to hold an event in Lake County
Nestled perfectly between Midwestern metropolises, Chicago and Milwaukee, Lake County, Illinois remains a premier venue to host your next conference or event.
The land of lakes (over 200 bodies of water) is home to an array of prodigious attractions, mouthwatering dining possibilities, picturesque natural settings, endless shopping options and of course, a healthy blend of unique spaces to throw an inspiring meeting. Here are a few reasons why Lake County is the ideal location for your next event.
1. One-of-a-kind greeting places and meeting spaces
Lake County boasts a fascinating history matched with a vibrant ambience. Many spaces in the land of lakes exude a colossal quantity of culture and character.
For an exceptionally unique occasion, Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills is holds private functions of up to 300. The lavish home initially owned by the Founder of the General Electric Company Sam Insull, is designed with an Italianate-style complemented by scenic gardens and landscaping. The celebrated Genesee Theatre in Waukegan is a regal theater built originally in 1928 dripping with that roaring 20s charm. The auditorium seats over 2400 attendees. The Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest is a state-of-the-art, 309-seat performing arts venue, while the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake is an enormous 62,000 square-foot facility with an Expo Hall that can host over 5,000 individuals.
You'll instantly be taken aback by the setup of Viper Alley equipped with a stage, six bowling lanes, the ability to seat up to 650 guests in this contemporary facility complemented by an industrial chic feel. Breathtaking views are the landscape of your event as you host up to 50 attendees along the shores of Lake Michigan at Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center.
2. Three resorts and over 65 hotels
There is a plethora of hotels and three resorts housing nearly 9,000 guest rooms. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, located on 175-wooded acres, stretches 40,000 square feet of meeting space, two restaurants serving a variety of culinary choices, an 18-hole PGA-Championship golf course, a spa and the award-winning Marriott Theatre. Positioned on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach Resort in Zion is a perfect setting for retreats and reunions. The hotel is perfectly situated alongside Illinois Beach State Park and has an on-site restaurant boasting the same phenomenal Great Lake's view. Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee is a first-class resort combining business with pleasure and offers meeting space from 20-500 with 414 guest suites. The resort is highlighted by an 80,000-square-foot indoor water park and on-site restaurants.
On the south end of Lake County, Deerfield is home to three full-service hotels - Hyatt Regency, Marriott Suites and Embassy Suites. Other perfect meeting spaces and full-service hotels include the DoubleTree by Hilton - Libertyville-Mundelein and the Holiday Inn & Conference Center Gurnee.
3. Lake County's natural layout
Flaunting more than 200 bodies of water, 154 miles of hiking and biking trails, a striking shoreline of Lake Michigan, boating and fishing opportunities, the home of the state's lone quaking bog in Volo and so much more, Lake County is the perfect selling point location for planners that want a magnificent backdrop for their meeting.
4. Six must-experience attractions in Lake County
Attendees can achieve the thrills they desire at Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee featuring 17 unbelievable roller coasters (Maxx Force, Mardi Gras Hangover and Goliath are Guinness Book of World Record holders), 25 waterslides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, the world's largest interactive water playground and a slew of shows, fireworks and glorious fare options.
Ravinia Festival in Highland Park and Genesee Theatre in Waukegan are music staples of Lake County, highlighted by some of the most successful acts performing today and yesteryear. A booming neigh in the land of lakes is from the world-famous Tempel Lipizzans, entertaining audiences with their brand of ballet. Receive a touch of Key West on Blarney Island in Antioch which features libations, eats, live music and boat racing a few miles off shore in the Chain O' Lakes. Looking to bring a souvenir home for your significant other? Create a charm or some other type of memorabilia while learning the art of glass blowing at Peter Patterson Glassworks in Mundelein.
5. Savor for days in Lake County
Lake County takes pride in its diversity of culinary tastes.
The "Food Network" featured Wadsworth restaurant, The Shanty serves plenty of nuanced dishes and has the ability to host events for up to 160 guests. The Chocolate Sanctuary in Gurnee is a county treasure preparing their dishes from scratch with most dishes being concocted with and inspired by the cocoa bean. Flank to a steakhouse and rest your tenderloins to dine like club members at 129 Center Cut in Grayslake, Stevens' Steakhouse in Gurnee or Eddie Merlot's, Three Embers and Wildfire in Lincolnshire. The local craft brewery, winery and distillery scene is bar none, top-notch as many adult beverage aficionados salivate at the endless choices on the Lake County Libation Trail™.
• Check out VisitLakeCounty.org for a wealth of helpful information.