10 Best Things To Do In Wauconda, Illinois

1. Catch a wild ride at the Volo Auto Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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With over 30 exhibits of automobiles including celebrity cars such as the trusty Batmobile, animatronics entertainment, and an 1885 wooden caboose, Volo Auto Museum is for more than just the automobile geeks. For the curious, virtual orientation tours of the museum are available. For diehard fans, you’ll be pleased to know you can purchase their collectible automobiles at their store. Promising a whirlwind of adventure especially with its upcoming Jurassic Gardens, this museum is just too good to be missed!

Volo Auto Museum

Address: 27582 Volo Village Rd, Volo, IL 60073, United States

Website: Volo Auto Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 32 USD onwards

2. Admire natural glaciers at Bangs Lake

For the nature enthusiast, Bangs Lake is a shimmering natural wonder. The glaciers are a sight to behold and the setting sun makes for a romantic backdrop. Avid anglers will also be excited to know that fishing there will yield a bountiful harvest including the bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Cocktail bars also meander the shores which make for a good view of the sea while dining. Do note that as most of the property is privately owned, public beaches such as Phil Beach require the purchase of entrance tickets.

Bangs Lake

Address: Lake County, Illinois

3. Wake your senses with handcrafted burgers at Bulldogs Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you are a sincere foodie passionate about the way your food is being made, Bulldogs Grill is definitely the perfect place for you. Each handcrafted burger is meticulously prepared with a unique blend of daily grounded chuck and sirloin and complemented with hand-cut fries tossed in duck fat and truffle oil as part of their mouthwatering signatures. Bulldogs Grill even offers vegetarian-friendly alternatives for those with unique diet requirements. Guests can choose to taste the restaurant’s pick of non-meat patties or substitute with a portabella mushroom cap served on Indian naan.

Bulldogs Grill

Address: 122 S Main St, Wauconda, IL 60084, United States

Website: Bulldogs Grill

Opening hours: Tue - Thu, Sun: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 2pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon)

4. Have a wild party at Wauconda Bowl

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

With an assortment of activities ranging from open bowling, darts, and bags, bowling, and dart leagues to an outdoor beer garden with gaming machines, there is no short for entertainment at Wauconda Bowl. You can even book a private room if you want to keep the party to yourself.

Wauconda Bowl

Address: 381 W Liberty St, Wauconda, IL 60084, United States

Website: Wauconda Bowl

Opening hours: Thu: 3pm - 2am; Fri: 3pm - 3am; Sat: 12pm - 3am (closed from Sun - Wed)

Price: 35 USD onwards

5. Hike Lakewood Forest Preserve

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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The largest forest preserve in Lake County, Lakewood Forest Preserve enjoys expansive biodiversity, protecting twenty-four threatened and endangered species and housing the 70-acres (28.3 hectares) National Natural Landmark, Wauconda Bog. With trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling, there are countless recreational activities to do with each seasonal change. You can even bring along your canine pal to join you on these meandering nature trails. Do note that permission is required for dogs to be off the leash at Lakewood Dog Park.

Lakewood Forest Preserve

Address: 27277 N Forest Preserve Rd, Wauconda, IL 60084, United States

Website: Lakewood Forest Preserve

Opening hours: 6.30am - 8pm (daily)

6. Sample locally roasted coffee at Side Lot Brewery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Indisputably a pride and joy of Wauconda, Side Lot Brewery is well-known for the vast variety of beverages it serves. Ranging from craft beer, microbrews, craft spirits, boutique wine, and even locally roasted coffee, every drink at the brewery is designed to satiate your thirst. A definite must-try for alcohol connoisseurs out there and caffeine addicts seeking a little adventure.

Side Lot Brewery

Address: 110 Slocum Lake Rd. Wauconda IL, 60084, United States

Website: Side Lot Brewery

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 1pm - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

7. Peek into the past at Whippletree Farm Antiques

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Imagine finding a treasure trove of artefacts that have transcended national borders and even that of time. Whippletree Farm Antiques is one such paradise. With an eclectic collection of walnut and mahogany American Victorian and European imports as well as a beautiful array of china, jewellery, glassware, intricate fixtures, and oil paintings, the two-story antique shop is a feast for the eyes of a collector. The store also has a century’s history in the antique field, with a weekly update which is ideal for those looking to bring home with them a piece of the past.

Whippletree Farm Antiques

Address: 210 Main Street, Wauconda, Illinois 60084

Website: Whippletree Farm Antiques

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

8. Sink into summer waves at Phil’s Beach

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There is no better way to spend the summer in Wauconda than at Phil’s Beach. With a newly furnished bathhouse, boardwalk, gazebo, splash park and picnic pavilion, the century-old beach is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. You can even buy a brick and leave a permanent and personalised trace on the walkway bordering the historic location.

Phil's Beach

Address: 328 N Main St, Wauconda, IL 60084, United States

Website: Phil’s Beach

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 9 USD

9. Shop the freshest picks at Wauconda Farmers' Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Immerse yourself in gastronomical heaven at the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce’s Farmers’ Market where all the freshest produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, and bread are gathered. Not only do you have access to the creme of the crop in Wauconda, but your experience is also further uplifted with live entertainment and seasonal special events. There is even a kids’ corner to keep the little children busy. The market is open for business from July through September.

Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce's Farmers' Market

Address: 100 N Main St, Wauconda, IL, 60084

Website: Wauconda Farmers’ Market

Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 7pm (closed from Sun - Wed)

10. Tantalise your tastebuds at Lindy's Landing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Family-owned and operated, Lindy’s Landing has become part of the staple diet at Wauconda for its mouth-watering dishes and its romantic ambience by the marina. With live music from local bands, the restaurant is perfect for visitors seeking a romantic date by the lake. For a much quieter and intimate setting, one can also opt for the restaurant’s exclusive private and catering gatherings. This American bar and restaurant is the perfect spot to while your time away in this town.

Lindy's Landing

Address: 115 Park St, Wauconda, IL 60084, United States

Website: Lindy’s Landing

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

An experience of a lifetime

A small town it may be, delve deeper and you will discover many experiences unique to this picturesque town. With the intense burdens of daily life, why not take a short escape through this beautiful gateway and enter a gorgeous world of lakes and glaciers?