Location: North Chicago
Top Things to do in North Chicago
The 10 Best Things to Do in North Chicago, United States
North Chicago is a city in Lake County, Illinois, United States, and a suburb of the Chicago metropolitan area. The population was 32,574 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in North Chicago
1. Genesee Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
The historic Genesee Theatre is a 2,400 seat entertainment venue located in Waukegan, Illinois. Located along the northern shore of Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee, the Genesee Theatre is a hub of activity for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Hosting a variety of music, comedy, and dance, the Genesee marks Waukegan as a destination for high-quality entertainment once reserved for major cities. The Genesee was built in 1927 as a vaudeville stage and movie palace before being restored in 2004 to its modern glory as a live entertainment venue boasting one of the largest stages in the Midwest, an acoustically dynamic auditorium, and a beautifully restored grand lobby for intimate and elegant events.
Reviewed By carpediem1010 - Chicago, Illinois
Over the holidays I took my parents and teenage son to see Michael Carbonero, a True TV magician. Top performance very well rounded show with humor mixed with magic tricks. My parents, upper 70's were hesitant of going to this theater, however it was a wonderful surprise how well refurbished it was on the interior decor. Very clean and comfortable. They have one small bar/concession stand which was good to grab a beer and a Sprite before the show. Parking in lot across street was a little pricey at $20 car.
2. National Musuem of the American Sailor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
As an official Department of the Navy Museum under the Naval History and Heritage Command, the National Museum of the American Sailor’s mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of the United States Navy’s Enlisted Sailor for the benefit of the US. Navy and the people of the United States. NMAS will fulfill this mission by: •Serving as a vital part of the heritage training process for all Navy recruits and connecting them to the Navy’s long tradition of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The institution also plays an important role in the Navy community by hosting naval traditions and activities that promote Naval Heritage to the greater community. •Collecting and exhibiting United States Naval history that is accurate, complete and unbiased. •Preserving the physical legacy and historical experiences of the Navy’s Enlisted Sailor for the benefit of the United States Navy and the general public. •Anticipating the United States Navy’s future historical needs by creating strategies and policies for the selection and acquisition of historical material. •Developing innovative and inspirational educational programs and exhibits that broaden and deepen public knowledge and appreciation of the significance of the United States Sailor.
Reviewed By Jasmine G - West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Visited while I was waiting after my husband's pass-in-review (graduation) from bootcamp. It was nice to learn more about the history of the base and see displays and pictures of what they do during training. Museum is small, but has a lot packed in for Sailor's loved ones to see. The day we went there happen to be the Naval Band playing some swing music.
3. Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By camn21252 - Libertyville, Illinois
Lots of people love Independence Grove, which is most apparent on the weekends when the parking lot is full and there are no picnic sites available. Park is sometimes overrun with bicycles, trikes and strollers making it hard to walk and get around. If you like busy parks and crowds, this is for you. If you like quiet and more natural areas, other Lake County Forest Preserves are much more enjoyable.
4. 60 to Escape
Overall Ratings
5 based on 255 reviews
The rules here are so simple that they're laid out right in the business's name: 60 to Escape. Small groups of friends, family members, or coworkers are locked in a room, where they have only an hour to use problem-solving skills and teamwork to escape. Players can select from a variety of scenarios to challenge themselves with.
Reviewed By Jbohacheff
If you are into riddles and mind puzzles this is the place.The story line is mind challenging and entertaining. This is no video game. My wife and I did well together and completed 80% of the puzzle. We would have beat the clock if we had more people. Best for two or more couples.
5. Market Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By sde63 - Jonesboro, Arkansas
Finding ourselves driving through the villages along Lake Michigan as part of our Labor day holiday, we were surprised to chance on Market Square in Lake Forest, IL during the Deer Path Art League's 62nd Annual Art Fair on the Square.
While it was difficult for us to appreciate the charm of the Square in its own right, we can testify that it was the perfect venue for this world-class art fair that attracts upwards of 200 vendors from as far away as Florida.
We were among a throng of locals and visitors that filled the vicinity of the square - there were literally thousands attending during the two hours that we were being charmed by this experience.
Although the Cajun term "lagniappe" - "something extra" - is not generally heard in the environs of Chicago, it is a most fitting expression of the superb added blessing that Lake Forest's Market Square and the Deer Path Art League's 62nd Annual Art Fair was to our Labor Day trip along the Illinois shore of Lake Michigan.
6. Naval Station Great Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By cdhcch - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The home of Navy Enlisted recruit training. The journey starts here and goes around the world. Great place with people who care.
7. ZumBier
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By CJDiaz - Chicago, Illinois, USA
Being originally from Waukegan and still living in the area, this is one of it's highlights! The place is inconveniently located by has a charm of it's own. The staff is great, not only are they attentive but they have a great knowledge of the...MoreNow the 'crack corn' popcorn is the big deal. Our own pubmix spice makes it irresistible.
8. Lake Bluff Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By meatthebluff - Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044
The Brewing Company has been open for several years and is very involved in the community, hosting many music events in the summer wherein the street in front is closed allowing for large groups to mill and partake in the festivities. Owned by 2 guys who grew up in the village, it has expanded and improved its beer offerings over the years. Recently with the addition of an excellent pub next door (who now provides some of their bar food for the brewery), the food has taken on a whole new dimension. As long time residents of Lake Bluff, we like to support local entrepeneurs, and love going here in both winter and summer. Our church has held several holiday gatherings here as well, always to great acclaim. You can't go wrong!!!!
9. Gurnee Mills
Overall Ratings
4 based on 340 reviews
Gurnee Mills is the largest outlet and value shopping destination in Illinois. Gurnee Mills provides the ultimate indoor, climate controlled shopping experience with more than 200 stores including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, H&M, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buybuy Baby and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Shoppers can dine at great restaurants including Rainforest Cafe and Ruby Tuesday. Catch a movie at Gurnee Marcus Cinema 20, enjoy indoor ice skating, miniature golf and laser tag at Rink Side Sports and Entertainment. Gurnee Mills is located at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Grand Avenue (IL 132) in Gurnee, IL, equidistant between Chicago and Milwaukee, and a 40-minute drive to either city.
Reviewed By LaurelNixon - Illinois
I noticed another review that said it was so far away ... that is relative. I'd probably say that about any other mall because they'd be farther from where I live. Nevertheless, it is perfect for a daytime destination with your kids. There are areas for kids to play and climb (and give parents a chance to sit and rest!) The crown jewel, so-to-speak is Bass Pro Shop. Their large aquarium is a must see for kids (people even ask if there's an "entrance" fee, which there isn't - it's free!) Be sure that you keep hands OUT of the water as it is a fragile environment for the fish. There's a spot to pose for a photo op for the kids. Walking around the mall itself, you will need to fend off the aggressive kiosk salespeople - but you'll find that around any other indoor mall. The mall's food court is par for mall food courts, although the smell that wafts around the mall from it and the popcorn vendors is a bit rancid - they should work on that! Tips for visiting: remember where you park and wear comfortable walking shoes!
10. Wildlife Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Lisa K
The wildlife discovery center is a hidden gem! It has lizards, snakes, crocodiles, birds of prey and even a bobcat. If you come at the right time, you can watch them train the siamese crocodiles, which is really cool! It is very interactive, more so in the summer when they have space to let the turtles out for kids to touch and they can bring the snakes outside and such. But very awesome all year round!
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