these community gatherings feature local cuisine, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can experience the unique character of Highwood while participating in seasonal celebrations that highlight the town's rich cultural heritage.
3. Highwood Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Highwood Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of this charming Illinois town through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. Visitors can explore photographs, documents, and memorabilia that tell the story of Highwood's development from its early days to the present. The society offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's cultural heritage, immigrant influences, and significant historical events that shaped the community.
4. Broken Tee Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Broken Tee Brewing Company offers craft beer enthusiasts a unique tasting experience in the heart of Highwood. Visitors can sample a variety of locally brewed beers in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates both brewing craftsmanship and community. The brewery provides a perfect spot to unwind while enjoying innovative beer creations that showcase the creativity and passion of local brewers.
5. 28 Mile Distilling Company
ARTISANAL SPIRIT PRODUCTION
28 Mile Distilling Company produces handcrafted spirits in small batches using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can tour the distillery to learn about the art of spirit-making while sampling unique vodkas, gins, and other premium liquors. The tasting room offers a sophisticated yet relaxed environment where guests can appreciate the nuanced flavors of artisanal spirits crafted with care in Highwood.
6. The Art of Beer
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
The Art of Beer combines the appreciation of craft brewing with an artistic approach to beer tasting in Highwood. Visitors can participate in guided tastings that explore the complex flavors, aromas, and brewing techniques behind different beer styles. The venue offers a unique cultural experience that elevates beer drinking from a casual activity to an educational journey through brewing history and craftsmanship.
7. Fort Sheridan
HISTORIC MILITARY PRESERVE
Fort Sheridan offers visitors a compelling combination of military history and natural beauty across its expansive preserve near Highwood. The former army base features historic buildings, interpretive displays about coastal artillery, and a unique walk-in exhibit replicating an army training gun emplacement. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy scenic trails with lake overlooks, bird migration viewing areas, and the fascinating Red-tailed Hawk's Nest exhibit that provides a raptor's-eye view of the surroundings.
8. The Toadstool
QUIRKY LOCAL LANDMARK
The Toadstool stands as one of Highwood's distinctive local landmarks, offering visitors a whimsical spot to explore. This unique attraction combines unusual architecture with a charming atmosphere that captures the creative spirit of the community. Visitors often find it a perfect photo opportunity and conversation piece when exploring Highwood's eclectic offerings.
9. Madame ZuZu's Teahouse
CELEBRITY-OWNED TEA SHOP
Madame ZuZu's Teahouse, owned by Smashing Pumpkins founder Billy Corgan and partner Chloe Mendel, offers a unique dining experience in Highland Park near Highwood. Visitors can enjoy specialty tea and coffee drinks alongside a plant-based menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, and bowls in a stylish setting. The teahouse regularly features live music performances, making it both a culinary and cultural destination for locals and tourists alike.
10. Steep Ravine Brewing Co
CRAFT BEER AND TACOS
Steep Ravine Brewing Co (formerly Ravinia Brewing Company) welcomes beer enthusiasts to their taproom in Highland Park's Ravinia District near Highwood. Visitors can sample a diverse selection of craft beers including lagers, sours, IPAs, stouts, and pilsners while enjoying a Mexican-inspired menu of tacos, burritos, and sides. The brewery features both intimate indoor seating and pleasant outdoor spaces, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for savoring refreshing brews like their popular Foodtruck Pilsner.
11. Highland Park Arts Center
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
The Highland Park Arts Center serves as a vibrant cultural institution offering exhibitions, classes, and community events near Highwood. Visitors can explore rotating art displays showcasing works by local and regional artists in diverse media and styles. The center provides numerous educational programs for all ages, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to engage with the arts in the North Shore area.
12. Frank Lloyd Wright Homes
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECES
The Frank Lloyd Wright Homes in Highland Park showcase the legendary architect's distinctive Prairie Style and innovative design principles just minutes from Highwood. Visitors can admire three different Wright-designed residences in the area, each exemplifying his vision of organic architecture that harmonizes with the natural landscape. These architectural treasures provide a fascinating glimpse into Wright's revolutionary approach to home design that transformed American architecture in the early 20th century.
13. Chicago Botanic Garden
WORLD-CLASS HORTICULTURAL HAVEN
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers 385 acres of breathtaking landscapes featuring 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas just a short drive from Highwood. Visitors can wander through stunning displays including the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and seasonal exhibits that showcase plants from around the world in meticulously designed settings. The garden provides a peaceful retreat year-round with educational programs, special events, and cycling paths that connect to the North Branch Trail system for an enriching natural experience.
14. Ravinia Festival
PREMIER OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE
The Ravinia Festival stands as North America's oldest outdoor music festival, presenting world-class performances in a picturesque setting near Highwood. Visitors can enjoy diverse musical genres ranging from classical orchestras to contemporary artists while picnicking on the beautiful lawn or seated in the pavilion. The festival's summer concert series has been a beloved cultural tradition since 1904, offering unforgettable musical experiences in a relaxed, open-air environment surrounded by nature.
15. Skokie Lagoons
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Skokie Lagoons nature preserve encompasses a series of interconnected lagoons and forest areas perfect for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Highwood region. Visitors can explore miles of scenic trails ideal for cycling, hiking, and running while enjoying views of tranquil waters and abundant wildlife. The preserve offers year-round recreational opportunities including fishing, kayaking, and bird watching, making it a peaceful natural escape just minutes from urban conveniences.