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Aerial view of Diamond Lake at sunset

Bike Trails and Brews in Lake County

From Local Experts

3 Days 76 Miles

Highlights

Lincolnshire, Gurnee, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Mundelein, Historic Downtown Long Grove

From the local experts at Visit Lake County

Hike and Bike in Illinois' Lake County 

Discover miles of trails, biking, hiking, and craft breweries in Lake County, Illinois. A road-trip for the adventure lover. Try a round of golf for that perfectly distanced drive on the green. Rest your head, pamper both yourself and your taste buds with amazing hotels and restaurants that bring you together for those can’t-wait-to-come-back moments in Lake County.

Day 1:

Lincolnshire, Gurnee, Vernon Hills

  • View of Par-King mini golf course with castle and clown

Rise with the sun (or anytime thereafter) from your luxurious guest room at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and take to the miles of trails offered throughout Lake County, including the nearly 32-mile Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway. Head north to nearby Half Day Forest Preserve for more hiking and biking trails, fishing, birdwatching, picnic shelters and lush scenery. Take a break along the way at Half Day Brewing Company for a cold craft brew, dine and snack on artisan pizza on the outdoor patio while listening to some lively entertainment on the weekends. Get some retail therapy at Lincolnshire Commons or play 18 holes at the the resort's incredible championship golf course, Crane's Landing, or Par-King Skill Golf, the world's most unusual golf course (open seasonally). Top off your visit with an evening toast. Lake County Libation Trail has more than 22 craft breweries, distilleries and wineries to top off your night. 

Day 2:

Libertyville

  • Person biking over bridge at Independence Grove Forest Preserve
  • Hand on table holding a pint of beer at Micky Finn's Brewery

Take a breath along a scenic 110-acres at Independence Grove, which features more than seven miles of groomed, paved trails for biking, hiking and cross-country skiing in the wintertime. Next, pop over to downtown Libertyville, located just a few miles away, where shoppers (and window shoppers) can discover eclectic finds, quaint shops and the charming town center with seasonal farmers market. Next, venture over to Mickey Finn's Brewery, part of the Lake County Libation Trail and the oldest brewery in Lake County, where you can enjoy a number of craft beers, specialty brews and special tours. Cheers to a great visit in Lake County.

Day 3:

Mundelein and Historic Downtown Long Grove

  • Family holding hands walking down the street in Long Grove
  • People outside by a fountain in Long Grove

On the hunt for a fun day trip, quick overnighter, or weekend getaway? Lake County has it all—including a bit of history. Your "pin" on the map, Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, is conveniently located just a short distance from the Tri-State Tollway (I-94) and IL Routes 21 and 45. Venture to Historic Downtown Long Grove, Illinois’ oldest historic district. A quaint place to breathe easy, Long Grove offers a unique variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options. With its downtown recently restored, Long Grove mixes timeless charm with modern conveniences including an outdoor promenade center with open spaces to enjoy.

Don't forget a visit to Illinois' oldest tavern, The Village Tavern, for a host of specialty dishes that generations come back for year after year. Next, visit the former art gallery turned award-winning craft brewery, Buffalo Creek Brewery. Part of the Lake County Libation Trail, join Mike and his brewmasters as they introduce an array of delicious brews in the beautiful Bavarian-themed taproom. Enjoy the outdoor biergarten and patio and lots of fun table games. Make a road trip stop at Tony Cannoli in Mundelein to enjoy their famous cannolis or take a box or two for the road. Don't forget to try the cannoli cake! Finally, visit Mundelein's nearby award-winning Tighthead Brewing Company.

Back to Road Trip Itineraries

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