“But now in September the garden has cooled, and with it my possessiveness. The sun warms my back instead of beating on my head … The harvest has dwindled, and I have grown apart from the intense midsummer relationship that brought it on.” – said author Robert Finch.
Fall doesn’t technically start until September 22, but Lake County is the place to be when the season begins. There’s never really a top 10 things to do do, September 2020 in Lake County because there are hundreds of happenings the land of lakes during the autumn season.
The beginning of fall will have a different look, with the public health crisis, however, we will ride this out together. While we continue to social distance, we can still have an amazing autumn.
The conclusion of Labor Day weekend is viewed as the unofficial end to summer. Take advantage and celebrate as much as you can in this transition period, where the weather is virtually perfect in Lake County (except people with heavy allergies that include yours truly). Here are your top 10 things to do September in Lake County.
Take a dip in the drink, recline, relax and experience all the thrills at Hurricane Harbor. The Gurnee waterpark opened for the general public at the start of August. The H2O haven is equipped with numerous waterslides, the main swimming area called Monsoon Lagoon, a kid zone play area that utterly soaks attendees, an interactive surf area and so much more. Have a splashing good time this year. To enter Hurricane Harbor, you must make a reservation and ticket purchases before arriving due to the public health crisis. Hurricane Harbor Chicago is open through Labor Day.
Ahhhwooooo! The wolf has risen. After being closed to the public for much of the pandemic, Great Wolf Lodge in Illinois opens up for slip n sliders. Whatever the temperature may be outside, it’s always a comfortable 84 degrees in the Gurnee resort. Your woodsy adventure starts and ends with the 80,000 square foot facility with water slides, a river to be lazy on, a wave pool, a kiddie area and so much more. Great Wolf Lodge is also highlighted by mini-golf, an arcade, a bowling alley, fun and games with Wolf characters and so much more.
The phrase, "take a picture it'll last longer," takes new meaning as you take your impressive imagery of Lake County. The land of lakes invites you to submit your phenomenal pictures in the #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest. There is an abundance of beautiful, scenic, historical, adventurous, heritage, character and just downright #InstaGood shots of Lake County. Visit Lake County would like to showcase where you live, work, eat, play or shop by sharing your best pictures of the county. Individuals may submit up to five photos. Winners of the #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest could win an exclusive prize and photo credit in future tourism marketing materials. The contest will award a prize for multiple categories. Participants can submit entries from September 8-October 31, 2020. "Alright Mr. or Mrs. Shutterbug, the land of lakes is ready for its close-up."
Many of our museums have been closed throughout the pandemic. However, as the summer has moved on, more have reopened their doors. From nuggets about the Greentown griot, learn the history of Grayslake, to the men and women who sing anchors aweigh and more. Here are the museums that are open in the land of lakes.
The weather is excellent, and it’s the perfect time to get in shape for pumpkin spice season. Lake County is home to an array of 5Ks, 10Ks, and more that are USATF-certified courses that allow runners to run in much larger marathons. Be like Forrest Gump and say, “Now you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was goin’ somewhere, I was runnin’!” Here’s a list of the September runs.
Virtual Twilight Shuffle 5K in Libertyville (9/6) INFO»
George Bridges 5K Run/Walk in Waukegan (9/12) INFO»
A little bit of summer fun and a little bit of autumn chill. There’s a fantastic collection of festivals going on this September. Let's take a look at the festivals in September 2020.
Virtual David Adler Festival of the Arts (ongoing) INFO»
First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville (9/4) INFO»
Labor Day Celebration at Green Town on the Rocks (9/6) INFO»
During these trying times of the public health crisis, we want to support our local small business owners. Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills opens their parking lot to some of the most talented makers and artisans in the Land of Lincoln. On Fridays and Saturdays through early October, the Macy's North Parking Lot will showcase vendors like jewelry makers, horticuturalists, pottery makers, clothing designers and more. Shoppers must wear masks and practice social distancing.
You’ll be amazed by their maize mazes. Richardson’s Adventure Farm & CornMaze is known for having the world’s most massive corn maze. The Spring Grove area spans 33 acres of land and is equipped with 11 miles of trails. The design commemorates the 50th anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day gave a voice to an emerging public consciousness about the state of our planet, and since 1970, we've celebrated this holiday in the United States. Besides the famous maze, the Adventure Farm features another five mazes, a zip line, a pumpkin patch, ORBiting rides (a ride inside a giant 11-football), live pig races, a wooded picnic area, free campfires, pedal carts, pedal trikes, a goat farm, a corn cabin and wagon rides. Richardson Farm is open through Sunday, November 8.
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You haven’t lived unless you’ve been to Didier Farms Pumpkinfest. Everyone loves all the extravagant memories from the Lincolnshire/Prairie View Farm. The farm favorite features hayrides, pony rides, camel rides, kiddie rides, an exotic petting zoo, a parakeet exhibit, a corn maze and pig races (the sprinting porkies only gallop on the weekends). Don’t forget to visit Grandma D’s Bake Shop for scrumptious pies, cookies, fudge, homemade apple cider, kettle corn and pumpkin donuts. The farm’s doors are open through Thursday, October 31. The farm, originally purchased by John Link, who is the father of Mary Sue Didier, has been owned by a Didier descendant since 1912.
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Your youngsters can become the new master builders to work with Emmet Brickowski and Wyldstyle. The National Museum of the American Sailor hosts their second LEGO Brick By Brick event to share their masterpieces. Children ages four-to-12 years old can enter either the Home Build Competition or the On-Site Competition to contest against other master builders. LEGO constructors can also enter to win a LEGO Store gift card. The U.S. Navy event is virtual this year.
Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride on the audio-enhanced MainStreet Libertyville Historic Home Tour. The tour begins at Cook Park, and individuals will hear about some of the first settlers in Libertyville. The first pharmacist, the first blacksmith, the owner of the meat market, MainStreet Libertyville, has records of all of these unbelievable historical nuggets. Somehow all of these buildings are connected to the Ansel B. Cook House and survived a fire. Tickets can be purchased online at mainstreetlibertyville.org or on the day of the event (cash or check).
For more things to do in September 2020, click here.
