Labor Day Weekend is the unofficial end of the summertime in the land of lakes.
There's no time to weep because autumn is one of joy in the county when the leaves turn brown and orange, our Lake County Libation Trail participants make dynamite beverages, mazes to get lost in, pumpkins to be picked and so much more. Until the fall libations come out, continue here to view the summer sips.
With the public health crisis, Labor Day weekend is going to look a tad bit different, but the extended time off is still going to be just as sweet. Everyone's favorite Monday is National "Take it Easy Day."
We’re in this rat race spinning and spinning, trying to grab that chunk of cheese. Let’s all kick back and relax on this extended time off and see what’s going on for Labor Day weekend in Lake County.
The Chain O’Lakes is far from placid on Thursday nights during the summer. Take the boat out or take the ferry from Port of BLarney to Blarney Island. Thunder on the Chain features the unique world of drag boat racing from June-September hosted by Blarney Island on Grass Lake. If you have the need for speed on a ‘school night,’ witness these fearless racers competing in nine different classes from the Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association as they sprint for the gold. Thunder on the Chain fields races through September 3. Blarney Island throws a party all weekend, starting with the boat races.
MainStreet Libertyville invites one and all to their monthly celebration of First Fridays on MainStreet. A variety of fantastic drinks, mouth-watering eats and live entertainment surrounds the event as you peruse the Lake County local mom and pop stores offering promotional sales. Be there or be square! The Friday celebration is a free admission event. Be sure to visit participating MainStreet Libertyville restaurants like Café Pomigliano, Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Main Street Social, O’Toole’s Libertyville, Shakou Libertyville, Chrissoulas Restaurant, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant, My Flavor It! Place, The Picnic Basket, Las Monarcas Mexican Restaurant and other Libertyville eateries. Be sure to stop by the Improv Playhouse with some knee-slapping humor as they host.
Take a flight to Ingleside for Volo Bog’s celebrated Bird Walk on Labor Day Weekend. The beautifully preserved bog has documented over 190 species of birds on its site. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own set of binoculars as well as a writing utensil and a journal to view and record their sightings. Social Distancing is encouraged. The three-mile walk may last three hours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Take a dip in the drink, recline, relax and experience all the thrills at Hurricane Harbor. The Gurnee waterpark opened for the general public at the start of August. The H2O haven is equipped with numerous waterslides, the main swimming area called Monsoon Lagoon, a kid zone play area that utterly soaks attendees, an interactive surf area and so much more. Have a splashing good time this year. To enter Hurricane Harbor, you must make a reservation and ticket purchases before arriving due to the public health crisis. Hurricane Harbor Chicago is open through Labor Day.
The land of lakes is home to over 200 lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, which means the beaches are in abundance. Searching for an adventure in one of the Great Lakes? Illinois Beach State Park in Zion is your destination? Taking your little guppies for a more youngster-friendly environment? Lake Zurich’s Paulus Park Beach has lifeguards and a water playground. Take a dip and cool yourself off this summer along one of Lake County’s relaxing shores. So kick back and relax, and remember, life’s a social distancing beach!
Cheers in Wheeling. Lynfred Winery may not be open right now for tastings because of the pandemic. However, they will be open on Labor Day this year. Pick up a riveting red or an excellent white bottle of flavorful goodness.
Witness the majesty and beauty of the Swallowtail, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Skipperling and as many as 500 other colorful butterflies and blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden. The Butterflies & Blooms exhibition highlights species that are native to Africa, Asia, North America and South America. The butterflies are housed in a 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure on the Regenstein Learning Campus. Visitors can view the cocooned caterpillars make their transformation into butterflies through a window located inside the pupa emergence room. The exhibit is open daily through September 20 (weather permitting). Face coverings are required for anyone ages two years and older, and six-foot social distancing is encouraged.
It’s all in the hips. It’s all in the hips.” Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire has reopened FORE the season. The innovative course with imaginative design opened its doors in 1977. Since then, the size has doubled donning two 18-hole courses, 19 moving obstacles and seven waterholes that linksters will find enjoyable and challenging. The course is open through the fall. Admission is cash only. The Lincolnshire course was voted in the Travel Channel’s “Top Ten in America.”
Every time a bell rings, a prospective pilot gets their wings. Extreme Flight Simulations (figuratively) provides individuals with frequent flyer miles in the Gurnee facility’s airplane simulator. Take off, coast and land as this soaring simulator accurately reproduces the flight deck of the 737 NG. The aerodynamic attraction is open to the public, and no flight experience is needed.
No matter the season, we enjoy the fruits of what Mother Nature gave us in Lake County: The tall trees, the winding trails, the serene bodies of waters, the creatures and critters and the picturesque plant life. Lake County provides outdoor escapes from the shelter in place with an up close and personal live-action Claude Monet portraits. Hey Lake County, take a hike (or bike).
Lambs Farm opened their doors for the season on July 7. The Libertyville farmyard features a petting area with sheep, goats, and a variety of attractions like miniature golf, an old-world carousel and more. Also, visit the Dogwood Pet Shop, Magnolia Café & Bakery and the Sugar Maple Country Store for delectable treats, unique items and adorable puppies and kittens. All the businesses at Lambs Farm benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities. The Libertyville grounds require guests to stay a minimum of six feet from customers at staff at all times, wear a facemask, use hand sanitizer and wash your hands. Visitors are required to make reservations before entering the grounds at lambsfarm.org/product/farmyard-reservations, while you may also call 847-367-7606 for the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center. The Cedar Chest Thrift Shop reopens July 14. The Magnolia Café & Bakery is still open for curbside pickup and indoor dining on Friday and Saturday. Donations are accepted. Lambs Farm is open through October 25.
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