Discover Things to Do in Riverwoods, IL
A small village in Lake County, IL, Riverwoods provides interesting architecture, community living, and easy access to plenty of amenities and attractions thanks to its proximity to Chicago. Find out more about the best things to do in Riverwoods, IL, including tourist attractions and locations favored by residents.
Why You Should Visit Riverwoods, IL … and Consider Staying
Riverwoods itself is a small village with less than 5,000 people. Visiting or living in Riverwoods means you can get the best of small-town suburban life at the same time you enjoy metropolitan living, as the village is located near Chicago. Despite that fact, Riverwoods boasts an incredible safety record. According to Area Vibes, crime in the village is 74% lower than it is in the nation as a whole.
For those who decide to make a home in Riverwoods long term, income opportunities may increase. The average median household income in the village is a whopping 240% more than the U.S. average.
On top of these practical facts, the village of Riverwoods, IL, offers numerous attractions. In the village and nearby, you’ll find opportunities for exploring the outdoors, shopping, dining, and learning about arts and culture.
Why You Should Visit Riverwoods, IL … and Consider Staying
Riverwoods itself is a small village with less than 5,000 people. Visiting or living in Riverwoods means you can get the best of small-town suburban life at the same time you enjoy metropolitan living, as the village is located near Chicago. Despite that fact, Riverwoods boasts an incredible safety record. According to Area Vibes, crime in the village is 74% lower than it is in the nation as a whole.
For those who decide to make a home in Riverwoods long term, income opportunities may increase. The average median household income in the village is a whopping 240% more than the U.S. average.
On top of these practical facts, the village of Riverwoods, IL, offers numerous attractions. In the village and nearby, you’ll find opportunities for exploring the outdoors, shopping, dining, and learning about arts and culture.
Attractions in Riverwoods, IL
Being so near a big city, Riverwoods, IL, boasts plenty of attractions, and you can easily find fun for the entire family.
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America is a theme park located near Chicago. Rides like the American Eagle roller coaster at this location offer classic speed and thrills, and in warmer months, you may want to give water-themed rides like AQUAMAN Splashdown a go. Shopping, dining, kids’ activities, and games help you fill an entire day at this theme park easily.
Riverwoods, IL, Offers Beautiful Wedding Venues
Gorgeous country club landscapes, small churches and venues, and public parks are only some of the locations popular for marriage ceremonies in and around Riverwoods, IL. Whether you want an intimate private ceremony or a raucous party to celebrate your nuptials, you can find a beautiful and appropriate venue in or around Riverwoods, IL.
Enjoying the Outdoors in Riverwoods, IL
Being so near the city, you might worry that greenspaces are hard to come by. In reality, there are many attractions in Riverwoods, IL, and the nearby area that let you enjoy the great outdoors.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers an opportunity to explore plant life from around the world. Cook County residents do get a slight discount, but the cost for nonresidents is only $2 more, and children under 3 are free. Locals who are enthusiastic about botanicals can purchase individual or household memberships for free admission to the garden.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers an opportunity to explore plant life from around the world. Cook County residents do get a slight discount, but the cost for nonresidents is only $2 more, and children under 3 are free. Locals who are enthusiastic about botanicals can purchase individual or household memberships for free admission to the garden.
Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
The Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area provides a place where you can explore trails and see rare species of plants. A small farm area at the location sometimes houses goats, sheep, and chickens, and rain and butterfly gardens provide a spot for resting while you watch the wildlife.
Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
The Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area provides a place where you can explore trails and see rare species of plants. A small farm area at the location sometimes houses goats, sheep, and chickens, and rain and butterfly gardens provide a spot for resting while you watch the wildlife.
Didier Farms
For a bigger farm experience, consider a visit to Didier Farms. Seasonal events, games, and foods make each visit unique, and you can also shop at the farmstand to fill your own kitchen with local goods.
Didier Farms
For a bigger farm experience, consider a visit to Didier Farms. Seasonal events, games, and foods make each visit unique, and you can also shop at the farmstand to fill your own kitchen with local goods.
Potawatomi Woods
The Potawatomi Woods park location provides hiking and walking opportunities and, in the winter, cross-country skiing. Get out for fresh air and enjoy the beauty of woods and green spaces. Fishing, bicycling, and model boating can be done here, and dogs on leashes are welcome.
Potawatomi Woods
The Potawatomi Woods park location provides hiking and walking opportunities and, in the winter, cross-country skiing. Get out for fresh air and enjoy the beauty of woods and green spaces. Fishing, bicycling, and model boating can be done here, and dogs on leashes are welcome.
Illinois Beach State Park
Get inspiration from views of Lake Michigan at the Illinois Beach State Park. Marshes and dunes are home to an abundant array of animal life in this location.
Illinois Beach State Park
Get inspiration from views of Lake Michigan at the Illinois Beach State Park. Marshes and dunes are home to an abundant array of animal life in this location.
Lake Arlington
This man-made lake boasts a 2-mile walking path and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and bird watching. A playground is available for children, and you can rent pavilions for picnics and paddle boats for use on the lake.
Lake Arlington
This man-made lake boasts a 2-mile walking path and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and bird watching. A playground is available for children, and you can rent pavilions for picnics and paddle boats for use on the lake.
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is home to 5.5 miles of gravel trails where visitors can walk or bike. The trails are also good for cross-country skiing in the cooler months. Fishing is also allowed.
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is home to 5.5 miles of gravel trails where visitors can walk or bike. The trails are also good for cross-country skiing in the cooler months. Fishing is also allowed.
Riverwoods, IL is Home to Amazing Country Clubs
Within a short driving distance, you’ll find a number of amazing country clubs. Whether you want a place to call home for tennis or golf or you like the idea of socializing over friendly games or during summer swimming sessions, you can find a country club that’s right for you. Country club members usually benefit from a variety of perks, and those in Riverwoods, IL, may enjoy VIP access to event venues, fitness opportunities, and fine dining.
Riverwoods, IL Has Challenging Golf Courses
At the country club or on the public links, you can perfect your swing in and near Riverwoods, IL, on numerous golf courses. Play your favorite course, enjoy a club membership, or branch out to try some other greens. Options in the area include Ravinia Green Country Club, Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Deerfield Golf Club, and Traditions at Chevy Chase.
Arts, Museums, and Culture in Riverwoods, IL
Delve into topics of interest to you or learn about history, new cultures, or hobbies with tourist attractions in Riverwoods, IL, such as museums.
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
Learn about indigenous peoples from the area, read and view stories of survival and life for American Indians, and see plenty of artifacts at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
Learn about indigenous peoples from the area, read and view stories of survival and life for American Indians, and see plenty of artifacts at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is the area’s premiere location for music, theatre, and other performing arts. Whether you’re into dance, music, or the spoken word, you’ll likely find an act of interest to you on the events calendar.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is the area’s premiere location for music, theatre, and other performing arts. Whether you’re into dance, music, or the spoken word, you’ll likely find an act of interest to you on the events calendar.
Laugh Out Loud Theater
Enjoy the fun at Laugh Out Loud Theater, where stand-up comics and improv groups are always willing to put on a show. Those who long to join in on stage can take classes to test the waters.
Laugh Out Loud Theater
Enjoy the fun at Laugh Out Loud Theater, where stand-up comics and improv groups are always willing to put on a show. Those who long to join in on stage can take classes to test the waters.
ArtWauk
Every month, art explodes in different locations and according to unique themes in ArtWauk. Galleries, artists, and others join in to create a fun experience that’s worth exploring.
ArtWauk
Every month, art explodes in different locations and according to unique themes in ArtWauk. Galleries, artists, and others join in to create a fun experience that’s worth exploring.
Jack Benny Center
For those who want to make or participate in art as much as they want to view it, the Jack Benny Center for the Arts offers classes. Choose from arts, dance, or theater classes or book private music lessons.
Jack Benny Center
For those who want to make or participate in art as much as they want to view it, the Jack Benny Center for the Arts offers classes. Choose from arts, dance, or theater classes or book private music lessons.
National Museum of the American Sailor
The National Museum of the American Sailor includes a variety of exhibits covering the history of naval achievements and activities. You’ll learn about boot camp experiences, historic sailing tactics, and other topics in this unique museum.
National Museum of the American Sailor
The National Museum of the American Sailor includes a variety of exhibits covering the history of naval achievements and activities. You’ll learn about boot camp experiences, historic sailing tactics, and other topics in this unique museum.
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
The Arlington Heights Historical Museum houses permanent and temporary exhibits on all types of topics, from the history of soda to a replica of a settler’s log cabin. Seasonal events and educational opportunities abound, so locals may want to keep an eye on the museum calendar.
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
The Arlington Heights Historical Museum houses permanent and temporary exhibits on all types of topics, from the history of soda to a replica of a settler’s log cabin. Seasonal events and educational opportunities abound, so locals may want to keep an eye on the museum calendar.
Entertainment in Riverwoods, IL
If you want an option for family fun or a night out on the town with friends, check out some of these entertainment opportunities in Riverwoods, IL.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
This community-style theater has been bringing laughter and tears to audiences for more than three decades. Consider checking out the schedule to find out what concerts and plays are on tap each season.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
This community-style theater has been bringing laughter and tears to audiences for more than three decades. Consider checking out the schedule to find out what concerts and plays are on tap each season.
Par-King Skill Golf
Enjoy an afternoon or evening testing your putting skills at Par-King Skill Golf. This location is often only open on the weekends, so check the website or call ahead to make sure you’ll have access to the fun when you get there. While this is a family-friendly location, kids have to be 48 inches or taller to be admitted and play, so it may not be the right choice for those with younger children.
Par-King Skill Golf
Enjoy an afternoon or evening testing your putting skills at Par-King Skill Golf. This location is often only open on the weekends, so check the website or call ahead to make sure you’ll have access to the fun when you get there. While this is a family-friendly location, kids have to be 48 inches or taller to be admitted and play, so it may not be the right choice for those with younger children.
Genesee Theatre
When the lights go down at Genesee Theatre, the entertainment starts. Catch plays, concerts, and a variety of other shows at this location. If you’re looking for a place to host an event or put on your own show, it does offer rental options.
Genesee Theatre
When the lights go down at Genesee Theatre, the entertainment starts. Catch plays, concerts, and a variety of other shows at this location. If you’re looking for a place to host an event or put on your own show, it does offer rental options.
Shopping in Riverwoods, IL
Drive a few minutes through Riverwoods, IL, or into nearby cities and towns and you’ll find plenty of shopping. Check out some of the favorite options below.
Deer Park Town Center
This open-air shopping center boasts favorite chains such as Barnes & Noble and plenty of lifestyle and fashion shopping opportunities. Take some time to walk from store to store, or get in and out of your favorite retailer quickly thanks to ample parking.
Gurnee Mills
Gurnee Mills shopping mall and outlet is located in Gurnee, IL. It’s a great location for those who want high fashion or brand-name items at a great deal. Make a day of it and plan to get lunch and drinks while you’re there.
Hawthorn Mall
Want to hit the food court and window-shop? The Hawthorn Mall is a traditional mall banked by department stores, and you’ll find a variety of shops to meet your retail therapy needs inside. Bring the kids and explore everything this location has to offer on a weekend afternoon.
Downtown Arlington Heights
Spend the day in downtown Arlington Heights for shopping, dining, and exploring other locations. Take a friend or browse on your own for seasonal gifts, or plan to spend the day on retail therapy before you check out the nightlife.
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa is a Japanese grocery store. You can shop online or in the Chicago location to find ingredients to make traditional Japanese dishes.
Downtown Waukegan
Downtown Waukegan also offers interesting shopping opportunities. Plan a Saturday afternoon eating and window shopping in the area, or pop in when you're in town to look through one or two of the shops while killing time.
Events and Event Venues in Riverwoods, IL
Looking to make your own entertainment? Book an event venue in Riverwoods, IL. From country club locations that offer lovely landscapes and party rooms to local lodges and churches, the area offers plenty of options. Whether you’re looking to host a party, business meeting, or intimate luncheon with a few friends, event venues in Riverwoods, IL, have you covered.
Nearby Areas and Neighborhoods of Riverwoods, IL
Because Riverwoods is a village of only a few thousand people, those looking to move to the area may also need to consider nearby areas and neighborhoods. Luckily, you can find almost anything you’re looking for with a few miles of driving in any direction. Whether you need a hotel for the evening or a home for the upcoming years, Riverwoods and the surrounding areas are great places to look.
Consider options like other Chicago suburbs or the Windy City itself. Inverness, Arlington Heights, Deerfield, and Highland Park are just some of the neighborhoods and towns you might want to look for. Do you dream of living in a high-rise luxury apartment, or do you want a suburban fenced-in yard? Anything’s possible in this region.
Where to Stay in Riverwoods, IL
Whether you’re visiting Riverwoods, IL, for business, spending some family vacation time in the area due to all the tourist attractions, or scouting the region for your next home, you may need a place to stay temporarily. Hotels, Airbnbs, and other popular short-term stay options are available throughout the village and surrounding area. But you might also consider a suite at a country club, where you can enjoy posh amenities and spend some time on tennis courts or golf courses during your stay.
Make Riverwoods, IL, Your Next Home or Vacation Destination
Plenty of attractions and things to do in Riverwoods, IL, and the surrounding area make this a great destination for adventure. If you’re looking for a place to stay while exploring Chicago, this nearby village should top your list. And if you’re moving to the area for work or just a change, Riverwoods is an excellent choice. Low crime rates, high incomes, and a decent housing cost for the area all contribute to making this village an ideal home in the Chicago area.