Wauconda, Illinois is a small town located in Lake County. This city is home to a National Natural Landmark, the Wauconda Bog Nature Preserve. The surrounding area is dotted with lakes and ponds, as well as several parks and golf courses.
Lakewood Forest Preserve
You can take your dog on a walk in the woods, or you can ride a horse. You can also enjoy the winter recreation trails. This location also has a dog park and a pond. Whatever you do, you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy in this Wauconda, Illinois, preserve.
If you’re interested in hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing, there are trails available for those who don’t want to venture far from home. The Fort Hill Trail is one such trail, and it’s open to hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Some sections of the Millenium Trail are also suitable for horseback riding.
One of the most recent wildlife sightings in Wauconda is of Billy the Bison, a female bison that escaped from a farm in September. The bison was being corralled into a trailer when it escaped. Since then, local residents have seen the bison dozens of times, most recently in the Lakewood Forest Preserve.
In the 19th century, the Lakewood Forest Preserve was used to collect firewood and lumber for farmers. The property was later purchased by Malcolm Boyle, who turned it into a country estate, Lakewood Farms. The Boyles tended a variety of livestock and tended gardens, and their estate became the largest in the county. Howard Quinn later converted the property into a dairy farm, and Lakewood Forest Preserve’s expansion began in 1968.
Another popular activity is bird watching. You’ll have a great time spotting different types of birds and animals, and the parking lot is convenient. The preserve is also a good place for picnickers. It’s a nature preserve, and the wildlife there is protected. There are plenty of trails to explore.
Docks restaurant
If you’re looking for a lake view restaurant, Docks is the spot for you. This lakefront Festive spot offers live music, burgers, and seafood. Guests can also enjoy the lakeside deck bar. The Docks is also dog-friendly, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a casual dining experience.
The Docks Bar and Grill serves a wide range of dishes and a wide variety of beers. The casual setting provides a fun atmosphere, and the bar area has a tiki bar feel. The menu includes daily specials, such as mega nachos, ground beef, grilled chicken, and the docks burger.
The Docks Café offers BBQ pork sandwiches made with the tenderest part of the pork and topped with housemade sauce. The sandwiches are served with fries and cole slaw. The chefs have also created an authentic seafood pasta. The seafood is sauteed in white wine and served over linguini. The menu also features a homemade double chocolate chip cookie. For dessert, you can choose from vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry.
Phil’s Beach
One of the most popular summer spots in Wauconda is Phil’s Beach. This newly remodeled beach boasts a newly furnished bathhouse, boardwalk, picnic pavilion, and splash park. Visitors can buy bricks to mark their footprint on the walkway.
Aside from the beach, visitors can also take advantage of the town’s numerous nature preserves and view its impressive flora and fauna. Wauconda is also home to the largest locomotive museum in the world. Families, solo travelers, and couples can all enjoy this quaint, Midwest town.
Dining is another great option in Wauconda. Lindy’s, a locally owned family restaurant, serves delicious cuisine while overlooking the marina. During weekends, live music is available in the restaurant. There are also private parties and catering services available for events.
There is always something going on in Wauconda. The town has its own farmers’ market on Main Street every Thursday. It also hosts the Wauconda rodeo, the only IPRA-sanctioned rodeo in Lake County. And in late June, the park district holds a family-friendly festival called Wauconda Fest. The festival includes live music, carnival rides, and a beer and wine tasting tent.
Side Lot Brewery
Side Lot Brewery in Wauconde is a great place to grab a bite to eat. Their menu includes perfectly cooked sandwiches, bacon, and tacos. Not only that, but they also have an excellent selection of draft and craft beers. Plus, they serve wine as well. They also have a friendly staff and a fun atmosphere.
Side Lot Brewery opened in 2015 with 60 seats and a beer garden in downtown Wauconda, Illinois. The brewery is operated by managing partner and head brewer Phil Castello. You can enjoy high quality IPAs, ales, and pilsners here. You can also enjoy a charcuterie board and candied bacon with your beer.
Unlike big companies that own dozens of breweries, Side Lot Brewery in Waucona is a locally owned, family-owned brewer. In addition to serving great beers, it features a safe outdoor beer garden. As a matter of fact, the outside beer garden has been modified to provide a safe drinking environment for the community.
The brewery is five years old and already making a name for itself with its unique brews. During the last Halloween, Side Lot Brewery released a special edition ‘Sugar Series’ beer. In order to make this beer, the brewery used candies made by Hershey’s. The beer even has labeling mimicking the candy.
