Welcome to Lake County, Illinois

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in Lake County, IL

TOP OF THE LIST | WINTER OUTDOORS | Flavor Fest - Coming Soon| LOCAL INSIDER'S GUIDE | MORE TO DISCOVER |SEARCH OUR EVENTS

From the serene and scenic views of the solstice in bloom Lake County Forest Preserves to seasonal festivals, live events and shows to a range of shopping options, Lake County is a destination that is always in season. Continue here to view our stories.

We encourage you to explore our local venues. View the local perspective from our insider's guide on top places to visit, outdoor adventures in a Lake County spring time, exquisite cuisine, the Lake County Libation Trail and so much more! Top off your land of lakes experience with the best Lake County events and festivities.

OUR TOP OF THE LIST

Whether you're into having a splashing good time or a thrill-seeker or something else in between...see what's at the top of our list in Lake County!

Top 10 Things To Do in January

Lake County Flavor Festival, Feb. 1-28, 2026

Twirl, Twizzle and Triple Lutz on the Lake County Ice

Latino-Owned Businesses in Lake County

American Place Casino in Waukegan

LOCAL INSIDER'S GUIDE

Best way to experience the every season is from one of our local guides. Awesome architechtural gems, stupendous street art, summer recreation and more...
the only part of the story missing is you!

15 Lake County Architectural Gems
Lake County is known for it's iconic, eccentric and historical structures. Here are 15+ cool land of lakes architectural gems.

Street Art and Murals in Lake County
Art is everything in the land of lakes. Whether it's a mural sketched on our favorite store or installations popping up around town, the knack for art is fluent in Lake County.

2025 #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest
VLC selected eight winners for the contest run from April 1 to June 30. Click the wonderful Grand Prize-winning snap by Carlos Curiel and other winners/honorable mentions!

Illinois Makers in Lake County
The "Illinois Made" program celebrates exceptional small businesses, artists, chefs, manufacturers and more. The Illinois Office of Tourism initiative works alongside VLC to showcase these Lake County makers.

MORE TO DISCOVER

Our visitors, guests and patrons are the best travelers in the world. We appreciate each and every one of you!
Plan a visit to Lake County and help support our local businesses.

Special Offers
Receive exclusive deals & special offers from our local venues. Shopping, dining, events, hotels and more!

101 Things To Do Under $10
All you need is a crisp (or balled up) $10 bill (it's all about the Hamiltons) for some good old fashioned fun in the land of lakes.

Cheers!
Breweries, wineries & distilleries along the Libation Trail. Indoor, alfresco-style, curbside & takeout options to toast while enjoying Lake County Libation Trail Week.

Dining Guide
Experience the delectable eats prepared by the land of lakes makers. Indoor dining is now back! Check out our Dining Guide for open venues in Lake County.

SEARCH OUR EVENTS

Next Weekend is just around the corner! Every season in Lake County creates long-lasting memories. While we get through this public health crisis together, start planning your adventure .View our upcoming events below or visit and search our entire calendar of events.