The nature center is a great place to see some animals and other exhibits. The forest is much…read morebigger than it looks from the street and has nice flat paths. We saw several deer and chipmunks. Great place to go for a hike.

Well, on this hot and muggy Sunday, we decided to have an atypical weekend visit to the shady Grove…read moreto do our almost daily walk. We typically only visit here on quieter weekday mornings. We were pleasantly surprised and fortunate to find the Blacksmith Shop open and that is the case only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Alec was the blacksmith on duty and he provided some insights into his craft as well as a walk-through of their various iron products, both functional and decorative. He is one of five volunteer blacksmiths on the staff here and really enjoys his time here. Thanks for the tour Alec!

Blast from the past. It's a must see for a family pic! If…read moreyou are ever in Winetka stop by.

Such a fun Chicago tourist spot to come and see the Home Alone House! The house itself is owned and…read moreoccupied but currently going through renovations. The inside seemed to be completed in 2025 but the landscaping is currently being worked on. I loved the sign out front still nodding to the movie but this was such a fun and easy stop to make when exploring the Northshore.

Only open four a few hours on Sundays during the summer Deerfield Historic Village is a fun place…read moreto go. There you can see a collection of historic homes, a coach house, farm, and a schoolhouse. There are docents stationed in every building and throughout the grounds to explain, guide, and answer any questions a visitor might have. It's a great time to learn and experience history. There is convenient parking in the school district parking lot. I highly recommend Deerfield Historic Village.

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.

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!

Shhhh...don't shout. Don't talk too loudly, because you might disturb the butterflies that flutter…read moreabout in my favorite North Shore secret garden. The Eklund Garden is a magical place. It's located on the Glencoe Historical Society grounds, and its brick path leads to one of the history buildings. Step foot in the garden, and I promise all your worries will be forgotten. Sit for hours on a wooden bench. Stroll the maze of pebbly paths. This garden is filled with so much care and dedication to loved ones who have passed, but are no doubt watching over the grounds. The Eklund Garden is a peaceful hidden gem right in the heart of Downtown Glencoe. Blink and you'll miss it.

Fort Sheridan is a hidden gem of a small residential community that was once an Army post from the…read morelate 1800's era.  Honestly, we only came through here to get to the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, a large enclave that is technically part of Fort Sheridan.  Before heading to the preserve, we did stroll around the attractive centerpiece of the town, and that is the Water Tower which is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The tower and many of the community's buildings all have the same attractive yellowish brickwork that was used in the construction of the original military post.  All of the residences look quaint, upscale, and well maintained and strolling about is very peaceful and pleasant.  If in the vicinity, it's worth a drive-by and/or stroll through this historic area.

Drove by on a Thursday afternoon. I thought it was a private home but it appears that there are…read moretours every last Saturday of the month. This is fantastic! There is only street parking so it will probably be hard to park. Best to uber or lyft if coming. The outside area seems to be well maintained. Goigle their website to plan ahead and see more info.

No tour was available. Looks well maintained. Not worth the trip unless you are in the immediate…read morevicinity.

Excellent roadside attraction. Completed in 1934, this is a water tower in disguise. Added to the…read moreNational Register of Historic places in 2019 the tower is closed for tours while the tower itself, the grounds around it and the parking area are getting a face lift. Keep an eye on their social media and/or website for updates on when tours will begin again. The tower bells ring out a song at 9am, noon, 3pm and 6pm and gives a single chime every quarter hour. The bells are lovely. At the time of this review the parking area is unavailable during renovation. The Aldi's parking lot next to the tower would be a good option until their lot opens again. The gardens around the tower are filled with beautifully scented flowers. The reflecting pool in front is very nice and there are two tiers of seating facing the tower with gardens between the tiers.

Went to visit the mini Leaning Tower. A Historic place. Went early Saturday morning and no one was…read morethere. Glad to have gone during the summer. As the water was filled, grass was green, and green trees/bushes. Area was clean. Very small area. Lots of seating though facing the tower. We walked the area and took pictures 5-10min. Parking is at the wholesale warehouse or the Aldi parking lost next to the Tower.

I finally found my way to the Grosse Point Lighthouse. I wasn't sure where I was actually supposed…read moreto go at first--Google Maps sent me to the driveway to the homes just south of the lighthouse--but finally found my way. There's a lighthouse next to this area that's shared with the beach just to the east, so I think it could be tricky to find a space if the lighthouse is your primary stop, given the hours that the light house is open. I haven't had a chance to explore the lighthouse itself, but I have wandered the grounds, which are maintained by the Garden Club of Evanston. There's a lovely little trail here and a trail that heads down to the beach. I'm looking forward to visiting the lighthouse and checking it out sometime soon.

Nice place, gorgeous lake with a beach nearby. Very pretty. The grass is little wet due to…read moreyesterday's rain. Parking is free for Evanston resident, but I'm coming from out of state, so i paid 3 dollar for one hour. Played balls with my daughter's dog. Beautiful place.