I was a chaperone for a 4th grade field trip here, and I must say, I was very impressed by the…read morestaff's patience with the kids. The team building games were excellent, and the kids enjoyed exploring the "playground". These trails are absolutely gorgeous, and I plan on returning with my own child! My only concern is that the fish tank is far too small for the amount, and the types of fish. I would expect more from a nature center that is promoting more knowledge about wildlife and nature. These fish were very clearly distressed and the biggest one was nipping at the smaller ones, tearing holes in its fins. Hopefully this is addressed soon.

Really a wonderful place, with several trails to follow to see different types of trees and plant…read morelife. There's an indoor exhibit of a large fish tank plus a mini-learning center with information about birds and plants. A large showroom exhibits paintings on the walls of very talented local artists. The staff is very friendly and helpful, the building is very clean and there is adequate parking. I personally think that the Fall season is the best time to visit here. Highly recommended.

5 stars for the Chicago Botanic Garden!…read more This was my first visit today, and I highly recommend you check it out if you enjoy nature, plants, being outdoors, walking paths and wildlife. I checked it out in the spring where everything is coming back to life - beautiful! Plenty of greenhouses and walking paths with flowers and plants to check out, but I think the best time to come visit here would be in the summertime so you can see everything fully in bloom and the waterfalls going. A very peaceful, unique place to visit - I'd recommend you check it out if you like nature at all, or just see it at least once!

As always, my visit was perfect. No matter the season, it is always beautiful…read more Parking is plentiful. It makes the experience so easy. The lady at the gate was pleasant and welcoming. Walking in, everything is bright and cheerful. The staff easily answers questions and gives direction. We came for the Orchid Show. This time the theme was a fun, retro theme. The music was perfect and all of the installations were fantastic! I could tell they spent a lot of time creating the experience. We also stopped into the cafe for lattes. They were brewed perfectly. The dining room is bright with a ton of windows. Lastly we visited the gift shop. Wow! It is spacious and beautiful. They have so many pretty things. It is a perfect place to purchase a gift for someone you care about or for something for yourself.

A pleasant surprise as this museum has a good number of well presented rooms and arranged artifacts…read morespread over 3 floors. The staff was very helpful in explaining the history behind the different items as we toured throughout the building. Parking was easy and that was a nice little gift shop available to pick up some very reasonably priced souvenirs. It would be nice if the hours were a little longer as it is only open for two hours each Sunday.

Great museum! Tells a lot of the town's history. Very helpful and knowledgeable volunteers…read more Fantastic treat for history lovers!

It's unfortunate that Deerfield Historic Village has such limited hours as the buildings have great…read moredisplays within them with lots of details about the history and a broad timeframe of history covered between them. The Caspar Ott Log House really takes you back to 1837 with an impressive array of items such as a bed, dresser, toys, chairs, table, and other items from the area. This is definitely impressive in the comprehensiveness and presentation, as well as being the oldest standing building in Lake County. Outside of Volo Auto Museum, I'm not sure if I've seen as many antique vehicles and farm equipment as there is in the Carriage House. It's a really great experience to be able to view these magnificent vehicles up close and see all the unique details that went into their construction. I also enjoyed seeing the large selection of historical farming tools. The Sack House has a wonderful assortment of items from the early 1900's, once again really giving me a feel for what life may have looked like back then with an impressive assortment of art, common household items, fully furnished bedrooms, and lots of signs with explanations The Brand Luther House has a nice visitors center with a neat set of displays that show an eclectic mix of history covering everything from music to Sara Lee. The volunteers here were very helpful in explaining some details in different buildings. Finally, the Little Red Schoolhouse is a neat replica of a one-room school house complete with small desks, a stove, old books and map. Though it was built in 1981, the old furnishings and items really give a feeling of stepping back in time. Overall, definitely worth a visit for any history lover. A great free experience with well designed displays.

The historic village in downtown deerfield is home to various historic cabins which rest on a small…read moreplot of land. The historically society opens the doors to the cabins Sundays during the summer months and pulls out the old wagons and lets you tour the inside of each dwelling. The volunteers are helpful and offer some history for those who inquire. It's not a site I would go out of my way to visit or recommend but a nice piece of history to walk thru if you happen upon it while strolling around deerfield.

On a recent fresh air walk, I was drawn to the Stupey Cabin. For those who don't know, it's the…read moreoldest building in Highland Park built in 1847. It's been moved from another location, saved by the town, and resurrected from it's older self into a fresh updated version that stands tall and proud right near City Hall. In a time when so many of us are seeking hope and strength, there's something very peaceful and majestic about this little cabin on the lawn. There are park benches for resting, tables for picnicking, and a nearby rose garden (not yet in bloom). The cabin is currently not open, but you can schedule a tour...hopefully when the COVID-19 ban is lifted. I'm pretty sure this little log cabin has survived its share of national pandemics.

Stupey Cabin sure isn't stupey(d). It reminds me of The Little House on the Prairie. Except this is…read moreLittle House on the North Shore so our prairie kids corn cob dolls probably had Lacoste polos. Anyhoo it was built in 1847 and is Highland Park's oldest freestanding structure. One room house with a fireplace, spinning wheel for yarn and wool, butter churn, a bed . . . the usual jive that Amish folks still use today or that come with kids Kirsten American Girl doll. To get inside you need to arrange for a showing. Of course there's the Annual Stupey Cabin event every June 1st where they have cabin tours, a ho down, people jamming, BBQ picnic, petting zoo. It seems like EVERY YEAR they hold this fundraiser to SAVE the cabin (sotto voice "That's what the definition of 'annual' is beeyotch. Every year") I mean its a tinyass wood plus sized shack, how much money to they need to collect each year? I mean it should be fine now, LOL. So next time you are in the area take a gander. It's nice to have a respect for history in Highland Park and a respect for such a tiny house here!

I'm not sure if you can actually visit & we weren't about to try. It was pretty late when we drove…read morepast but so cool to see just driving by. When we turned around we did see a tunnel that "maybe" you're allowed to use for up close but we didn't want to get into trouble for trespassing!!

Fort Sheridan was originally developed as a US Army installation in the late 1800s, and it has…read moresince been designated as a US historical landmark property. Fort Sheridan was officially closed in 1993 and portions were renovated and sold as private residences. The Town of Fort Sheridan, divided between Highland Park and Highwood, consists of ninety-four historic buildings on 640 acres of prime Lake Michigan property. The center is the 54 acre, oval parade ground and the 228 foot tower. The Town of Fort Sheridan is unique on the north shore due to its proximity to the beach, the lake, the forest preserve, its landmark status, walking paths, historical significance, stopping point for migratory birds, and more. Things I've seen: the thin red line at the horizon before sunrise which blooms into a red and purple sky; coyotes sauntering down the street at dusk; black and brown squirrels tossing nuts from the trees; hawk circling overhead and the early warning system of screeching bluejays; rocky pebble beach with thundering waves; the lake which can be a cold grey or cobalt or Caribbean blue; walkers, runners or racing jersey wearing bicycle packs; eye contact with a family of deer silently watching; red fox scrambling out from under a bush; technicolor display of leaves in the fall; butterflies and dragonflies in the meadow; other moments that may have significance to me but more than 100 years ago someone is standing where I'm standing and experiencing the exact same thing.

Wayfarer Theaters is irreplaceable. This is not just a place to go see a flick, this is a theater…read morewith a mission to strengthen its community. They hold events to promote tolerance, to support schools, and to present films that speak to the issues of our time. You can also go and see the latest blockbuster, although they don't get everything in quite as fast as the big chains, and they don't have the latest audio & video technology. The theaters are always clean and comfortable, concessions are in line with what other theaters charge, and the staff are always pleasant and helpful. Pro Tip: Park in the Renaissance Place parking structure off of Green Bay Rd., and you can take the elevator directly into the theater. Wayfarer is part of what makes living here special. We're happy every time we get to go.

Crazy prices $9 for a medium popcorn and NO REFILL WTH. This place is out of its mindread more

After I was directed to the US Postal Carrier Annex and I realized that it was not open to the…read morepublic, I booked over to this Post Office in Lake Forest. This is a neat building, I'd like to find out more about it. I dropped my letters inside, took one look at the long line, and left. I'm only now seeing the horrible reviews for this Post Office. I didn't have any interactions with the staff so I'm leaving a neutral rating.

gave me great mailing advice and was courteous. The building is so historic and beautiful.read more