Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Vernon Hills, IL

This community of 26,000 individuals in Chicago’s northwest suburbs serves as a retail nucleus for the region, with Westfield’s Hawthorn Mall and several adjacent shopping centers.

Vernon Hills primarily developed during the 1970s and 80s, previously dominated by the opulent estate of entrepreneur Samuel Insull.

Now serving as a museum operated by Loyola University, the mansion was successively owned by the Cuneo family, who enriched it with splendid decorative arts that visitors can appreciate today.

The village’s park district oversees an impressive network of open spaces and recreational facilities, interconnected by trails, while the Des Plaines River to the east flows through a corridor of Lake County forest preserves.

1. Cuneo Museum & Gardens

Under the stewardship of Loyola University, this lavish Spanish-style mansion was constructed during World War I for Samuel Insull (1859-1938), a co-founder of General Electric.

Following the Great Depression, the estate was acquired by local entrepreneur John Cuneo, who commissioned a series of exquisite frescoes from muralist John Mallin.

The mansion is situated on 75 acres of grounds designed by the renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen and remained within the Cuneo family until the 2010s.

This historical estate has served as a backdrop for numerous films, particularly recognized for its role in My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997), and is now available for self-guided tours.

Visitors can explore the extensive collections belonging to the Cuneo family, which include paintings, furniture, tapestries, and various decorative arts.

2. The Marriott Theatre

Boasting the largest subscription base among musical theatres in the United States, this distinguished theatre located at the nearby Marriott Lincolnshire Resort sells over 400,000 tickets each season.

Accompanied by a small orchestra, the Marriott Theatre stages five Broadway-style musicals annually, in addition to productions designed for younger audiences.

This venue, which accommodates 838 patrons, has been acknowledged as a regional platform for Broadway shows, presenting premieres of significant productions such as Cats, Beauty and the Beast, and Sunset Boulevard.

Recent selections have featured classics like The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Footloose, and Kiss Me, Kate.

3. Vernon Hills Summer Celebration

The most significant event on Vernon Hills’ calendar takes place at Century Park in mid-July. Organized by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Summer Celebration is designed to cater to diverse interests and age groups.

The festival features a variety of attractions, entertainment, and activities, including carnival rides, midway games, live music, numerous food and drink vendors, bingo games, a car and bike show, talent competitions, and family-friendly entertainment.

The event is free for attendees and supports important local causes through its fundraising efforts.

4. Des Plaines River Trail

Vernon Hills is situated along a lengthy, uninterrupted section of this multi-use gravel trail, which spans over 50 miles from the Wisconsin border to River Grove in Cook County.

Within Lake County, over 30 miles of trail invites exploration through 12 forest preserves, showcasing a verdant environment filled with riparian habitats, oak-hickory woodlands, and prairie landscapes.

The river also provides safe opportunities for paddling, with six designated spots in the county to launch a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

The nearest launching area can be found at Captain Daniel Wright Woods, conveniently located near the shopping and recreational facilities in Vernon Hills.

5. Hawthorn Mall

This Westfield mall is integrated into a large commercial district at the intersection of Townline Road and Milwaukee Avenue (IL 60 and 21).

Established in 1973, Hawthorn Mall was undergoing redevelopment during the writing of this article, transforming the former Sears into a new outdoor “Main Street” area.

At the time of composition, the anchor tenants included AMC Hawthorn 12, Macy’s, JCPenney, and a branch of Dave & Buster’s.

A few notable tenants featured are Foot Locker, American Eagle, H&M, Sephora, Hot Topic, and Victoria’s Secret, complemented by food court options like Auntie Anne’s, Sbarro, and Charleys.

Additionally, several nearby shopping centers offer a wealth of additional stores and chain restaurants, alongside recreational facilities ranging from a bowling alley to an indoor trampoline park.

6. Century Park Arboretum

Spanning 113 acres, Century Park stands as the largest within the local park district and was intricately landscaped in the late 1970s along the shores of Little and Big Bear Lakes.

This picturesque location is particularly delightful during the warmer months, offering pathways for walking or cycling that extend nearly three miles.

Fishing is allowed at the lakes, and the park consists of ample picnic space, featuring 10 gazebos, a shelter with a grill, and playgrounds catering to children aged 2-5 and 5-12.

Century Park is a hub for active recreation, with exercise stations along the paths and amenities like ballfields, basketball courts, a volleyball court, bocce ball, and even a cricket pitch.

During winter, visitors can ski along the trails, enjoy sledding on designated hills, and take advantage of an outdoor skating rink.

7. Half Day Forest Preserve

The Des Plaines River Trail traverses this Lake County forest preserve located on the west bank of the river. The Half Day Forest Preserve encompasses approximately 240 acres of oak woodland and prairie, which was previously farmland.

The trail crosses the river at this point, leading into Wright Woods, where the bridge serves as an excellent observation point for birdwatching in spring.

Migrant songbirds such as the northern waterthrush and yellow-rumped warbler frequent the river corridor during their migratory journeys northward.

Additionally, ovenbirds, scarlet tanagers, and wood ducks nest among the wooded areas of this preserve. A fishing pond is available at Half Day, along with a playground, shelter, and public restrooms.

8. Glacier Ice Arena

Promoted as the premier ice skating facility in the state, Glacier Ice Arena commenced operations in 1999 and is centrally located in Vernon Hills.

This facility operates year-round and features two NHL-sized rinks, with a full schedule of public skating sessions, open hockey, hockey clinics, freestyle skating, and competitive league games.

It serves as an excellent venue for learning to skate, offering classes for children as young as three, as well as adult sessions, led by qualified and enthusiastic coaches.

9. Arbortheater

Established in 1995 to honor veterans from all conflicts, the Arbortheater is an open-air performance venue nestled within a lovely park.

The theatre itself offers a scenic lakeside backdrop, making it an ideal location for enjoying Vernon Hills’ vibrant schedule of summer outdoor concerts, typically held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

The musical offerings are diverse, ranging from Beatles tribute acts to country, 80s nostalgia, and upbeat rock performances.

The surrounding park features meticulous landscaping and an ornamental waterfall, with pathways connecting to Deerpath Park and the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex, found at the southeastern corner.

10. Deerpath Park

This expansive park adjacent to the Arbortheater boasts a multitude of recreational facilities.

Families benefit greatly from Deerpath Park, which contains three distinct playgrounds designed for different age groups: one for children aged 2-5, another for those aged 5-12, and a standout attraction known as Kids’ Castle.

Kids’ Castle originated from a community initiative completed in just one week back in 1997 and underwent renovations thereafter.

Additionally, Deerpath Park features a 1.5-mile paved, lighted trail connecting with the Arbortheater, three fishing ponds, barbeque grills, and facilities for baseball/softball, tennis, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, pickleball, and sand volleyball.

11. Vernon Hills Family Aquatic Center

Situated near both Century Park and Deerpath Park is the village’s public outdoor pool complex, typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. It features two pools: one for lap swimming and another for leisure activities.

Both pools include zero-depth entry and are equipped with play structures for young children, alongside spray features and jets for added enjoyment.

The facility also offers three water slides (body and inner tube), a 700-foot lazy river, a sandy play area, deck chairs, umbrellas, and concession stands.

12. Vernon Hills Park District Farmers’ Market

Located at the south end of Century Park, the local farmers’ market operates on Thursday afternoons from mid-June to mid-October, regardless of weather conditions.

Established in 2019, the market has flourished by offering seasonal local produce, baked goods, meats, dairy items, fish, handicrafts, and an array of other products.

It is advisable to check the park district’s website for updates on special events, including children’s days featuring activities like a bounce house, face painting, and crafting.

13. Lambs Farm

A non-profit organization, Lambs Farm in the nearby Libertyville area provides both vocational and residential services for approximately 250 adults with developmental disabilities.

The organization traces its roots back to the early 1960s when Corrine Owen and Robert Teese opened a pet store in Gold Coast.

They were educators at a school for adults with developmental disabilities and sought to offer employment opportunities for their students, who often struggled to find work.

Years later, the organization relocated to its current 72-acre campus, where it continues to thrive as an animal attraction and garden & pet center, over half a century later.

Children are sure to enjoy the farm’s diverse animals, including sheep, chickens, horses, parrots, lizards, and goats that can be petted and fed. Pony and camel rides, alongside a carousel and miniature golfing, are also available.

14. Old School Forest Preserve

Near Vernon Hills, the Des Plaines River Trail veers off the riverbank to the east, leading to this Lake County forest preserve adjacent to Lambs Farm.

The Old School Forest Preserve is a highly frequented site, noted for its towering old oaks and scattered prairie areas, providing a glimpse into the region’s pre-settlement appearance. Visiting during August showcases a vibrant array of prairie blooms.

In addition to native prairie restoration efforts, the preserve also features amenities such as picnic shelters and tables, a playground, and an extensive network of trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding; cross-country skiing is available in the winter months.

15. Vernon Hills Golf Course

If golf is your passion, two public courses are available in Vernon Hills. The village’s namesake course, located next to the Metra station, is recognized as one of the premier nine-hole courses in the Chicagoland area.

Opened in 1979 and redesigned in the 1990s by esteemed architect Ted Nugent, this course is characterized by narrow fairways and a creek that meanders through several holes.

Additionally, the 18-hole White Deer Run Golf Course is situated on the Cuneo Estate, surrounding Lake Charles, which significantly influences the play on the scenic 18th hole.