20 Attractions to Explore Near Ward W. Willits House

The Ravinia Festival, is an outdoor music festival that has been providing quality performance experiences since 1904. This summer-long event showcases some of the best musical talent around, from symphony orchestras to jazz ensembles and classical soloists. Other unique attractions include food and wine demonstrations, open-air markets, specialty shops and a Children's Garden with interactive activities for little ones.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, is an oasis of natural beauty amidst the bustling city. Spanning across 385 acres, this amazing garden features 27 stunning display gardens and 4 natural areas, as well as a 38-acre fruit and vegetable garden. Visitors can take nature walks on 6 miles of picturesque paths or wander through the greenhouse conservatories. There are also special events throughout the year, such as art exhibitions, lectures and cooking classes at the Regenstein center.

The Kohl Children's Museum is a vibrant and educational experience for all ages.The Museum seeks to inspire young minds with interactive displays, hands-on activities and exhibits that stimulate learning. Families can explore six themed areas including Train Station, Music Makers and Backyard. Each section has its own unique offerings for both kids and adults alike. There are also daily performances such as performances from local artists, puppet shows and magic shows.

Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area comprises over 30 acres of breathtaking scenery. This conservation area is accessible by both car and foot. Visitors can enjoy expansive views of open fields filled with wildflowers, creeks lined with shady trees, and a meandering stretch of Union Pacific Railroad tracks along the eastern side of the property. Taking advantage of its variety of habitats, this is a great place to observe wildlife ranging from birds to red-bellied turtles to white-tailed deer.

Indian Hill is an affluent residential community located in Hamilton County, Ohio, rather than Indiana. Situated northeast of Cincinnati, Indian Hill is known for its expansive estates, large wooded lots, and luxurious homes set amidst picturesque landscapes.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and serves as a memorial to those who perished. Through its interactive exhibits, lectures, and workshops, the museum offers educational programs designed to teach visitors about the history of persecution during this dark period in our collective past. It works towards fostering mutual understanding and respect through its goal of raising awareness.

The Bahá'í House of Worship is a breathtakingly beautiful seven-sided temple for worship and meditation. Located on a sprawling 18 acres of land, the structure consists of nine sides surrounded by the immaculately-groomed gardens, fountains and pathways. A prominent feature of the building are its intricate ribbed dome, which is visible from miles away - during daytime it reflects hues of gold, while at night is illuminated with various vibrant colours.

Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers. It offers over 1,000 acres of rolling hills, prairies, wetlands and ravines to be explored. Visitors can spot wildlife such as eagles, deer and turkeys as they explore the lush greenery. Whether guests are looking for a leisurely stroll down one of the multiple trails or an adventurous canoeing trip on Buffalo Creek itself; there is something for everyone.

The Block Museum of Art, is truly a space for arts and culture. From the classic to the contemporary, the museum offers programs of historic and creative importance. The Block Museum offers both permanent and changing exhibitions that are cultural hubs bringing music, film, visual art and spoken word together. The museum also houses preeminent collections from various renowned collecting initiatives such as their Ancient Mediterranean Art collection and print collection.

The Leaning Tower of Niles, has become a local landmark since its construction in 1934. Nearly 60 feet tall and made of limestone blocks, the tower was modeled after the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. While its height is impressive, the real draw for many visitors is the unique degree to which it has begun to tilt - about seven feet off-center! When it was built during the Great Depression, the tower was intended to attract tourists and business to the area.

Bowen Park is the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts. Featuring plenty of lakes and trails, this park is a great destination for bird watching, biking, hiking, swimming, and winter sports. Along with the natural beauty of its landscape, Bowen Park also offers fairs and festivals throughout the year that draw large crowds from each of the surrounding towns. With both fun outdoor activities and cultural events available throughout the year, Bowen Park shines as a premier destination.

Busse Woods is a fantastic outdoor space and forest preserve, which encompasses over 3,700 acres of natural habitat, is a great spot for outdoor activities including cycling, fishing, and hiking. There are also plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities -we've been lucky enough to spot hawks, coyotes, foxes and other animals! In addition to the wildlife viewing area there's also multiple camping spots spread throughout, so you can relax while listening to the peaceful chirping of wildlife.

Kidzopolis, is a unique entertainment destination that provides kids with an immersive learning experience. Perfect for birthdays or family outings, It offers a variety of attractions and activities including an indoor playground, laser tag arena, rock climbing wall, miniature golf course, arcade games and more. The facility also features themed party rooms to accommodate large groups.

Vertical Velocity is a roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. The ride opened on May 4, 2001. It is a steel inverted roller coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. The coaster has a top speed of 55 mph and a maximum height of 150 feet. It features two vertical loops, oneImmelmann loop, and one batwing.

Viking Park West is a fantastic place for outdoor recreation. From its boat launch ramp on the Chain O'Lake to its fishing pier and picnic areas, visitors can enjoy all that the picturesque park has to offer. The park also boasts more than 51 acres of lush forest, so visitors can get away from it all while surrounded by nature's beauty. The park also features trails for biking or running, as well as two large playgrounds and tennis courts.

Batman The Ride, at Six Flags Great America amusement park, is a thrilling steel roller coaster that promises a wild ride. Standing tall amidst the towering trees and bright blue skies, Batman The Ride takes riders on an impressive 4D journey on its hammerhead-shaped track. Riders will first experience a steep climb to the top of the inverted loop before embarking on their journey filled with flips and turns through cobra rolls and zero gravity dives.

Deer Grove Forest Preserve is a beautiful natural setting for outdoor activities. The preserve covers more than 2,000 acres of bright green prairies and lush woodlands. Visitors to Deer Grove can take advantage of bike trails, picnic pavilions and a number of scenic paths perfect for walking or jogging. Birding and wildlife watching are also popular pastimes in the park as many species reside here. Horseback riding enthusiasts will also find ample opportunity to explore the trails on horseback.

Mardi Gras Hangover is a fire ball attraction located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, United States. Located in the Mardi Gras section, the attraction is themed on the Mardi Gras celebration. Opening on May 22, 2018, the ride was manufactured by Larson International, opening as the tallest fire ball amusement ride in the world, at a height of 100 feet tall.

Maxx Force, is a high-speed roller coaster experience that has been thrilling visitors since 2019. Shaped like a giant X, riders are catapulted at forces up to 78 miles per hour along the 2802-foot track. At 17 stories tall, the record-breaking vertical lift hill provides an incredible thrill before plunging its passengers into five inversions. Its speed and height make it one of the world's most intense roller coasters and gives guests memories that will last a lifetime!

The Swedish American Museum is a wonderful place to learn about Swedish culture and contains a wealth of memories and artifacts representing the lives of Swedish immigrants in America. It focus on traditional costumes, music, customs, foodways, and language as well as Swedish-American achievements in such fields as medicine, engineering and the arts. Visitors can also explore interactive displays that highlight Swedish immigration to America during the mid-19th to early 20th centuries.