6 Best Things To Do In And Around Deerfield, Illinois

things to do in deerfield illinois
Veidehi
Veidehi 
Updated
| 3 min read

Deerfield is the modern commercial centre of Illinois, which features a well-preserved, 18th-century historic old town. Unlike other cities in Illinois, with sky-high architecture, Deerfield maintains its tranquillity. There’s a lot to do in this town, from visiting coastline, botanical gardens, theaters, scattered shrines to tasting corn dogs, and American pies. Here’s a rundown of the 6 best thing to do in and around this rural town.

1. Tour the Deerfield Historic Village

Old Main Street, November 2008, Deerfield MA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Historic Deerfield is a candid 18th-century village in Illinois, featuring museum houses, colonial-era furnishings and period architecture. Visit this museum to explore the world-famous early collection of American crafts, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. This village offers a glimpse into historical stuff, celebrated for its genuineness. This historical village is near the Little Red School House, close to the centre-point of Deerfield. The complex contains a set of old buildings, next to Deerfield Road. You can explore this place every Sunday, from June through September, from 2 pm to 4 pm. The village also organises an annual Fall Festival that you must attend to enjoy the fun, outdoor activities.

The Deerfield Historic Village

Address: 450 Kipling Pl, Deerfield, IL 60015, USA

Website: The Deerfield Historic Village

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2. Visit Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user vincentkwek used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Chicago Botanic Garden is an enormous living plant museum, located in the Cook County Forest Preserve. You can reach this garden in about 15-minutes of driving from Deerfield. The Forest Preserve of Cook County owns the Botanic Garden, while the Chicago Horticultural Society manages it. This natural habitat features 27 gardens in McDonald Woods, Skokie River Corridor, Dixon Prairie, and Lakes Shores. The garden is open throughout the year with free entry, however, you will have to pay 30 USD for the parking. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers many classes and certificate programs and is a member of the APGA. We recommend this park to anyone who wants to enjoy quiet time or a quaint walk with nature.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA

Website: Chicago Botanic Garden

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3. Discover the Skokie Lagoons

Skokie Lagoons
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user bradhoc used under CC BY 2.0

Skokie Lagoons is a stunning nature preserve in Illinois. This place, in Glencoe and Winnetka, is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The Skokie Lagoons feature 7 inter-linked lagoons, surrounded by the Dundee Road, Willow Road, Forestway Drive, and Edens Express way. The dam at Willow Road controls the water levels of the lagoons.

The popular recreational opportunities at Skokie Lagoons include fishing, boating, biking, and bird-watching. The Skokie Lagoons is a famed destination for aquatic activities in Cook County. This network of channels, pools, and islands offers public boat access, to peaceful retreats. Additionally, the Skokie Lagoons is a well-known wildlife habitat. Amongst the distinct water species, you will find Northern pike, bass, sunfish, bullhead, bluegill, catfish, walleye and crappie with migrating ducks. The wildlife has spotted Black-crowned night-herons, cormorants, red foxes, coyotes, and prothonotary warblers.

Skokie Lagoons

Address: Skokie Lagoons, Illinois, USA

Website: Skokie Lagoons

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4. Potawatomi Woods

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Potawatomi Woods is a tranquil spot located near the Lake Cook Road. The road marks the border between the Lake and Cook Counties, hence the name. The woods are situated off the long road, towards Algonquin, Highland Park, Glencoe, and Lake Michigan. On your way to Potawatomi, you will notice golf courses, forest preserves, parks, rivers, and lush gardens. Thereafter, arrive at Potawatomi Woods, a grassy and wooded area featuring picnic spots, nature trails, and fishing activities.

Potawatomi Woods

Address: Northbrook, IL 60062, USA

Website: Potawatomi Woods

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5. Wendella Sightseeing Boats

Architecture River Cruise
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user piet theisohn used under CC BY 2.0

Wendella Sightseeing Boats offer a great tour on the river and the lake, for a stagnant price. You will see the spectacular Chicago skyline from the middle of the lake. Experience the history of the architecture through the engaging and the beautiful sights. Wendella Sightseeing Boats are an ideal way to explore Deerfields in Illinois. In addition to the views, get yourself a drink from the bar on board to unwind in the lap of paradise. The boat is lovely, and your guide will entertain you while providing information.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats

Address: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Website: Wendella Sightseeing Boats

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6. Visit Everts Park

Farmers' market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Downtowngal used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Everts Park is the venue for the outdoor event of Highwood Illinois. The festivals organized in this park are subjected to free admission while benefitting several charities. For instance, Inferno Festival features the spiciest and the hottest foods and beverages. Likewise, North Shore Taco Fest offers taco-centric food, a 5K taco run, carnival rides and live music. The Bloody Mary Fest flaunts over 25 Bloody Mary vendors and there’s more, like the weekly Gourmet Markets and the Garlic Fest.

In the same manner, the farmers market is a celebration of Highwood, featuring speciality jams, cookies, jewelry, and booze. This is a good place to have a drink and munch on snacks. By all means, Everts Park is a sweet local park close to the Metro Station and the Highwood Public Library. The park has a gazebo, playground, picnic benches, walking path, and much more.

Everts Park

Address: 111 North Ave, Highwood, IL 60040, USA

Website: Everts Park

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Enjoy both the lake and the Cook County

Edward L. Ryerson Country House
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Teemu08 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The village of Deerfield is located between Cook Lake and the Cook County, in Illinois. The rural village of Deerfield displays a fantastic history through its period buildings, boat rides, lagoons and nature walks. In the evening, take a stroll along the lovely stretch of the beach, and dine out at the fantastic eateries by the shoreline. Deerfield is not lacking when it comes to tourism, food, history and entertainment. Whether you are here for one night or several days, this village will keep you busy for a while with its interesting and engaging activities.

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Veidehi, also known as Krazy Butterfly, is a multi-award-winning travel writer and explorer who likes to write about destinations, diverse cultures and cuisines that bring everyone together.

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