Vernon Hills IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vernon Hills, Illinois.
1. Cuneo Museum & Gardens
HISTORIC ELEGANCE AND BEAUTY
The Cuneo Museum & Gardens offers visitors a glimpse into opulent luxury with its magnificent mansion and meticulously maintained grounds. This historic site hosts weddings and corporate functions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the elegant atmosphere of a bygone era. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and tour the historic mansion to appreciate its architectural details and rich history.
2. Hawthorn Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Hawthorn Mall features major retailers like Macy's and JC Penney alongside a collection of over 120 specialty stores and restaurants. Shoppers can enjoy a diverse range of retail options from fashion and accessories to home goods and electronics. The mall provides a comfortable indoor shopping experience with plenty of dining options including Dave & Buster's for entertainment.
3. Century Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Century Park became the first park district in Illinois to earn Arboretum Accreditation in 2017, offering a natural retreat within Vernon Hills. In winter, the park transforms into a seasonal playground perfect for cross-country skiing, outdoor ice skating, sledding, and brisk walks. During warmer months, visitors can enjoy the beautiful tree collections, open spaces, and recreational facilities for all ages.
4. Mellody Farm
URBAN-INSPIRED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mellody Farm offers an open-air, urban-inspired shopping center with various restaurants and gathering spots in Vernon Hills. The modern design creates a pleasant atmosphere for visitors to shop, dine, and socialize in a contemporary setting. With its mix of national retailers and local businesses, Mellody Farm provides a fresh alternative to traditional mall shopping.
5. Bears Fit
TRAIN LIKE NFL PLAYERS
Bears Fit is a 45,000 square-foot facility where visitors can work out like the Chicago Bears football players. The facility boasts the largest training turf in the Chicagoland area (40 yards), plus a recovery lounge with cryotherapy and a variety of boutique fitness classes. Families appreciate the kids' club that makes fitness accessible to parents while their children are entertained.
6. Glacier Ice Arena
YEAR-ROUND SKATING FUN
Glacier Ice Arena provides a welcome retreat for ice skating enthusiasts of all skill levels throughout the year. The facility hosts hockey players, figure skaters, and casual skaters looking for recreational fun or date nights. Visitors can escape the weather outside while enjoying the cool indoor environment and the exhilaration of gliding across the ice.
7. Half Day Forest Preserve
NATURAL OASIS AND RECREATION
Half Day Forest Preserve encompasses 201 acres of protected land featuring a three-acre pond perfect for fishing enthusiasts. The preserve offers open playfields, a playground, and trails for hiking, bicycling, and seasonal cross-country skiing. Located just north of Half Day Road (Route 22), this natural space provides a peaceful escape from urban life while remaining conveniently accessible.
8. Wright Woods Canoe Launch
GATEWAY TO RIVER ADVENTURES
Wright Woods Canoe Launch offers convenient access to the Des Plaines River for paddling enthusiasts with their own canoes or kayaks. Located east of Milwaukee Avenue on Route 60, the launch site includes ample parking for visitors bringing their watercraft. Paddlers can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding forest preserve while navigating the gentle waters of the Des Plaines River.
9. Chicago Architecture River Cruise
ICONIC SKYLINE TOUR
The Chicago Architecture River Cruise provides a unique vantage point to admire the city's world-renowned buildings and learn about their history. Passengers glide along the Chicago River while expert guides share fascinating stories about the architectural marvels that define the city's skyline. This 90-minute experience is consistently rated as one of the top attractions in the Chicago area.
10. Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
INFAMOUS GANGSTER HISTORY
The Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour takes visitors through the fascinating underworld history of the Windy City. Participants learn about notorious figures like Al Capone and the infamous events of the Prohibition era while visiting actual locations where mob history unfolded. This engaging tour combines entertainment with education, revealing a darker but captivating side of Chicago's past.
11. Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour
CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH CHICAGO
The Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour combines sightseeing with sampling the city's most beloved culinary offerings. Participants stroll through iconic neighborhoods, learning about local history and culture while stopping at selected eateries. The tour provides a delicious introduction to Chicago's diverse food scene, from deep-dish pizza to gourmet popcorn and other local specialties.
12. Flyover in Chicago
BREATHTAKING AERIAL EXPERIENCE
Flyover in Chicago offers an exhilarating flight simulation experience that takes visitors soaring over spectacular landscapes. Participants are suspended in specialized seats that move in sync with an immersive film projected on a massive spherical screen. The multi-sensory adventure combines motion, sight, sound, and even wind effects to create the sensation of truly flying above breathtaking scenery.
13. 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
PANORAMIC CITY VIEWS
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city skyline, Lake Michigan, and beyond from 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. Visitors can enhance their experience with TILT, a thrilling attraction that angles people outward over the city streets below. The observation deck includes interactive displays about Chicago's history, architecture, and natural landscapes to complement the spectacular vistas.
14. Skydeck Chicago
GLASS BALCONY THRILL
Skydeck Chicago, located in the iconic Willis Tower, features The Ledge—glass balconies extending four feet outside the 103rd floor, 1,353 feet above the ground. Visitors can stand on the transparent floor for an unforgettable experience of seemingly floating above the city with nothing between them and the streets below. The attraction offers breathtaking views spanning up to four states on clear days, along with interactive exhibits detailing Chicago's rich cultural history.
15. Color Factory Chicago
INTERACTIVE ART EXPERIENCE
Color Factory Chicago is an immersive, interactive art museum featuring vibrant installations designed to engage all the senses. Visitors journey through a series of colorful rooms created by artists and collaborators, each offering unique photo opportunities and participatory experiences. The playful environment encourages guests of all ages to explore, discover, and connect with color in surprising and delightful ways.