The 5 Best Parks in Lake County, Illinois: Your Guide to Outdoor Adventure

Lake County, Illinois offers some of the most diverse and well-maintained parks in the Chicagoland area. Whether you're seeking lakefront views, family-friendly playgrounds, hiking trails, or water recreation, these five parks showcase the best that Lake County has to offer.

1. Independence Grove Forest Preserve

Located in Libertyville, Independence Grove Forest Preserve stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. This sprawling 1,151-acre preserve centers around a stunning 115-acre lake that was reclaimed from a former gravel quarry, transforming industrial land into a recreational paradise.​

The preserve features nearly seven miles of trails with both paved and sand options, making it accessible for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and those using strollers or wheelchairs. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of activities including swimming, fishing on a catch-and-release basis, and boating with a full-service marina offering rentals for bikes, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and pontoons. The 115-acre lake provides ample opportunities for both active water enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful day on the water.​

What truly sets Independence Grove apart is its family-friendly atmosphere. The preserve features a large children's playground, shaded picnic groves, an outdoor pavilion, and a lakeside beer garden perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. The 19,000-square-foot Visitor Center showcases changing exhibits and an outdoor café, and the facility can be rented for weddings and special events. Lake County residents enjoy free access to the preserve, while fees apply for non-residents.​

2. Illinois Beach State Park

For those craving a Lake Michigan experience without leaving Lake County, Illinois Beach State Park in Zion is an exceptional choice. This natural gem offers visitors free admission and parking, making it an excellent budget-friendly escape for swimming, sunbathing, hiking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching.​

The park features 2.7 miles of sandy shoreline and showcases one of Lake Michigan's most inviting beaches. The North Dunes Nature Preserve offers hiking trails with stunning views and diverse flora, while the park's lakefront location makes it particularly popular for birdwatching and nature photography. The beach has earned praise for its cleanliness and peaceful, well-maintained environment.​

Illinois Beach State Park includes camping facilities for those seeking an overnight adventure, with both tent and RV sites available close to the lake. The park's camp store operates Thursday through Sunday, so visitors should plan ahead for supplies. While there are restrooms available, note that there's no running water for washing feet—bringing extra water is recommended. The legendary sunsets here are a must-see for any visitor.

3. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve

Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, a scenic destination offering rare public access to Lake Michigan and historic significance, ranks among Lake County's most unique parks. What makes this preserve particularly special is its 70-foot-high lake bluff, which provides an awe-inspiring overlook and represents the first official public access to this section of shoreline since 1887.​

The preserve offers 3.65 miles of paved trails ideal for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, along with multiple specialized trail routes. Highlights include the 1-mile Hutchinson Trail along Hutchinson Ravine to Lake Michigan, the 0.2-mile Lake Overlook Trail providing panoramic views from the bluff, and the 0.75-mile Parade Grounds Trail featuring interpretive exhibits at the National Historic Landmark parade grounds.​

One of Fort Sheridan's most distinctive features is its 1.7-mile Birding Trail Loop, accessible from both parking lots, which brings visitors over Janes Ravine and through woodlands and savanna to the lake bluff. The preserve is home to at least 236 bird species, making it one of North America's busiest flyways for migratory birds. Known for its pristine natural areas, Fort Sheridan supports several rare species not found elsewhere in the region. Visitors can also walk along 0.75 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline perfect for fishing, birding, and picnicking.

4. Century Park

Located in Vernon Hills, Century Park is a gem for those seeking water recreation, fishing, and outdoor sports in a scenic setting. This 113-acre park features 54 acres of water across its two lakes, Big Bear Lake and Little Bear Lake, making it a prime destination for water enthusiasts.​

The park's 2.7-mile walking and biking trail system loops around both lakes, offering beautiful views and accessible recreation for all fitness levels. Fishing is permitted with hours running from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, and a boat launch with electric trolling motor access serves both anglers and recreational boaters. For those without a boat, paddle boat and fishing from shore provide excellent alternatives.​

Beyond water activities, Century Park accommodates various recreational interests with basketball and volleyball courts, ball fields, two playgrounds suitable for different age groups, horseshoe courts, barbecue grills, and concession services. The combination of water recreation, walking paths, and sports facilities makes it an ideal destination for families spending an entire day outdoors. The park's outdoor ice skating during winter months adds year-round appeal for seasonal visitors.​

5. Volo Bog State Natural Area

For nature lovers seeking a unique ecological experience, Volo Bog State Natural Area offers an unforgettable journey into one of Illinois' most distinctive natural environments. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1973, Volo Bog preserves a rare bog ecosystem that showcases the region's unique natural heritage.​

The preserve offers two major trail experiences. An elevated 0.5-mile boardwalk leads directly from the Visitor Center into the bog itself, allowing visitors to explore this delicate ecosystem while minimizing environmental impact. A more extensive 2.75-mile ground trail circles through surrounding wetlands and meadows, providing diverse viewing opportunities for wildlife and plant species. Birdwatchers particularly appreciate the preserve's wetland habitat, which attracts numerous migratory and year-round bird species.​

The Visitor Center provides educational context about the natural history and ecology of bogs, helping visitors understand the significance of this rare ecosystem. The preserve's location offers excellent trail markers and expert guidance for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, making it accessible regardless of experience level.

Each of these five parks offers distinct advantages depending on your interests and preferences. Independence Grove is perfect for families seeking multiple amenities and water recreation, while Illinois Beach State Park appeals to those wanting a Lake Michigan beach experience. Fort Sheridan attracts history enthusiasts and birdwatchers, Century Park serves sports and fishing enthusiasts, and Volo Bog caters to nature educators and ecology-focused visitors.

Most parks operate year-round, though amenities and seasonal activities vary. Check individual park websites or contact the Lake County Forest Preserve District for current hours, fees, and any facility updates before planning your visit. Whether you're exploring one park or visiting all five, Lake County's diverse park system ensures memorable outdoor experiences for every visitor.