There are many things to do in Barrington, Illinois. The village is located in Lake and Cook counties and had a population of 10,722 as of the 2020 census. This northwest suburb of Chicago is surrounded by forests, wetlands, and parks, and it has a country-suburban feel.
Taft Farms
One of the best places to visit in Barrington, MA is Taft Farms, a farm that has been around for over 200 years. This farm is home to many native species and classic favorites. The farm offers educational opportunities and horticultural experiences. There are a number of places to go in Barrington to see and experience the area.
You will find everything from organic produce to baked goods at Taft Farms. There are even farm tours and a deli there. There is also a greenhouse, a pond and a forest on the farm. The farm is also close to Lake Mansfield Recreation Area.
If you’re an art lover, you can visit the Mass MoCA museum, a renovated former industrial building. It is home to over 400 modern art installations. It is known as one of the top destinations for creative types in the United States. This museum is divided into two parts: the indoor museum and the outdoor sculpture garden. It also has live performances and film events.
The town’s other attractions include the Vault Gallery, which showcases contemporary art. It is a fun place to visit in Barrington for art lovers. You can also visit the Emporium Antiques & Art Centre to see glass art.
Baker’s Lake
If you love birds, Baker’s Lake is the perfect place to go bird-watching. This 330-acre wildlife refuge has a heron rookery and trails you can hike through. It is also a great place for families to spend the day.
Baker’s Lake is a popular place to visit in Barrington. The lake is home to the famous Natural Preserve, which is also a popular recreational area. The lake is a great place to swim, boat, and enjoy nature. However, you are not allowed to use motorized boats on the lake.
Baker’s Lake is located west of Route 14. The park has two entrances off of Dundee and Hillside. There are a few parking spaces along the road. You can’t drive onto the lake, so you’ll have to park somewhere else. But if you’re driving, there’s a small break in the tall grass east of the parking lot.
If you enjoy wildlife, the place is perfect for bird watching. Bird-feeding stations are a popular attraction here. You can even see some rare species in their natural habitats. The place also hosts a variety of events, so it’s a great place to spend the day.
Baker’s Lake is a wildlife lover’s paradise. With the rich prairie environment, the lake’s shoreline is home to an incredible variety of bird species. A viewing platform is located at the north end of the lake, and June is peak bird-watching season. During this time, you’ll find colonies of great blue herons, great egrets, and back-crowned night herons nesting in the lake.
Crabtree Nature Center
If you’re interested in nature, then the Crabtree Nature Center is a great place to visit. This nature preserve is 112 acres and provides year-round outdoor recreation. Visitors can spend their days hiking through the woods, observing wildlife, or simply enjoying the views.
Whether you’re a family with children, or a couple of friends, there is something for you to enjoy at the Crabtree Nature Center. Its children’s area is interwoven with nature, so kids can learn about different animals while having fun. There’s also a large bird enclosure, which is a great place for family outings.
The park’s trail system offers ample opportunities for hikers to explore the area on their own. The nature center is open on Mondays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also visit during the park’s summer season to see how the landscape changes, as well as how animals adapt to the weather.
The Barrington History Museum is another great educational destination. It is a great alternative to museums in Chicago, and focuses on local Illinois history. Displays include local artist collections, children’s toys throughout the ages, and wedding dresses from different decades. The exhibitions are curated by locals, and the museum is open on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Windy Hill Farm
One of the best places to visit in Barrington is Windy Hill Farm, which features native fruit and vegetables, along with traditional favorites. The farm is a family-owned horticultural business serving Berkshire, Litchfield and Columbia counties. It features a retail garden center and a full-service landscape department. Founded by Dennis Mareb in 1980, Windy Hill Farm has grown into a multi-faceted business. It offers a wide selection of trees, shrubs, and vines.
The town also features several shops and restaurants. The Windy Hill Farm restaurant is located along the scenic riverbank. You can explore the gardens and waterfront at your own pace or take a shuttleworth tour. Whether you want to watch the sunset or enjoy cocktails, Windy Hill Farm is a great place to spend the afternoon.
The town is also home to Taft Farm, which is a family-owned farm that has been serving the Berkshire community for over 50 years. The farm is clean and well-kept, and visitors can visit unique parts of the property. There are farm tours for kids and adults, and you can even shop for fresh farm produce. Taft Farm is also dedicated to sustainable farming.
Yellow House Books is another great place to visit in Barrington. It has been in business since 1967, and offers a mix of new and used books. The store has won several awards for its selection. The store is about ten minutes from the W.E.B. Du Bois gravesite. Located on Glendale Road, the bookstore is a three-room shop that offers a large variety of used and rare books.
Norman Rockwell Museum
If you’re looking for something to do in Barrington, you may want to spend some time at the Norman Rockwell Museum. The museum features a variety of works by Rockwell and offers guided tours of his former house and grounds. You’ll also be able to view a collection of more than 60 editions of The Saturday Evening Post. The museum is also home to several special events throughout the year.
Another popular attraction in Barrington is the Windy Hill Farm, a working farm offering delicious local fruits and vegetables, and educational experiences. You’ll also want to check out the nearby Warner Mountain, which features 110 acres of skiable terrain. One-fifth of the mountain is accessible to children. You can find rentals and lessons for any skill level. There are also 11 lifts at the mountain, making this a fun activity for families.
Another interesting place to visit in Barrington is the Berkshire Museum of Art. It hosts more than 300 exhibitions a year, and admission is free. The beautiful and scenic Berkshire Botanical Gardens are another fun place to visit in Barrington. The gardens are open year-round, but the warmer months bring more flowers.
Another attraction in Barrington is the Great Barrington Riverway, a 1.5-mile path that runs along the Housatonic River. There are several stone bridges along the way. There’s also a gift shop to buy souvenirs.
Saint James Place
The historic building on Saint James Place in Barrington is undergoing renovation and renaming. This building was built in 1857 and is part of a historic preservation project. The new name reflects the work being done to save the building and preserve its history. The building rises above a grey, muddy afternoon and is part of the original construction.
Once the site of a small Episcopal church, Saint James Place has recently been transformed into a cultural hub. The historic structure is home to several arts organizations from Berkshire County. It also includes offices and rehearsal space. Saint James Place will host events, lectures, classes, and performances throughout the year. Weddings, corporate functions, and other events can also be held at Saint James Place.