Looking for fun things to do in Vernon Hills? Whether you’re a local or want to explore outside the city, it’s a vibrant village with plenty to offer. From week-long community festivals to diverse dining and forest preserves, this suburb is worth visiting.
Explore the best of Vernon Hills with recommended activities and attractions in this local travel guide.
Where is Vernon Hills, IL?
Vernon Hills, IL, is a northern village outside of Chicago. It’s about 50 miles away and a little over an hour’s drive. This vibrant northern suburb is just south of Mundelein and Libertyville and just north of Long Grove and Lincolnshire. It also has its own train station, the Vernon Hills Metra, via the North Central Service (NCS) Line, making it one of the convenient suburbs near the city.
What County is Vernon Hills, IL, In?
Vernon Hills, IL, is located in Lake County.
Fun Things to Do in Vernon Hills: Your Local Travel Guide
Discover the most popular things to do in Vernon Hills with public transit directions below.
Explore the Picturesque Half Day Forest Preserve
Source: Openlands
The Half Day Forest Preserve is a stunningly massive scenic getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Sitting on 241 acres, it features a bridge spanning the Des Plaines River, a three-acre pond for fishing, and a one-mile trail for hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers. It also has convenient amenities, like three picnic shelters, open playfields, and a playground.
It’s located at 24244 IL-21, with a bus stop at the entrance via the Milwaukee Ave & Woodlands Pkwy’s Bus 272. The Vernon Hills train station is also a five-minute drive via the NCS Line.
Tee Off at the Highly Rated Vernon Hills Golf Course
Credit: Vernon Hills Golf Course
The Vernon Hills Golf Course is highly rated, ranking as the Top 10 best nine-hole courses in the Chicagoland area. Tee off alongside beautiful terrains, narrow fairways, and surrounding greenery that’s open to all skill levels. It also has a golf shop and cafe with a full-service bar and outdoor pavilion to watch golfers as you eat and drink.
It’s located at 291 Evergreen Dr and is a short three-minute drive from the Vernon Hills train station via the NCS Line.
Attend Seasonal Community Events
Credit: Vernon Hills Days
The Village of Vernon Hills hosts many free community seasonal events that are perfect for all ages, including:
•Vernon Hills Days: The biggest event of the year is a week-long festival with local food/drink vendors, a Ferris wheel, a carnival, a live music stage, fireworks, and more.
•Abortheater Concerts: A summertime outdoor concert series at the Memorial Abortheater is held every Wednesday.
•Holiday Light Celebration: An annual holiday event celebrating the lighting of the Village Tree, Menorah, and Kwanzaa displays on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with provided snacks at Century Park.
No matter what time of year you visit, you can always find an event that brings the local Vernon Hills communities together.
Visit the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex
Credit: Vernon Hills
The Vernon Hills Athletic Complex is an expansive 41-acre sports and recreational destination, offering so many things to do in Vernon Hills in one venue. It has over 17 outdoor fields, a full-size gym, and a stadium field with seating for 1,500 people.
Ran by the Park District, it also hosts several athletic programs, camps, and clinics, including:
•Baseball/softball
•Basketball
•Gymnastics
•Karate
•Lacrosse
•Soccer
•Tennis
•Volleyball
The complex is located on 300 Nike Pkwy and is only a three-minute drive from the Vernon Hills train station via the NCS Line.
Shop at Hawthorn Mall
Credit: Allevents
The Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills isn’t your average mall. It also hosts seasonal events that celebrate local businesses and residents. The Summer Market Series is an outdoor market with local vendors, food trucks, live music, and children’s games on the green.
You can also shop in the mall from many national and boutique retailers, featuring plant shops, e-sports, art galleries, and more.
The mall is located at 122 Hawthorn Center with an on-site bus stop via the Hawthorn Mall at Macy’s Bus 574. The Vernon Hills Metra is also a seven-minute drive via the NCS Line.
Eat at the Best Vernon Hills Restaurants
Credit: Daily Herald
You don’t have to visit Chicago to get great food. Discover delicious, diverse cuisine at the best Vernon Hills restaurants.
Some of the most highly rated places to eat locally are:
•Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: A pet-friendly restaurant and bar chain offering a pet menu, outdoor patio, and American cuisine in a lodge-like setting.
•City Works: A restaurant and bar serving American cuisine with 90 craft beers on draft and an outdoor patio.
•Tukasa of Tokyo: An award-winning, locally-owned restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, hibachi, and sushi.
Want to Call Vernon Hills Home? Rent Your Sweet Suburban Apartment Today
It’s no wonder that people love living in Vernon Hills. It offers sweet suburban living while being a short commute to the city. If you’re searching for apartments to rent nearby, we have over 30 properties within the Chicagoland area and the local expertise to find you the perfect place to live.
Our The Majestic community (formerly The Mil’Ton) is perfectly nestled between the best of Vernon Hills shopping and tranquil forest preserves.
We’re now leasing one to three-bedroom apartments with amenities for various lifestyles, including:
•Modern cafe area with complimentary coffee and an outdoor kitchen with a lounge in an upscale midrise building
•Redesigned clubhouse and 24/7 fitness center with a Peloton bike room and private yoga room
•Pet-friendly community and flexible rent payment options
Browse our Chicago suburb apartments or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to schedule a tour today!
