Things to Do in Deerfield This Summer
Deerfield is known as the modern commercial center of Illinois, but it is also a historic town that is truly unique in all that it offers. Unlike many other cities in Illinois, Deerfield has managed to maintain its tranquility while still offering plenty for both residents and visitors alike to do and engage in.
Whether your ideal summer day is spent roaming the grounds of botanical gardens, walking along the coastline, getting lost in a theater production or simply snacking on corn dogs and treats while enjoying an afternoon stroll, Deerfield has it all! So, if you’re ready to explore this historic area, here are some of the best things to do this summer in and around town:
Deerfield Historic Village
Historic Deerfield is unlike any other town in Illinois. This candid 18th-century village features period architecture, museum houses and colonial-era furnishings. Head to the museum to explore the world-famous early collection of American crafts, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork. Then, walk around the village to experience this history first-hand, and stop at the Little Red School House, close to the center-point of Deerfield.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Just a few short minutes outside of Deerfield is the Chicago Botanic Garden, an enormous living plant museum, located in the Cook County Forest Preserve. It’s the perfect place to spend a beautiful summer day walking with nature. This natural habitat features 27 gardens in McDonald Woods, Dixon Prairie, Skokie River Corridor and Lakes Shores. The garden is free and open to the public, but you will have to pay for parking.
Skokie Lagoons
Dive even deeper into your natural surroundings by exploring the Skokie Lagoons, a truly stunning nature preserve right here in Illinois. The Lagoons are also a part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and are a famed destination for aquatic activities in Cook County. The site features 7 inter-linked lagoons and all sorts of popular recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, biking and bird-watching. You might even get a glimpse of some of this wildlife habitat’s creatures, including Northern pike, bass, sunfish, catfish, bullhead, bluegill, walleye, crappie, migrating ducks, black-crowned night-herons, prothonotary warblers, cormorants, red foxes and coyotes.
Potawatomi Woods
Potawatomi Woods is another serene spot, located near the Lake Cook Road. The Woods are situated off the long road, towards Algonquin, Highland Park, Glencoe and Lake Michigan. As you drive into the woods, you’ll pass golf courses, forest preserves, parks, rivers, and lush gardens. Then, just beyond, you’ll enter into the Woods, a gorgeous grassy, wooded area perfect for summer afternoon picnics, fishing and nature walks.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats
Get out, and explore the river and lake on the Wendella Sightseeing Boats. Take in stunning views of the Chicago skyline from the center of the lake, and experience the history of the architecture through the beautiful sights. The Sightseeing Boats are a great way to explore Deerfield and gain new perspective on the surrounding city. In addition to the views, you can grab a drink from the on-board bar and engage in a little entertainment and conversation with the tour’s guide.
Everts Park
About 20-30 minutes outside of Deerfield is Everts Park. This fantastic outdoor event venue is home to such festivals as Inferno Festival, the North Shore Taco Fest, the Bloody Mary Fest, weekly Gourmet Markets, the Garlic Fest and more. The Park also hosts the farmer’s market, which offers everything from specialty jams, to cookies, to jewelry and booze. It’s a great place to just relax, have a drink and munch on some tasty snacks. There’s even a gazebo, playground, picnic benches, walking paths and much, much more.
Deerfield is that unexpected gem that just shines out among the rest of Chicagoland’s busy metropolis. So, make the most of this historic destination, and explore all that Deerfield has to offer this summer!
