Things To Do
in 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.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Great America amusement park, enjoying thrilling rides. Grab breakfast at a nearby café to fuel up for the adventure ahead.
Continue the fun with more rides and attractions at Great America, or explore the surrounding shops and eateries. Don't forget to take lots of photos with your favorite characters.
Wind down by dining at a local restaurant, savoring some delicious American cuisine. After dinner, take a stroll through the park for a relaxing end to the day.
Hike at the nearby Des Plaines River Trail for a refreshing start to your day. Enjoy the natural beauty and serene atmosphere as you walk along the river.
Visit the Gurnee Mills shopping mall for some retail therapy and lunch at one of the diverse dining options. Make sure to check out the unique stores and attractions within the mall.
Catch a movie at the nearby theater for a fun way to unwind. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the latest blockbuster to cap off your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Family-friendly community with good schools
- Variety of recreational activities, including theme parks and shopping centers
- Relatively safe neighborhoods
- Convenient location near major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee
- Diverse dining and entertainment options
- Cold winters with heavy snowfall
- Higher cost of living compared to some nearby areas
- Limited public transportation options
- Traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons
- May lack cultural diversity compared to larger urban areas
Best Activities in Gurnee
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy thrilling rides and entertainment at this popular amusement park.
Explore the shopping and dining options at this large retail and entertainment complex.
Discover a unique collection of classic cars and vintage vehicles at this museum.
Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and boating at this scenic nature reserve.
Tours
Uncover the best of Gurnee with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Gurnee
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers numerous picturesque spots with thrilling rides and beautiful scenery for great photos
Features various scenic spots with a large Ferris wheel and beautiful decorations, perfect for photo opportunities
Boasts stunning views of the golf course and surrounding scenery, perfect for capturing memorable photos
Food in Gurnee
Gurnee Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
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.
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.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Gurnee better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
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.
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.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gurnee, United States, it's important to be mindful of personal space and to not stand too close when interacting with others.
Punctuality is valued in Gurnee, so it's respectful to arrive on time for appointments and social gatherings.
Being polite and using courteous language in interactions, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you,' is considered respectful in Gurnee, United States.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Gurnee with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Gurnee
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Gurnee, United States. It is customary to tip service industry workers such as waitstaff at restaurants, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. The standard tipping amount is generally 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Gurnee, United States is primarily done through cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are becoming increasingly popular. Cash is also widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout the area.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Gurnee.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Gurnee, as the weather starts to warm up and the flowers begin to bloom. You can expect milder temperatures and the opening of outdoor attractions such as amusement parks and the local Six Flags Great America.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Gurnee, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy water parks, outdoor concerts, and festivals during this time.
Fall brings beautiful foliage to the Gurnee area, making it a scenic time to visit. The weather is mild, and there are fall festivals and events to enjoy. It's a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and apple picking.
Winter in Gurnee can be cold, but it's a great time for indoor activities. Visitors can enjoy holiday lights, shopping, and indoor entertainment options. Additionally, Gurnee is close to ski resorts for those who enjoy winter sports.
Gurnee at Night
Hiking in Gurnee
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers a variety of trails and wooded areas for hiking, with options suitable for all skill levels.
A long scenic trail that runs along the Des Plaines River, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.
Features multiple hiking trails within beautiful forest preserves, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Includes several miles of trails through natural landscapes, perfect for a day hike with family or friends.
Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, with trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Gurnee through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Gurnee by plane.
Located about 40 miles southwest of Gurnee, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the United States, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
Approximately 50 miles south of Gurnee, Midway serves as a secondary airport for Chicago and features a range of domestic and some international flights.
Located about 70 miles north of Gurnee, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport provides various international and domestic services.
About 40 miles south of Gurnee, this smaller airport offers limited commercial flights but serves as a potential access point for nearby cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Gurnee, comprising a significant percentage of the population.
A growing demographic group in Gurnee, representing a diverse cultural background.
An important demographic group contributing to the community's cultural diversity.
Includes individuals of various Asian descents, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Gurnee.
Reflects individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds, representing a more inclusive demographic.
Includes individuals from various other racial backgrounds not specifically categorized.
The Soul of Gurnee
Discover the essence of Gurnee through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is popular in Gurnee, with many local schools having active teams and community leagues.
Soccer is widely played among youth in Gurnee, with many recreational leagues and tournaments.
Baseball is a staple sport in Gurnee, featuring numerous teams for various age groups throughout the summer.
Ice hockey has a strong following in Gurnee, supported by local ice rinks and youth programs.
American football is embraced at both high school and community levels, with games being a significant social event.
Volleyball is popular in schools and fitness centers, with both indoor and beach volleyball options available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gurnee.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Gurnee's restaurants are accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, offering a range of plant-based options such as veggie burgers, stir-fries, and salads. Check out places like Portillo's and The Chocolate Sanctuary for diverse vegetarian and vegan menus.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities will find numerous gluten-free choices at Gurnee eateries. Many restaurants, including Timothy O'Toole's Pub and Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, provide gluten-free versions of popular dishes and are attentive to cross-contamination concerns.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Gurnee with these cultural adventures.