Grayslake: Trails, Water and Local History

Grayslake offers several specific reasons to visit: a community-wide network of bike paths and trails, local history experiences, and a seasonally open Aquatic Center. The variety of things to do helps you tailor your stay to the reason for your trip.

Bike Paths and Trails in Grayslake

Since 1989, Grayslake’s bike path and trail network has grown into a 21-mile system connecting all parts of the community. It also provides access to regional Lake County Forest Preserve trails, including the Des Plains Trail, which connects with the Chicago metropolitan area. The 21 miles describe the community-wide system; the connection to the Chicago metropolitan area is the regional context for the Des Plains Trail.

The Grayslake History Trail focuses on specific places and their significance to the community. It invites you to visit 20 locations in Grayslake on foot, by bike, while hiking, or skating, and learn more about the community along the way. If you enjoy combining local history with activity, this offers a specific way to plan your trip. The different ways of getting around give you several options for exploring the 20 locations.

Seasonal Planning and Places to Enjoy the Water

The Grayslake Aquatic Center is located in central Grayslake on five and a half acres near IL Route 83. In summer, it is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. The season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and lasts more than 90 days. Check current hours before your visit, as the seasonal schedule may change. For planning your visit, the seasonal opening period is therefore the main consideration.

Jones Island Beach has a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards. Check current operating conditions before your visit. The two places to enjoy the water suit different reasons for a visit: at the Aquatic Center, the season and daily opening hours are important; at Jones Island Beach, the boat launch for the watercraft listed above is the main feature.

Grayslake History at the Museum

The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum has three galleries for permanent and changing exhibits. The campus includes an 11,000-square-foot building with several galleries, archives, a community room, a dedicated classroom, a museum shop, and collection storage rooms. The adjacent classroom provides additional exhibition space and opportunities for hands-on learning; its use and configuration may change.

The Esper A. Petersen Gallery features the exhibit “Embracing Change: The Growth of Grayslake,” which explores the history of Grayslake. Check before your visit to see whether the exhibit is still on display. This helps you distinguish between the general offering of permanent and changing exhibits and the specific historical subject of this exhibit.

Outdoor Exhibits and Events

You can also explore local history outdoors: Millennium Court, a park at the northeast corner of Center Street and Seymour Avenue, features outdoor exhibits from the Grayslake Heritage Center and the Grayslake Historical Society. Their subjects include the history of Grayslake and Illinois. The “History in the Park” exhibit offers a glimpse into Grayslake’s history, including the origin of the town’s name and what Center Street looked like in the past. Alongside the museum galleries, the park offers another way to explore historical topics.

A recurring event can also determine when you travel: the Lake County Fair is held annually at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. If the fair is the reason for your trip, check the current event dates with the Fair Association and plan your stay around them.

Discover more destinations: Round Lake, Tower Lakes, Antioch, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Bannockburn, Waukegan, Deerfield

For the broader travel overview: Lake.