Top 15 Attractions in Round Lake Beach, IL

Situated in Chicago’s northern suburbs, Round Lake Beach is approximately equidistant from Milwaukee and downtown Chicago.

One notable feature of this location is its abundant waterways, highlighted by the expansive Chain O’ Lakes waterway just minutes to the west, accompanied by numerous smaller lakes and ponds dispersed throughout the region.

The town’s namesake lake boasts an attractive sandy beach, and several Lake County Forest Preserves are conveniently located nearby, interspersed with ponds and wetlands.

There are numerous activities to engage in nearby, including longstanding family entertainment centers, bowling alleys, a premier car museum, and one of Chicagoland’s most renowned haunted houses.

1. Lakefront Park

A delightful destination, particularly during the summer, Lakefront Park is situated on the northwest shore of Round Lake.

During the warmer months, lifeguards supervise the sandy beach, which features a boat launch and extensive open areas shaded by mature trees.

The lakefront season extends from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend and includes a scenic overlook, a playground for children, and picnic shelters.

Lakefront Park is complimentary for all residents of Round Lake Beach, whereas fees apply to non-residents.

2. Chain O’ Lakes

Round Lake Beach lies just to the east of an extensive waterway system, consisting of 15 lakes interconnected by the Fox River and an array of man-made channels.

This network encompasses 7,100 acres of water, nearly 500 miles of shoreline, and 45 miles of river.

Remarkably, despite its vastness, the Chain O’ Lakes ranks as the busiest inland recreational waterway in the nation on a per acre basis.

It is evident that this area serves as a haven for diverse water activities, as well as birdwatching, horseback riding, and hiking.

Three lakes—Grass, Marie, and Nippersink—are situated within the Chain O’ Lakes State Park, which offers a public boat launch and four distinct trail systems. Throughout the summer, boat and horse rentals are available at this location.

3. Realm of Terror Haunted House

Regularly acclaimed as the premier haunted house in Illinois, the innovative Realm of Terror has captivated audiences every October for the past two decades.

The meticulous attention to detail sets this attraction apart, with characters, sets, makeup, props, and soundscapes crafted by skilled professionals with extensive experience.

This heightens the immersive experience as visitors navigate through a narrow, dimly lit maze designed not merely to frighten, but to linger in your thoughts long after you have emerged.

Moreover, Realm of Terror holds the distinction of being the sole haunted house in the state to feature its own bar, where drinks are served in a souvenir cup.

4. Kristof’s Entertainment Center

Located in the same complex as Realm of Terror, this well-regarded family entertainment center has been providing fun since 1974.

Inside and outside, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a newly renovated bowling alley, arcade, pool tables, go-karts, and batting cages.

Along with bowling, the standout attraction is the outdoor mini-golf course, which features 18 holes set within beautifully landscaped gardens adorned with small waterfalls.

The on-site restaurant offers a broad selection of comfort food, including Buffalo wings, handmade pizza, Angus burgers, and wraps.

5. Grant Woods Forest Preserve

Spanning 1,226 acres, this area of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands was once inhabited by the Potawatomi Native Americans until the 19th century.

Grant Woods also includes a portion of the north shore of the expansive Long Lake, featuring a public boat launch for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and cartop boats.

There are over six miles of gravel trails within this gently rolling landscape, which are accessible for hiking, running, cycling, and cross-country skiing in the winter months.

During the colder season, snowmobilers can also explore Grant Woods via 4.5 miles of trails connecting to adjacent lands.

6. Volo Auto Museum

As one of the leading tourist attractions in the northern suburbs, the Volo Auto Museum has been captivating visitors since 1960, renowned for its collection of vehicles featured in television and film.

The exhibits are diverse, offering over 30 unique displays to explore. Attendees can discover vintage scooters, antique snowmobiles, classic arcade machines, historic outboard motors, horse-drawn carriages, carousels, jets, vintage tractors, and an extensive array of classic automobiles.

Notably, the collection includes cars from iconic films, such as the Aston Martin from Die Another Day (2002), the Bluesmobile from The Blues Brothers (1980), and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters (1984).

The museum also features vehicles owned by notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Britney Spears, and Elvis Presley.

7. Volo Bog State Natural Area

Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974, the Volo Bog State Natural Area is recognized as the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois.

This area, located near Lake Beach, also holds the distinction of being the southernmost habitat of its type in the United States. Volo Bog encompasses 1,150 acres and features a visitor center housed in a renovated barn dating back to the early 1900s.

With an elevator installed in the old silo, the center welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, providing extensive information about the bog, its unique flora, and wildlife.

From this hub, guests may embark on a 0.5-mile boardwalk trail, with an additional 2.75-mile trail traversing across the wetlands and meadows surrounding the bog.

8. Children’s Neighborhood Museum

Operated by the Round Lake Area Park District, this museum offers an opportunity for children up to six years old to explore, imagine, create, and engage both physically and mentally.

True to its name, the Children’s Neighborhood Museum resembles a miniature town, allowing kids to take on roles such as police officers, firefighters, and daycare workers, simulating everyday scenarios—from refueling at the gas station to shopping at the grocery store.

Younger children will also enjoy climbing and exploring within the museum’s designated crawler zone.

9. Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve

To the east lies a scenic expanse of water-rich landscapes at Rollins Savanna, which covers 1,250 acres, much of which consists of restored farmland along the banks of the south fork of Mill Creek.

Since this area was acquired approximately 30 years ago, significant efforts have been made to restore the creekside habitats, ponds, and Third Lake, creating a sanctuary for migratory and resident birds, including egrets, great blue herons, blue-winged teals, ruddy ducks, and various waterfowl species.

Visitors can traverse this beautiful landscape of oak savanna, prairie, marsh, and open water along a 7.75-mile trail system featuring boardwalks and bridges.

Moreover, there is a connection to the regional Millennium Trail, which meanders through central, western, and northern Lake County for 33 miles.

10. Renwood Golf Course

This park district course in Round Lake Beach provides a high-quality golfing experience at competitive prices.

Notably, given its location, water features prominently at Renwood Golf Course; thus, precision and strategic shot selection are crucial, especially on the challenging back nine.

This 18-hole par 72 course, known for its lush greens, measures 6,228 yards from the back tees.

Golfers can practice at the driving range (22 stations) and practice green, while a pro shop and a bar & grill at the clubhouse are available for post-round refreshments.

11. Lakes Bowl

Established over 50 years ago, Lakes Bowl is a family-owned bowling alley conveniently located near downtown Round Lake.

The facility features 24 bowling lanes, along with six pool tables, a dartboard, baggo, two bars, four projection TVs, and 11 flat-screen televisions, as well as a new room filled with redemption games.

For those interested in specials, the website details promotions such as $3 bowling on Wednesdays before 5 p.m. and a group discount on Saturdays, which includes two hours of bowling, a pizza, beer or soda, and shoe rental for $59.

12. Round Lake Beach Aquatic Center

This facility operated by the Round Lake Area Park District becomes lively during the summer months, hosting various programs ranging from preschool and parent sessions to advanced swimming classes.

At the center’s core is a large pool featuring designated areas for diving, lap swimming, and a beach-entry leisure section.

Surrounding the pool are sun loungers and grassy areas, complemented by a spacious splash pad where Hector the heron is poised to drench visitors with water from his oversized bucket.

13. Regal Round Lake Beach

A branch of the nationwide Regal theater chain is situated in Round Lake Beach. This 18-screen multiplex, opened in 1998, features stadium seating in every auditorium, ensuring a favorable viewing experience from any location.

This establishment serves as a clean, comfortable venue for watching the latest Hollywood films, offering special promotions during weekdays and additional deals for members of the “Crown Club.” There are also complimentary refills available for large sodas and popcorn.

14. RLB Farmers’ Market

In downtown Round Lake, near the Metra station, a well-frequented farmers’ market takes place each summer.

This market operates on Saturday mornings from early July to early September, providing a convenient and ethical opportunity to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables as they come into season.

An array of vendors offer baked goods, specialty food items, flowers, and arts and crafts.

A food truck is typically present for those seeking a delectable meal on-the-go, and live music often enhances the shopping experience.

15. Blarney Island

Situated one mile offshore from Antioch, in the midst of Grass Lake, Blarney Island resembles a Caribbean-style destination, featuring an action-packed schedule of events.

Access to the island is provided through a shuttle boat, which accommodates numerous boaters utilizing the Chain O’ Lakes.

The season commences in mid-May with a grand celebration and continues until early October.

During this period, music festivals occur virtually every weekend, supplemented by regular live performances and themed gatherings.

This is additionally complemented by high-performance drag boat and personal watercraft racing events held every Thursday.