Summer approaching means longer days, nicer weather, and (hopefully) more time to do some fun day trips. Lincolnshire is a great home base because it is surrounded by a great balance of high-energy city life, beautiful nature, thrilling entertainment, and much more. From beach days to amusement park trips, this list is the perfect guide for everything in between.
Six Flags Great America
Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Six Flags is a nearby attraction bursting with fun and thrill. With a season pass, you’ll be able to enjoy rides, carnival games, live entertainment, shopping, and plenty of delicious food options all season. Otherwise, a day pass ensures a successful day trip close to home.
To conquer the summer heat, Great America also boasts a large waterpark, Hurricane Harbor. Check it out to cool down with exciting water slides, lazy river floating, and open pools. Add poolside dining and cabanas and you have the perfect summer staycation the whole family can enjoy.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is known as one of the most stunning places in the state, sitting along the gorgeous Illinois River. It boasts tall sandstone vertical walls shaped by glacial meltwater over 14,000 years ago. Visitors can explore breathtaking rock structures, waterfalls, diverse plant life, and wildlife, making it the perfect day trip for lovers of nature.
There is a wide variety of activities guests of the park can do, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. Watch out for special events and special guided tours throughout the year as well. The park also offers a lodge complete with accommodations, cabin rooms, and fine dining options, in case you can’t help but extend your trip.
Lake Geneva
Up a bit north in Wisconsin lies the beautiful Lake Geneva and its charming town. Make a stop there this summer for shopping, unique dining options, and scenic lakefront views. There are also special events nearly every weekend throughout the year, from live entertainment to duck races.
For a fun day on the water, book a cruise on the lake, visit Riviera Beach, or rent kayaks and paddleboards on Williams Bay. There are also several hiking trails and campsites just outside of town. You can also head to Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures for an exciting high ropes course or canopy tour. You truly can’t go wrong with a day in Lake Geneva.
Downtown Chicago
Who doesn’t love a day trip to the Windy City? Since it’s less than an hour’s drive away, Lincolnshire residents are lucky to be able to take advantage of all the city has to offer. Downtown Chicago has everything from river kayaking to the Skydeck at the Willis Tower.
Local favorite activities in the summer include concerts or movie screenings under the stars in Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, and “The Bean”. The Chicago Riverwalk is also a must-visit with skyline views, great waterfront restaurants, and the mind-blowing digital art display Art on theMART. Whatever you want your summer day trip to look like, Chicago can achieve it.
Long Grove
Long Grove is a charming small town about 10 minutes from Lincolnshire designed to make memories. With a variety of festivals and events going on throughout the year, Long Grove is a great choice for celebrating milestones, anniversaries, birthdays, or nothing at all.
Beyond events, Long Grove has a great dining and nightlife scene, each place with its own historic charm. A walk along the cobblestone path will show you the one-of-a-kind artistic atmosphere of the town and a variety of art galleries and dance studios, as well as the cultural society. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of shopping available. Whether you’re taking a solo day trip or want special memories for the whole family close to home, Long Grove will charm you in an unforgettable way.
Ravinia Festival
Highland Park’s Ravinia Festival is just 20 minutes from home and is the perfect summer day trip for live music fans. North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival, they host a wide variety of events over the summer that feature a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers. Check out their summer events and attend one this summer for good music, better vibes, and a deep sense of connection.
Illinois Beach State Park
You don’t need to live by the ocean to go to the beach! Illinois Beach State Park is less than an hour from Lincolnshire and the perfect stop for a summer picnic, hike, or swim. Nearby you’ll also find great dining options for the whole family or solo enjoyment, as well as shopping and museums.
For an extended trip, the park also offers scenic campgrounds on the water. Full-service resorts are also an option, each with a wide range of amenities all around. Whether you prefer swimming on the beach or lakeside shopping, Illinois Beach State Park is a great addition to your summer bucket list.
The Heart of it All
Clearly, there is so much to do around our beloved hometown, Lincolnshire. With a blend of peaceful suburban and fast-paced urban living, 444 Social is the best of both worlds. Explore all that we have to offer, both inside and out, and schedule a tour today. Elevated living awaits.