Summer 2020: What suburban attractions have reopened - or will soon

Posted June 13, 2020 7:30 am

By Scott C. Morgan

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe has reopened its perimeter walk on a limited basis with advance reservations required. Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

Confused about what's reopening this summer and what's not?

You're not alone. In fact, you need a scorecard to keep track of which local attractions are now welcoming visitors and which remain closed because of COVID-19.

A few things to keep in mind:

Even those spots that have reopened have instituted new rules to reduce crowds and encourage social distancing. Visitors should wear masks where warranted and should check before going anywhere because schedules can change and many spots now require advance reservations.

So here's a sampling of what attractions are open now, which plan to reopen soon and what spots have closed their gates until 2021:

The McHenry Outdoor Theater is the last remaining Chicago-area movie drive-in. It's one of the few entertainment venues that have been allowed to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. Daily Herald File Photo

Open now - or this week

Auto entertainment: Your family can go places in the safety bubble of your own vehicle.

That's how movie drive-in fans are able to visit the McHenry Outdoor Theater, which reopened for the summer season in May. Citadel Theatre is attempting something similar with its “Drive-In Cabaret” - a live musical revue staged through June 21 in the parking lot of the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. And some venues across the area are having concerts for those in cars.

And since the topic is cars, the Volo Auto Museum in Volo is still closed. Yet vintage vehicle sales are ongoing.

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe has reopened its perimeter walk on a limited basis with advance reservations required. Most interior spaces are still closed to the public. Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

Enjoying nature: The Morton Arboretum in Lisle opened to members initially, and will open to the general public starting Monday, June 15. Meanwhile the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is offering limited admission and tickets to its perimeter walk (though they are sold out through June 23).

Starting Monday, June 15, Cantigny Park in Wheaton reopens its grounds along with patio dining at Bernie's Bistro.

As for Kline Creek Farm in Wheaton and Glenview's Historic Wagner Farm and The Grove, these three venues have opened their grounds and public trails. But the buildings and washrooms are closed.

Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises are back on the Chicago River with reduced capacity and other safety measures in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises

Cruises controlled: Some of the most beloved Windy City tourist attractions are the many Chicago River boat tours. Both Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises and Wendella Tours and Cruises are up and running with reduced capacity. Rentals through the Chicago Electric Boat Company are also available.

Meanwhile, the Chicago's First Lady cruises are aiming for a June 26 opening date.

Shoreline sojourns: Beach combers and fishing fans have some options if they're looking for some shoreside fun. Just be sure to check ahead whether lifeguards will be on duty, or if there are other restrictions regarding grilling or group sizes.

Spring Lake Beach in Lincolnshire has reopened, though no lifeguards are on duty. Daily Herald File Photo

For example, Spring Lake Beach in Lincolnshire is open for swimming with no lifeguards. The same goes for the Waukegan Municipal Beach. Meanwhile at Gillson Park in Wilmette, lifeguards are on duty.

Fore!: Golf courses are open for those who play, as is the Par-King miniature golf course in Lincolnshire.

On the farm: Garfield Farm Museum in Campton Hills is now open for private tours of the barns and grounds by reservation for individuals in the same household. Masks are required. Bathrooms are closed.

Hot dogs: The Chicago Dogs just announced that the 2020 season will start July 3, using the Milwaukee Milkmen Stadium as its home ballpark until pandemic restrictions have loosened in Illinois and the team can return to Impact Field in Rosemont. The team will play a 60-game season from July 3 through Sept. 10.

Aiming to open

There are lots of other attractions just waiting for the safety go-ahead once Illinois moves into the next phase of reopening - likely later this month or next. So keep your eyes peeled for updates from the following places:

Zanies at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont

Diamond Lake Beach in Mundelein

Elmhurst Art Museum

Santa's Village in East Dundee

Fabyan Japanese Garden in Geneva

Closed now, with opening date up in the air

DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville

Kohl's Children's Museum in Glenview

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee

Onesti's Wild West Town in Union

Schaumburg Boomers at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg

Kane County Cougars at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva

Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield

Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee

Lambs Farm in Green Oaks

Blackberry Farm in Aurora

Arlington International Racecourse

Illinois Railway Museum in Union has canceled all events through Sept. 15

Suburban casinos

Closed for the 2020 season

Ravinia Festival in Highland Park

RiverEdge Park in Aurora

Centennial Beach in Naperville

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