Gurnee,
Gurnee is a suburb located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. It is known for being the home of the popular Six Flags Great America amusement park. The town features a variety of shopping and dining options, including the Gurnee Mills shopping mall.
Gurnee is also close to natural areas such as the Des Plaines River Trail and the Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve.
Places to visit
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Local Attractions
morning:Start your day at Six Flags Great America, one of the largest amusement parks in the region. Take advantage of the early hours to avoid long lines for the most popular rides. Don't forget to grab a hearty breakfast at Sugar Magnolia before heading to the park.
afternoon:For a change of pace, spend the afternoon at Gurnee Mills, the area's premier shopping destination. Discover an array of shops and enjoy a delicious meal at Rainforest Cafe amidst the exotic ambiance.
evening:In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Timothy O'Toole's Pub, featuring a range of delicious pub food. Cap off the night with some live music at Mickey Finn’s Brewery.
Outdoor Adventure
morning:Embrace the great outdoors with a morning bike ride around Gurnee. Explore nearby trails at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve and revel in the tranquil surroundings. Make a stop at Honey-Jam Cafe for a delightful brunch experience.
afternoon:After refueling, head to Great Wolf Lodge for an afternoon of water park fun and thrilling activities. Experience the excitement of water slides and wave pools before grabbing a quick bite at Buckets Incredible Craveables.
evening:As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely stroll at Viking Park followed by a cozy dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Afterward, catch a movie at Marcus Gurnee Cinema for a relaxing end to the day.
Cultural Delights
morning:Begin your day with a visit to the Volo Auto Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of vintage and Hollywood cars. Grab a delicious breakfast at Egg Harbor Cafe before embarking on your cultural adventure.
afternoon:Spend the afternoon at Visual Arts Centre, where you can admire local artwork and even participate in a workshop. Complete the experience with a satisfying lunch at The Chocolate Sanctuary, a gourmet chocolate-inspired restaurant.
evening:Cap off the day with a visit to Genesee Theatre, a historic landmark hosting various performances. Indulge in a delightful dinner at Wildfire and catch a captivating show for a truly memorable evening.
Family Fun Day
morning:Kick off the day with an exciting visit to KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort for some family-friendly water activities. Treat the family to a delightful breakfast at Honey Butter’s Biscuits.
afternoon:Continue the fun at Jump America Trampoline Park, where everyone can bounce around and have a blast. Recharge with a casual lunch at Portillo's Hot Dogs before moving on to the next adventure.
evening:Conclude the day with a visit to Brunswick Zone, an entertainment center offering bowling and arcade games. Enjoy a fulfilling dinner at The Claim Company and have a great time with the family.
Gurnee Famous Food
Must-Try local dishes
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Savor the iconic Chicago-style hot dog, topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt, served in a poppy seed bun. Head to Johnny's Chophouse or Portillo's for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
Deep Dish Pizza
Indulge in a deep-dish pizza, a Chicago creation featuring a thick crust, generous cheese, and chunky tomato sauce. Giordano's and Uno Pizzeria are renowned for serving delectable deep-dish pizzas.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Try the Italian beef sandwich, featuring thinly sliced, seasoned beef piled onto an Italian roll, often served with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera. Look for this dish at Katie's Kitchen or Portillo's.
Food Markets & Street Food
A food market and street food guide
Gurnee Farmers Market
Visit the Gurnee Farmers Market for a delightful array of locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. It's a prime spot to sample fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local vendors.
Food Truck Fridays
Experience Food Truck Fridays, a recurring event featuring a variety of gourmet food trucks offering diverse cuisines, from tacos and BBQ to ice cream and fusion dishes. This is a great opportunity to savor street food from different cultures.
Things to do in Gurnee
Unique local experiences...
Pet sitters in Gurnee
Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!