Top 15 Activities in Lake in the Hills, Illinois

A relatively new community in Chicago‘s northwest suburbs, Lake in the Hills was incorporated in 1952.

For its first few decades, it remained a modest rural community of a few thousand residents until a significant development boom in the 1990s increased the population fivefold over a short period.

Lake in the Hills is situated along the Randall Road corridor, known for its long line of shopping centers populated with numerous chain restaurants and retail establishments.

Open water features prominently in Lake in the Hills, integrated with protected wetlands, fens, lakes, and Crystal Creek. One of the standout attractions is the exceptional Three Oaks Recreation Area, which we will discuss first.

1. Three Oaks Recreation Area

Located directly northeast of Lake in the Hills, this transformed quarry has evolved into a diverse recreational hotspot.

The area features a substantial body of water interspersed with small islands, where visitors can rent canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats, or opt for wakeboarding at North Lake.

You may also enjoy the sandy beach, complete with a designated swimming area, splash pad, and children’s playground. Additionally, scuba diving courses are available for those interested in obtaining certifications.

The surrounding parkland offers picturesque views, and you may choose to picnic on the greenery or enjoy a meal by the waterfront at the dining patio.

2. Prairie Trail

This 26-mile shared-use path begins at the Fox River in Algonquin and extends north through McHenry County, reaching the Wisconsin border.

The Prairie Trail passes through eight communities, ensuring proximity to tranquil urban parks and various dining options.

The trail meanders through numerous parks and conservation areas, showcasing a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and agricultural lands.

Between Crystal Lake and McHenry, the path aligns with a rail corridor utilized by the Metra line, yielding a gentle, family-friendly gradient alongside the convenience to board the train for a shortcut.

3. Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area

Situated on the northeastern edge of Lake in the Hills, this extraordinary conservation area along Crystal Creek spans 229 acres and encompasses both upland and wetland environments, featuring prairies, sedge meadows, and rare hanging graminoid fens.

These unique fens are a result of the site’s distinctive geology, which creates “seeps,” where water percolates to the surface at specific locations with exposed clay.

When combined with a nearby nature preserve, visitors have 436 acres to explore, showcasing habitats that are uncommon in the Chicago suburbs.

This area closely resembles pre-settlement landscapes, characterized by moraine ridges and stunning vistas of lush wetlands, housing 426 distinct plant species and over 20 threatened or endangered plant and animal species.

4. Sunset Park

Located at the base of the Lake in the Hills water tower, Sunset Park serves as the venue for the village’s prominent summer events, as discussed later in this article.

Outside of event days, the park is well-equipped with recreational activities suitable for families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Among its various amenities, Sunset Park features ample open spaces, a picnic area, a splash pad, a skate park, playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, football fields, and facilities for baseball/softball.

A fenced dog park is available on the northwest side, along with a seasonal ice rink during the winter months.

5. Randall Road

Lake in the Hills is positioned at the northern end of a vital commercial corridor, characterized by a seemingly endless array of shopping centers and restaurants.

Randall Road extends into Algonquin, with notable establishments like the Centre at Lake in the Hills featuring an AMC theatre and dining options such as Cold Stone Creamery, Taco Bell, White Castle, and Steak ‘n Shake.

This extensive stretch of retail continues for miles south, home to numerous stores like Kohl’s, Costco, Target, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Trader Joe’s, Old Navy, and Victoria’s Secret, among others, as well as a Bowlero bowling alley and a diverse range of eateries.

6. Tom’s Farm Market

Located in nearby Huntley, Tom’s Farm Market is a cherished family enterprise established in 1959.

Specializing in bedding plants cultivated across 80,000 square feet of greenhouses, the market also produces a variety of seasonal produce during summer and fall, including asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet corn, and peppers.

In addition to the garden center and farm market, visitors can explore a gift shop and Cheryl’s Cafe, offering freshly prepared soups, salads, and sandwiches.

A bakery on-site offers a range of delectable treats, from lemon blueberry bread to cappuccino cheesecake. Furthermore, in October, visitors can engage in “Fall on the Farm,” with corn and straw mazes, a petting zoo, and plenty of additional rural-themed activities for children.

7. AMC Lake in the Hills 12

A central feature of the Centre at Lake in the Hills is this multiplex cinema that opened in 1997. Initially owned by Kerasotes Theatres, the venue was acquired by AMC in 2010.

This cinema offers an excellent environment for enjoying the latest film releases, with all 12 screens providing stadium seating, superior sound quality, and comfortable leather AMC Signature Recliners.

Guests can conveniently order food and beverages through the AMC application prior to their arrival. Like many theaters, there are special discounts available on Tuesdays, along with promotions for students, seniors, and military personnel.

8. Barbara Key Park

This neighborhood park, named after a former village president who advocated for the transfer of the fen and surrounding land to the village in the 1980s, is located on the east side of the fen.

Barbara Key Park features a combination of natural landscapes, including two lakes surrounded by trails, as well as various public amenities.

The park offers basketball courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a picnic area, shelters, and a well-maintained playground for children. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the two lakes, which are populated with sizeable bluegill and bass.

9. Exner Marsh Conservation Area

Located west of Boulder Ridge Country Club, this ecologically rich marshland is maintained by the McHenry County Conservation District.

The area primarily consists of shallow water marsh environments, interspersed with shallow ponds. Exner Marsh attracts a broad array of bird species, particularly migratory wetland birds during spring and autumn.

Visitors can appreciate the natural beauty while walking along 1.3 miles of trails, with the possibility of spotting great egrets, black-crowned night herons, least bitterns, blue-winged teals, king rails, Virginia rails, sora, and yellow-headed blackbirds, depending on the season.

10. Scorched Earth Brewing Company

Located south and east of Lake in the Hills, Algonquin is part of a series of charming communities along the Fox River, featuring waterfront parks and a quaint downtown area.

As you make your way toward downtown Algonquin on Algonquin Road, you’ll come across this highly regarded craft brewery. The sophisticated taproom at Scorched Earth offers clear views of the brewery’s advanced stainless-steel equipment and offers over 20 beers on tap.

The selection caters to a variety of tastes, ranging from hoppy IPAs to German-style Märzen, Lager, Pilsner, and Doppelbock, along with Belgian-style Single and Quadrupel, Stouts, Porters, Sours, and unique innovations like Nitro Milk Stout or sparkling ale.

Patrons may order food from a selection of local restaurants, and food trucks are typically on-site during weekends.

11. Hoffman Park

Also within Lake in the Hills, this expansive park is managed by the Cary Park District. Acquired in 1999, the 265 acres are predominantly composed of farmland, alongside wet prairies, woodlands, and savanna regions.

Over the past decade, the park district has enhanced Hoffman Park with numerous amenities, including a fishing pond complete with a pier, an off-leash dog area, and the recently added 18-hole disc golf course.

The disc golf course is situated on 36 scenic acres featuring old farm fields, tree hedgerows, and varying topography.

12. Indian Trail Beach

One of the series of lakes in the village, Woods Creek Lake spans 50 acres and is surrounded by upscale homes, many of which feature private docks.

At the time of this writing, access to Woods Creek Lake is limited to Lake in the Hills residents, with multiple entry points available at Nockels Park, Turtle Island, Butch Hagele Beach, and Indian Trail Beach.

This popular spot is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, offering a spacious sandy area along with a designated swimming section, shelters, a picnic area, and abundant grassy spaces behind.

13. North Wall Rock Climbing Gym

Adjacent to the Three Oaks Recreation Area, this indoor climbing gym provides a venue for climbers of all skill levels to train and improve their techniques.

The main feature is the Bouldering Room, which offers over 200 routes ranging from V0 to V10, alongside additional challenging routes yet to be graded.

One section of the climbing walls is reset weekly, ensuring a fresh challenge awaits visitors. Additionally, the gym includes an Auto-Belay/Auto-Top Rope Room, equipped with the latest auto-belay technology, featuring 30 routes up to V2, making it an excellent option for beginners.

A day pass is a suitable way for newcomers to begin their climbing journey, and it is accessible to all without any prior experience.

14. Summer Sunset Festival

A prominent event in the local calendar for over two decades, the Summer Sunset Festival spans three days over the Labor Day weekend.

Each day features live music, a carnival atmosphere, midway games, and an array of food vendors.

Additionally, attendees can enjoy a craft fair, a parade, family bingo, and a car show, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display on Sunday night.

15. Rockin’ Ribfest

Earlier in the season, Sunset Park also hosts a four-day event dedicated to showcasing delicious BBQ along with ample entertainment.

Organized by the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club, the Rockin’ Ribfest features four days filled with live music accompanied by barbecued dishes prepared by some of the best pitmasters in the industry.

Vendors travel from as far as Fort Worth and Atlanta, offering various specialty foods, BBQ paraphernalia, and other local goods.

A carnival operates throughout the festival, featuring a diverse lineup of musical performances, including renowned artists and talented tribute acts.