10 Bucket List Things To See And Do In Libertyville, Illinois

With all the spirit and personality of a small town, and home to excellent schools and fantastic neighborhoods, the neighborhood of Libertyville is one of Chicago's most popular suburban communities. Located in gorgeous Lake County about 30 miles from Chicago, and home to gorgeous parks, festive community events, and a turn-of-the-century downtown community, Libertyville is a destination for individuals and families alike. 

The history of what is now Libertyville began around 1830 when English settler George Vardin and his family created a small settlement called "Vardin's Grove." In 1836, during the Independence Day celebration, area residents voted to call their town "Independence Grove." Several name changes later, the name Libertyville was applied to the region around 1841. After much of its downtown was destroyed by fire in 1895, the storefronts were rebuilt in brick, and still welcome visitors today. 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center, which presented Libertyville with the Great American Main Street award, called the historic downtown area "a place with its own sense of self, where people still stroll the streets on a Saturday night, and where the tailor, the hometown bakery, and the vacuum cleaner repair shop are shoulder to shoulder with gourmet coffee vendors and a microbrewery." Check out our 10 bucket list things to see and do in Libertyville, Illinois.

1. Explore The Bess Bower Dunn Museum Of Lake County

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum takes visitors on an interactive journey through Lake County history from prehistoric times to the present. The Museum is named for Bess Bower Dunn, Lake County's first official historian who traveled throughout the county photographing historic sites and meeting with residents to record their stories. The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational offerings for all ages, including adult and senior programs, virtual field trips for children, an extensive permanent collection, and a rotating collection of exhibits, including an Ansel Adams photography exhibit.

2. Commune With Nature In The Independence Grove Forest Preserve

Independence Grove forest preserve is a beautiful nature area built around a 115-acre lake. Visitors to the area can enjoy swimming, boating, catch-and-release fishing, a marina with boat rentals, a native garden and almost seven miles of trails for hiking and biking. The preserves also feature a scenic picnic grove and outdoor pavilion. The area's beautiful visitor center features changing exhibits and an outdoor walk-up cafe. As of spring 2021, the newly opened Beer Garden at Independence Grove features a variety of local craft brews on tap, along with packaged snacks and other beverages, with casual seating available along the lakeside.

3. Visit Historic Downtown Libertyville

Libertyville's historic downtown district is a classic small-town downtown area featuring nearly 100 restaurants, storefronts, a museum, movie theater, and more. With restored buildings dating back to the late 1800's, this area is a scenic place to walk, eat, and drink. Check out Main Street Libertyville's Downtown Guide for a complete list of downtown attractions.

4. Check Out The Wares At The Libertyville Farmers Market

Running every Thursday from June through October, the Libertyville Farmers Market features a variety of local vendors selling everything from organic produce to baked goods to unique gifts. Visitors can enjoy browsing the local wares, supporting local businesses, and even enjoy some tasty treats from Libertyville's best restaurants.

5. Get Your Workout In At The Libertyville Canlan Sports Complex

Canlan Sports Libertyville is a huge sporting complex where visitors can check out a 360° rock climbing mountain, a 40 tee automated heated driving range, and a fitness center offering group exercise classes, a free-weight room, quarter-mile running track and a kids' club. This full-service gym has offerings for visitors of all ages and is a great way to get active, especially in the chilly winter months.

6. Enjoy The Ansel B. Cook House

Libertyville's Ansel B. Cook House is a historic house museum located in one of Libertyville's most iconic buildings. It was originally built as a Victorian house for contractor and politician Ansel B. Cook in 1878, and was later converted into a public library serving the citizens of Libertyville. Today, the historic building stands as the headquarters of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society and a period-accurate museum. Visitors can explore museum-type displays and Victorian period rooms. 

7. Support The Work Of Lamb's Farm

Lamb's Farm is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives. The Lamb's Farm project provides opportunities for adults with disabilities to live and work in a bucolic setting. Visitors to Libertyville should be sure to check out one of the incredible businesses on the Lambs Farm campus, including the Farmyard, Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, Thrift Store, Garden & Pet Center and the Country Store. Proceeds from these businesses go to support the mission of Lamb's Farm.

8. Attend A Summer Concert With The Village Band

Every summer, the Libertyville Village Band, a group of volunteers patterned on the village bands of the 19th century, offers a series of free concerts in Libertyville's Cook Park. The band plays patriotic selections, concert medleys, show tunes, light jazz selections, light classical music, and novelty pieces for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

9. Explore The Des Plaines River Trail

The Des Plaines River Trail is a gravel trail that spans nearly the entire length of Lake County for 31.4 miles as it winds through 12 forest preserves, including Libertyville's Independence Grove. Visitors to the river trail can enjoy hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. During the warmer months, visitors can take a different perspective on the river trail by exploring the water itself in a canoe or kayak launched from the Independence Grove Canoe Launch.

10. Visit The Adler Arts Center

Located in the former home of David Adler, one of Chicago's great architects, the Adler Arts Center welcomes residents and visitors of all ages for music and art classes, seasonal workshops, concerts, art exhibits, special events, and other tours and programs. The historic home itself ​​is a work of art. All of the public spaces are intact, and the major historic features remain. Fans of Chicagoland architecture should not miss this beautiful home and grounds.Interested in learning more about Libertyville? Be sure to read up on this wonderful community's housing and market stats using our handy guide to Libertyville real estate, available here. Want to talk to an agent who knows Libertyville inside and out? You can get in touch with the talented associates of Baird & Warner Libertyville here.