Lake Forest (Illinois)

Lake Forest is a large, spread out community that was designed with tranquility in mind. Owing to the lack of major thoroughfares and strictly enforced residential speed limits on all roads, allow yourself plenty of time just to get across town! However, signage is very good and paying reasonable attention to such should ensure that you will not get lost.

Go to Lake Forest Beach down Deerpath Road. This may very well be most beautiful beach in the North Shore. Beware that a Lake Forest city sticker is required to park at or near the beach facility.

Explore Market Square, one of the nation's oldest outdoor mall areas. It was once home to Marshall Field's (who was a prominent Lake Forest resident) first store. Though the stores tend to be pricey, they are not overly ostentatious or snooty as could be expected.

Be sure to check out the beautiful homes and mansions throughout the city. There are no gated communities to speak of - all main streets are fully accessible to the public. As a general rule of thumb, expect to find the most ornate homes closest to the lake (although the newest and most modern ones can be found in Conway Farms, a brand new development on the western outskirts of the city).

Lake Forest College, a premier liberal arts college, has a beautiful campus situated along Sheridan Road. Also make an effort to view the picturesque Lake Forest High School - once a mansion, now one of the nation's best public high schools - from McKinley Road.

McDonald's (one block north of Everett Rd and Waukegan Rd/IL-43 intersection) - owing to a hard-fought settlement between the City of Lake Forest (which banned fast food establishments) and the infamous chain (which insisted it had the right to compete against the city's Burger King that had been grandfathered in by the law) you will find one of the most unique McDonald's restaurants, one entirely without blaring Golden Arches, playing classical music, complete with a marble fireplace, leather couches, fresh cooked omelets during Sunday brunch buffet, and more.

While residents of Lake Forest partake in a number of community organizations and functions, there is not much for the casual visitor to do. Many families choose to raise their kids in this quiet city precisely so that they are not distracted by the trappings of city life.

• 🌍 Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve. (updated Feb 2023)

Lake Forest has relatively few businesses for a city of 20,000 people. However, that should not discourage you from exploring the many boutiques in and around Market Square.

• Lovell's - a fabulous, very expensive restaurant owned by the former astronaut and local resident Jim Lovell. Just North of the intersection of Everett Road and Waukegan Road/IL-43 in West Lake Forest.
• Sushi Kushi Toyo - a very popular destination for locals. All of the sushi and seafood you could desire. More reasonably priced than other options, but by no means cheap. Also located in West Lake Forest.
• Ferentino's Pizzeria - contrary to its name, this local chain (one in West Lake Forest, another in downtown/East Lake Forest) is known to have subpar pizza but excellent pasta and panini sandwiches.
• Francesca's - a local North Shore chain with a limited menu but delicious Italian entrees. Downtown Lake Forest, next to the Deerpath Inn.
• Sweet's - desserts only, but if you crave a delicious homemade ice cream sundae or other delectable treat, this popular store (right along Deerpath) is worth a stop
• Deerpath Inn, The Bar, ☏ +1 847 234 2280. Upscale bar in basement of Deerpath Inn that has a large number of dedicated customers, known to all staff by name. Guaranteed exceptional service and attention to detail. (updated Aug 2018)

Although Lake Forest is a college town, don't expect to find any sort of wild party atmosphere. High school and college students often like to throw parties in their posh homes when parents aren't around, but it is unlikely that you will find and gain entry to such a party without knowing the host. Your best bet would be to head to downtown Chicago or check out the nearby bars in Highwood, Lincolnshire, or Vernon Hills.

Most visitors to Lake Forest are staying in a private home with friends or family. The Deerpath Inn is the city's sole hotel. Although it is in the heart of downtown Lake Forest, the Deerpath Inn is better known for its gourmet food than its cramped, dated accommodations. You are likely better off staying at a more modern name-brand hotel in nearby Vernon Hills, Deerfield, or Northbrook.

• 🌍 Deerpath Inn, 255 E Illinois Rd, ☏ +1 847 234 2280. (updated Feb 2023)
• Hilton Garden Inn Lake Forest Mettawa, 26225 N River Woods Blvd, ☏ +1-847-735-8374. 
• Residence Inn Chicago Lake Forest Mettawa, 26325 N River Woods Blvd, ☏ +1-847-615-2701. 

• Downtown Chicago is about 45 minutes away.
• Evanston, home of Northwestern University, is about 30 minutes away.
• Six Flags Great America is approximately 15 minutes from Lake Forest.

Milwaukee is about an hour's drive.