If you’re a history buff, or even if you’d just like to experience a bit of Lake County history, there are plenty of options around to check out. Whether you’re looking for a driving tour of historical buildings, a Civil War reenactment or something in-between, we’ve got you covered.
Living History Events
Hainesville’s Civil War Encampment and Battle
Saturday, September 16th 10am-4pm
Sunday, September 17th 9am-4pm
Get gussied up in period attire (not required) to watch military battles with artillery, archery, and cavalry. Enjoy speeches by Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis and more, and see bivouacs and encampments. Food vendors will keep you fed and the festivities will keep you entertained. Make sure you fill out the waiver before you go, and if you want to join in the fun you can register to participate.
Dollonger Farm Civil War Reenactment
October 21-22
Channahon, Illinois
Battle Times- 2pm both days
Admission $8 for adults, $6 for children
If you want to see the largest Civil War Reenactment in Illinois and you’re willing to drive for it, head down to Channahon to see over 500 volunteers reenact a Virginia battle using live horses, and cannons.
Drive/Walk-By Locations
Barrington
::223 W. Main St- Octagon House
This home is an interesting arcitechual structure and can be seen while walking or driving by.
::112 W Main Street Barrington
Tudor Revival. Historical site as well as a theater.
Deerfield
::960 Deerfield Road Deerfield
This train station is a historical site, so the next time you’re on the metra be sure to watch for it.
Highland Park
Highland Park is a beautiful area of Chicago and home to several historical buildings. Include this tour on a trip to Chicago and you’ll not only see turn of the century buildings, but also one of the most sought after areas to live in Chicago (if you can afford the mortgage).
::1923 Lake Ave. Highland Park
Former home of Frank Lloyd Wright. Private.
::1214 Green Bay Road Highland Park
Built by Alfred S Alschuler. Private.
::344 Ravine Dr Highland Park
Built in 1909. Private
::124 Pierce Road Highland Park
Prairie School. Currently a school, private.
::434 Marshman Highland Park
Bungalow/craftsman. Private.
Lake Bluff
Another driving tour of historical buildings. Pack your petticoats in the car and head over to Lake Bluff to drive past some amazing private residences.
::1499 Sheridan Road Highland Park
Queen Ann style. Private.
::405 Sheridan Road Highland Park
Prairie School/Tudor Revival. Private.
::982 Sheridan Road Highland Park
Colonial Revival. Private.
::900 Armour Drive Lake Bluff
Tudor style. Private.
Lake Forest
::1500 W Kennedy Road Lake Forest
Arthur Heun built this privately owned home which is currently being used as a school.
Museums/Walk-in Locations
Barrington
::789 Plum Tree Rd- The Sanfilippo Estate
The Sanfilippo Estate has an extensive collection of antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, just to name a few in its French Second Empire building. Book a private tour or attend on one of their event nights.
Great Lakes Naval Museum
North Chicago is home to the US Navy’s boot camp and this museum offers a view of boot camp over the years, as well as general Navy history.
Illinois State Beach Park, Zion
This military historical site has 6.5 miles of beach to enjoy as well as hiking paths. You can host your event at the resort, or just book a room for a nice, relaxing stay steps from the beach. If you want to rough it, campsites are available.
Main Street Libertyville
Shops open daily
If you’re looking for some shopping to go along with a self-guided walking tour of turn-of-the-century buildings, then you’ll enjoy this beautiful town with it’s relaxing yet modern feel. One to keep an eye out for- David Adler Cultural Center: 1700 N Milwaukee Ave, this building is historical in itself and also serves as an open cultural center for performing arts.
::1480 N Milwaukee Ave– This private residence was also built by David Adler. Private.
::25200 N. St. Mary’s Road- Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home
Read about the history of this building and all that inhabited it while walking along a self-guided tour.
::32377 IL-21 Church of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery
This beautiful church has a large cemetery along side it.
::413 N Milwaukee Ave- Ansel B Cook House
Originally Cook Memorial Library, this building has been transformed into the Ansel B. Cook House, a victorian house museum.
Vernon Hills
::1350 North Milwaukee Avenue- Loyola at Cuneo Mansion
Appreciate the venetian architecture inside and out with antique furniture and gardens landscaped by the world-renowned, Jens Jensen.
Zion
::1300 Shiloh Boulevard- Shiloh House
This victorian style home was built by Zion founder Rev. John Alexander Dowie and can be toured on Sundays or by appointment. You can also stop by the visitor’s center Monday-Friday from noon-3pm.
Where do you like to take a walk back in time?
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