Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Buffalo Grove, IL

Located in the affluent northwest suburbs of Chicago, Buffalo Grove is situated approximately 25 miles from the Chicago Loop.

This village, with a population of around 40,000, experienced significant growth from just 1,500 inhabitants in 1960. It boasts a rich history, tracing back to the Potawatomi people and a German dairy farming community established in the 1830s.

Frequently recognized as one of the premier locations to reside in Illinois, Buffalo Grove offers exceptional public amenities, including well-maintained parks, nature preserves, and golf courses, alongside one of the leading summer farmers’ markets in the region.

Nearby attractions abound, featuring a delightful mini-golf course, a winery, an indoor karting facility, and a vibrant farm stand that comes alive in autumn.

1. Long Grove Confectionery Co.

Founded in 1975, Long Grove Confectionery Co. is renowned for its artisanal chocolates.

The most distinguished confectionery is the Pecan Myrtle, which consists of salted and roasted pecans adorned with handmade caramel and milk chocolate, part of an extensive selection ranging from chocolate-covered pretzels to traditional caramels.

The establishment began in a charming shop and candy kitchen in Long Grove; however, due to rising demand, production was relocated to a larger facility in Buffalo Grove.

Visitors can tour this factory to witness a stunning array of delectable treats being crafted. The experience begins with an engaging video detailing the brand’s history, and every guest receives a complimentary sample.

A store remains at the original location in Long Grove.

2. Raupp Memorial Museum

For those interested in the historical origins and growth of Buffalo Grove, this exceptional local history museum serves as a vital resource.

Nestled among conifers and hardwoods in the park bearing its name, the Raupp Memorial Museum houses over 3,000 artifacts that illustrate the village’s narrative.

The primary exhibit provides a comprehensive timeline, detailing the lives of the native Potawatomi, the German settlers in the 1830s, and the village’s development as a suburb during the 1950s and 60s.

An interactive gallery recreates local commercial establishments and amenities from the 1880s, including a school, saloon, store, pharmacy, and barber shop. Additionally, a space for temporary exhibits focuses on various topics, such as women’s suffrage and local art.

3. Mike Rylko Community Park

A variety of amenities are concentrated around this public area located along Buffalo Creek at the junction of Deerfield Parkway and McHenry Road.

A favorite summer destination for families is the Spray ‘n Play, notable for being one of the largest splash pads available, featuring over 20 sprays, water toys, and fountains, along with a picnic space.

On the southern end, one can find the Golf Dome, which ranks among the premier indoor golf facilities in the nation, offering a 75-yard driving range and putting green in a climate-controlled environment.

Additionally, the park district provides a state-of-the-art fitness center, a large skatepark, and a small nature reserve adjacent to the creek.

4. Buffalo Grove Farmers’ Market

Every Sunday morning from June through October, a well-frequented farmers’ market takes place in the parking lot at Mike Rylko Park.

The variety available at the Buffalo Grove Farmers’ Market is remarkable, featuring over 30 vendors each week.

Visitors can purchase a dynamic assortment of fruits, vegetables, flowers, locally sourced meats, cheese, eggs, numerous baked goods, jams, honey, fish, nuts, pet supplies, salsas, and much more.

A myriad of food vendors will tempt your appetite, offering items ranging from filled pancakes to acai bowls, tamales, and tacos.

5. Didier Farms

One of the anticipated events in Buffalo Grove during autumn is the Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms, which has been operating since 1912.

From the last week in September through October, this farm offers an array of pumpkins and gourds of varying sizes and colors, alongside pony rides, hayrides, camel rides, a craft area, a mini zoo, and a variety of delicious foods, including homemade donuts and corn dogs.

During the spring season, the farm features a greenhouse selling flowers and vegetables, along with a changing selection of produce and homemade items available at the farm stand throughout the summer.

Didier Farms is particularly well-known for its sweet corn but also grows green beans, various types of hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, patty pan squash, and much more.

6. Valentino Vineyards & Winery

Although winemaking may not be the first thought that arises when considering the suburbs of Chicago, there exists a 20-acre estate just minutes away in Long Grove.

This vineyard and winery is the leading establishment in the Chicagoland area, cultivating 20 varieties of grapes to produce a broad range of wines.

The entire process, from harvest through crushing, fermentation, and aging in French and American oak barrels, occurs on-site. From May to December, Friday to Sunday, visitors can engage in tastings and purchases, or take a tour of the vineyard and winery.

7. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve

Managed by the Lake County Forest Preserves, this expansive 408-acre natural area lies just west of Buffalo Grove. Historically, this land functioned as a farm until the late 1970s.

Since that time, the native tallgrass prairie has been restored, creating a landscape adorned with meandering streams, wetlands, and a reservoir where fishing is permitted.

The preserve offers 5.5 miles of trails designated for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, providing opportunities to observe a diverse array of grassland birds, including eastern meadowlarks and bobolinks.

8. K1 Speed Buffalo Grove

K1 Speed is a prominent indoor karting brand with locations nationwide, including two situated in the Chicago area, with one recently opened in Buffalo Grove featuring two intricately designed tracks.

Both tracks are designed to provide a blend of speed and technical challenges, offering tight, winding sections with numerous opportunities for overtaking.

For those who have not visited a karting facility in recent years, the advanced technology of the experience will be quite surprising, down to the eco-friendly electric karts imported from Europe.

K1 Speed accommodates corporate events and private gatherings, while also operating a range of leagues, competitions, and themed nights.

Individuals looking to drive can opt for an Arrive & Drive session, which begins with a mandatory briefing for first-time racers. Additionally, spectators can enjoy the Paddock Lounge and Restaurant, which overlooks the two tracks and offers a varied menu and beverage options.

9. No Escape Room

No Escape Room has become a popular attraction in Buffalo Grove, designed for teams of 2-9 individuals. This experience challenges various skills while encouraging teamwork and collaboration.

The puzzles demand logical reasoning and mathematical abilities, yet they are engaging through visual and tactile interactions, ensuring an entertaining and somewhat intense 60-minute session.

The venue features three physical themed rooms to solve, in addition to four innovative virtual reality rooms that still require teamwork.

In the virtual challenges, participants may need to escape from a haunting hospital, flee a Medieval tower while avoiding dragons, or navigate an ancient underwater temple.

10. Des Plaines River Trail

East of Buffalo Grove, the Des Plaines River flows southward for 133 miles, culminating in the Illinois River, which is a tributary of the Mississippi.

A trail accompanies the river for almost its entire length throughout Lake County, meandering through a verdant corridor enriched with 12 forest preserves, totaling 31.4 miles.

This gravel path is ideally suited for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing during winter months, and offers various access points for canoeing and kayaking in summer.

Your journey along the trail will often be shaded by oaks, hickories, and maples, allowing opportunities to observe indigenous wildlife, including beavers, turtles, and herons.

11. Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

Situated near Buffalo Grove, the Des Plaines River leads visitors to another preserve with a fascinating history.

This 552-acre area conserves one of the finest examples of a northern flatwoods forest, a habitat indigenous to Northern Illinois.

In the early 20th century, this spot served as a weekend retreat for affluent families who constructed several log cabins here. In 1942, a refined country house was built for prominent businessman Edward L. Ryerson.

Visitors can explore the preserve’s unique ecology via 6.5 miles of trails, while the LEED-certified Welcome Center (established in 2006) serves as a model of sustainable architecture, hosting various public programs and nature-oriented exhibits.

12. Par-King Skill Golf

With origins dating back to 1955, this renowned miniature golf course is situated just east in Lincolnshire.

Par-King relocated to its current site in 1977, gaining recognition for its highly intricate hole designs.

Today, visitors can enjoy two 18-hole courses, featuring no fewer than 19 moving obstacles and seven water holes to navigate.

Among the notable attractions are a model of the Sears Tower, Mount Rushmore, a loop-the-loop, the Statue of Liberty, and even a roulette wheel on the final hole.

13. Willow Stream Park

This splendid community park is replete with amenities and hosts a series of outdoor concerts during the summer months.

A popular summer destination is the Willow Stream Pool, located at the northern end, which includes a lap pool and a wading pool featuring zero-depth entry, as well as a slide.

Additionally, the park boasts a 9-hole disc golf course, meticulously maintained facilities for soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

The area is interconnected by a network of walking paths and offers an excellent playground for the younger members of the community.

14. Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center

For those interested in exploring the artistic talents emerging from Buffalo Grove, the Community Arts Center, operated by the village park district, offers various programs and events.

Inaugurated in 2014, this multipurpose facility includes a fine theater/auditorium, exhibition space in the main hallway, and several rehearsal/multipurpose rooms.

The center hosts Big Deal Productions, the park district’s theater company, featuring an exciting lineup of plays, musicals, cabarets, and concerts.

15. Buffalo Grove Days

The largest annual event in Buffalo Grove occurs over the Labor Day weekend, featuring a carnival, musical performances, arts and crafts, fireworks, and diverse local cuisine.

This lively carnival commences with an opening parade on Thursday and continues through the following Monday, offering numerous rides and games at Mike Rylko Park.

From Friday to Sunday, nightly concerts are scheduled, and the highlight of the event is the spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evening.