New Community Partner: City of North Chicago
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North Chicago Community Days Parade
The City of North Chicago and Visit Lake County (VLC) are proud to announce a new partnership designed to elevate North Chicago's tourism profile and attract more visitors to the vibrant metropolis. Through this collaboration, VLC unlocks a variety of resources and promotional tools for North Chicago, propelling its tourism industry and boosting the local economic landscape.
North Chicago's Fort2Base 10NM, 3NM and One-Mile Fun Run
“We are thrilled to welcome the City of North Chicago as a partner,” said Maureen Riedy, President of VLC. “North Chicago boasts a rich cultural heritage and captivating historical sites that will seamlessly integrate into the lively tourism landscape of Lake County. This strategic partnership allows us to unveil North Chicago's unique assets, further solidifying Lake County's position as a premier travel destination."
North Chicago joins standing partners like Naval Sation Great Lakes and its flagship locations, Greenbelt Cultural Center, Jerk N More Too, National Museum of the American Sailor, Navy Lodge Great Lakes and Veterans Memorial Golf Course.
Foss Park District Playspace
Visit Lake County serves as a vital catalyst, generating $1.9 billion in annual visitor spending and fostering the creation of 15,713 jobs. This network encompasses not only community partners like North Chicago, but also over 200 industry partners such as hotels, attractions and hospitality businesses all recognize the power of tourism as an economic engine.
North Chicago has become the latest addition to VLC's growing network of partners, joining a consortium of 16 communities plus Lake County. These include the Villages of Antioch, Deerfield, Fox Lake, Grayslake, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills and Wauconda, the Cities of Highland Park, Waukegan and Zion and Historic Downtown Long Grove. Visit Lake County looks forward to this partnership and future initiatives.
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Citadel Theatre Receives Four Jeff Nominations
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The Citadel Theatre announced recently that it has received four prestigious Jeff Award nominations, celebrating the exceptional work of its artists and the remarkable productions staged this past season. These nominations highlight Citadel Theatre’s commitment to artistic excellence and its vital role in the Chicagoland theater community.
Among the honors, Citadel Theatre’s productions of "Silent Sky" and "She Loves Me" have been nominated for "Best Mid-Size Play" and "Best Mid-Size Musical," respectively. The acclaim extends to the outstanding direction of these productions, with Beth Wolf receiving a nomination for her work on "Silent Sky" and Matthew Silar recognized for his direction of "She Loves Me." These nominations reflect the theater’s dedication to delivering captivating and high-quality performances.
The Joseph Jefferson Awards, commonly known as the Jeff Awards, have been celebrating Chicago's thriving theatre scene since 1968. With a mission to honor excellence in theater, the Jeff Awards recognize the hard work and talent that goes into every production.
The Lake Forest Theatre now eagerly awaits the Equity Jeff Awards Ceremony on September 30, where the winners will be announced. As Citadel Theatre continues to push the boundaries of creative and storytelling, these nominations serve as a reminder of the power of live theater and its impact on audiences.
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AAA's Top Labor Day Travel Trends of 2024
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Volo Museum in Lake County
As Labor Day weekend approaches, Illinois travelers are gearing up for the holiday with a notable increase in domestic travel. According to the American Automotive Association (AAA) booking data, domestic travel over Labor Day is up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically has decreased by 2%.
For those taking road trips within Illinois or beyond, there’s good news: gas prices are expected to be lower than last year, offering some relief at the pump. In 2023, the national cost per gallon over Labor Day was $3.81, while prices this year continue to hover around $3.50.
However, the cost of traveling abroad has risen by 11%, making domestic trips a more attractive option for many Illinois residents. Illinois drivers should be prepared for heavy traffic, particularly on Friday, August 30.
Whether you're exploring Illinois or venturing out of state, be sure to make the most of your Labor Day weekend.
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The Village of Antioch Opens Sequoit Creek Park
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Grand Opening of Sequoit Creek Park in Antioch
The Village of Antioch recently celebrated the $12.7 million renovation and grand opening of Sequoit Creek Park, a new addition to its historic downtown area. This 4.5-acre park features a splash pad, ADA-accessible playground, firepits, a concession area with restrooms and a public performance pavilion. The park has undergone a significant transformation, which includes the creek's restoration.
The project began with a groundbreaking ceremony in July 2023 and included extensive remedial work to address environmental issues. The piping around the creek was removed and was "daylighted" to allow natural water flow and support native plant vegetation.
Sequoit Creek Park is bordered by Main, Depot and Orchard Streets and lies adjacent to the William E. Brook Memorial Wetland. The park is envisioned as a central gathering place for the community, offering modern amenities while preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.
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Lakewood Forest Preserve Undergoes Transformation
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Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda,is undergoing significant changes as the Lake County entity begins its first phase of renovation. The Lake County Forest Preserve District's scope of work includes enhancement to Lakewood's accessibility and environmental sustainability while preserving its natural beauty. Spanning 2,835 acres, this transformation aims to enhance the preserve's accessibility and environmental sustainability while preserving its natural beauty.
Phase one restoration began August 12 calling for a temporary bypass from the Millennium Trail along Banana Lake to be rerouted as a grass pathway. This construction is expected to be completed in mid-September. The new 1.6-mile paved loop trail will link to the Millennium Trail, offering an accessible route through woodlands, prairies, wetlands and around Taylor Lake. This trail will provide access to a floating fishing pier, the design is intended to accommodate baby strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs.
In addition to trail enhancement, LCFPD's plan includes construction and renovation of interior roads, parking lots and restrooms, addressing accessibility issues. These upgrades will offer convenient access to trails, shelter accommodations and a new Children's Nature Play area. This play area will feature a variety of experiences, from structured play elements made from natural and human-made materials to an exploratory zone that offers an immersive nature experience. The project's expected completion is in the summer of 2025. Portions of the forest preserve will be closed throughout construction.
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Visit Lake County Welcomes New Partners
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VLC is excited to announce its newest batch of partners, SunBerry Orchard & Pastures in Mundelein and Lake Zurich and Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills.
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Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille has officially opened its third Chicago-area location at Hawthorn in Vernon Hills. The 11,000-square-foot venue, offers seating for up to 350 guests. Guests can enjoy Perry's menu which features steaks, chops, seafood, vegan entrées, shared plates and more.
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Discover the authentic flavors of Ukrainian cuisine at SunBerry Orchard in Mundelein and Lake Zurich. A destination for a farm-to-table experience in Lake County, this brick and mortor also is highlighted by petting zoos and apple picking. At SunBerry, you’re not just purchasing food—you're bringing home a piece of heritage.
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