Location: Grayslake
Top Things to do in Grayslake
- 1. Volo Auto Museum
- 2. Tighthead Brewing Company
- 3. Kristof's Entertainment Center
- 4. The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar
- 5. Independence Grove Forest Preserve
- 6. 60 to Escape
- 7. Gurnee Mills
- 8. Lake County Forest Preserves
- 9. Six Flags Great America
- 10. Marytown - The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe
What to do and see in Grayslake, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Grayslake is a village in Lake County in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is located in the Chicago metropolitan area, about 40 miles (64 km) north of Chicago's downtown, 14 miles (23 km) west of Lake Michigan, and 15 miles (24 km) south of the Wisconsin border. The village's population at the 2010 census was 20,957.
Restaurants in Grayslake
1. Volo Auto Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By Dan B
I’ve literally been driving past the Volo Auto Museum my entire life without ever stopping in. Finally decided to take my two 10 year old boys over for a Saturday afternoon.
Never realized exactly how big the entire place is, there are multiple buildings full of different types of vehicles. A majority of the vehicles displayed are also available for purchase.
Going once is probably enough to say you’ve been there and seen it. Neat place.
2. Tighthead Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By The_GR_Blade - Grandville, Michigan
This place rocks I sampled omany of their beers and was quite impressed with all of them. Even though the outside looks like a warehouse the inside is really nice with beer inspired tables and large TVs playing the sports game. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and were able to find a seat easily enough. The menu is awesome highlighting their seasonal beers and their mainstays. I also really liked how they highlighted the brewing process on the menu. Not sure if they serve food or not or if you bring your own in. The only thing I could think that they could improve is to put their history on the menu explaining how they got going. I was really impressed and enjoyed my time there I will definitely be visiting again next time I'm in the area.
3. Kristof's Entertainment Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Kristof's has been Lake County's Family-Fun Destination since 1974!We have been updating and improving our action-packed fun center with all new...well, everything! And with so much to do, like: Bowling, Go Karts, Mini Golf, Batting Cages, a Huge Arcade and More! It is impossible to not have fun here with us. Kristof's is a family owned and operated business that is dedicated to providing you an
Reviewed By Susanne P - Arlington Heights, Illinois
We come here Every year for St.Baldriks. which is an amazing charity. We also frequently come to Kristofs for family/ friends get togeathers. Always a blast staff are all friendly and the place is clean. BEST part is we lost our dad in Dec.2016 and Candi the main bartender and Steven the owner maid our event honoring him. Perfect and help us with any and everything we needed. Bringing in extra staff/ security and giving us the lounge to have people gather and celebrate his life's. Just an amazing time at Kristofs. I highly recommend going weather it's play or an event.
4. The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By karenmcclu - Chicago
This is a pleasant place to have a glass of wine or beer. We have tried many martinis hoping to find a delicious one, but to no avail. The food is spotty, but the consistently delicious offerings are the filled dates and the filet mignon bits.
The greatest is to have a drink on the deck, but it doesn't open until June.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. Lake County Forest Preserves
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Janice P - Libertyville, IL
The park system in Lake County is second to none. Between Independence Grove and Old School in Libertyville - you have two amazing places to walk, ride a bike, relax, ice skate —
All seasons - 12 months of the year, there is something you can do at the preserves.
Well maintained. Excellent facilities.
No matter where you are in Lake County, there is a Forest Preserve within 5 to 10 miles of your home.
9. Six Flags Great America
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
This amusement park, located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, has over 100 rides and attractions.
Reviewed By Flat_Earther - Chicago, Illinois
I'm a life long seasons pass holder. The park is nowhere near the glorious place it was 25 years ago. I can't remember the last time I saw a character walking around. What used to be beautifully manicured gardens are now poorly neglected weed patches with a few holdover shrubs from years past.
If you are a thrill seeker, though, and don't care about aesthetics, this is a treasure trove. No matter how much I ride it, that first drop on Goliath will always make me scream. The Joker is an insane new addition for daredevils. Raging Bull is beautifully engineered, it's a very smooth ride, and most of the drops will leave you hovering just above your seat. Batman, superman, and X Flight each have their own charms. If you are visiting for the first time, make sure you try to hit each of the rides I have just listed.
There are really good people who work here. The ride operators all seem carefully selected and upbeat. The people at the gate are also usually quite friendly.
As a meal plan purchaser, I couldn't be more disappointed. I continue to purchase the plan out of convenience, but the execution of their food preparation needs work. 90% of the folks taking your order don't greet you. You walk up and they just stare at you until you give your order. Even if you say hello to them. The food places tend to have one manager who is running around frantically trying to hold everything together, and 3 or 4 very uninterested team members doing the bare minimum. Food lines, even on off peak times, are horrendous. Food choices are very limited, and healthy options tend to sell out early in the day.
My best picks for food quality are: Pizza (With fries or a salad (salad is never available, but is offered on the menu)) is on point. Fresh and hot with very good cheese and crust. Salads are usually ok. About half the time I get a salad, the chicken on it is fossilized. You can get fresh fruit at the Go Fresh locations that is usually pretty good. If you don't have a meal plan, I don't recommend eating in the park. Bring a cooler and go to the parking lot to eat. Unless you are independently wealthy and have a penchant for mediocre food.
Six Flags needs to fix their food service employee training. I understand it is probably a horrible job, but a job is what you make of it. Teach your employees tricks to make the time they spend there more enjoyable!
10. Marytown - The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, Illinois
PROS: beautiful chapel with amazing artwork inside- stained glass windows, relics, the monstrance- everything is exquisite. Plenty of parking; there were stations of the Cross outside but unfortunately it was a blustery, cold rainy day. It gives my family and I more reason to return. Plenty of items in the gift shop.
CONS: none whatsover.
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