Author: Visit Lake County

Lake County Serves Up Fall Flavors & Festive Fun

, Date: September 26, 2025

As summer fades and the leaves turn brilliant shades of gold and crimson, Lake County transforms into an autumn haven with the return of its Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration. The seasonal campaign, hosted by Visit Lake County (VLC), invites residents and visitors alike to experience the magic of fall through festivals, haunted attractions and a toast to local breweries, wineries and distilleries.

Running now through the end of October, the initiative offers a packed calendar of events designed to capture the full spirit of fall. From family-friendly pumpkin patches to spine-tingling haunted houses, the celebration aims to spotlight the county’s seasonal traditions, its vibrant businesses, and its growing craft beverage scene.

Festivals & Family Traditions

Lake County is well known for its fall festivals, and “Spooks and Spirits” highlights some of the area’s most beloved seasonal gatherings. Small-town main streets and community parks will host parades, costume contests and farmers markets featuring local produce and artisan goods.

For families, the celebration emphasizes timeless traditions. Children can race through corn mazes, climb haystacks, paint pumpkins and don costumes for parades that fill streets with cheerful ghosts, witches and superheroes. Parents can join in the fun while taking in live music, sampling seasonal treats and browsing vendor booths that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Autumnal Attractions Abound in Lake County

No autumn celebration would be complete without a touch of fright. Spooks and Spirits encourages thrill seekers to explore Lake County’s haunted attractions. Historic homes, barns and cornfields are transformed into sites of supernatural suspense, offering carefully staged scares for those who love a good adrenaline rush.

The county also benefits from one of the region’s best-known Halloween draws: Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS. Each year, the theme park in Gurnee turns into a world of ghouls, monsters and haunted mazes. By day, families can enjoy traditional rides with fall-themed entertainment. By night, fog rolls in and costumed actors roam the park, creating an immersive haunted experience.

For those seeking a lighter, more nostalgic version of Halloween, local farms and orchards open their gates to visitors throughout the season. Families can wander through towering corn mazes, take hayrides and pick out pumpkins to carve into jack-o’-lanterns. Many farms also offer apple cider donuts, hot cocoa and other seasonal specialties that draw long lines from both locals and tourists.

A Toast to Local Brews & Spirits

While children enjoy pumpkin patches and corn mazes, adults have their own reasons to celebrate autumn in Lake County. The campaign places a spotlight on the Lake County Libation Trail, a network of breweries, wineries and distilleries producing locally crafted drinks.

With more than 30 stops across the county, the trail has become a year-round draw, but autumn brings an extra layer of appeal. Breweries roll out pumpkin ales and spiced lagers, wineries uncork bottles that pair perfectly with crisp evenings, and distilleries offer small-batch spirits that warm from the inside out.

Visit Lake County is promoting its Libation Trail Check-In Challenge. Participants can download a mobile passport, check in at participating venues and earn prizes along the way. The campaign also reminds visitors to drink responsibly and consider designated drivers or rideshare services when traveling between venues. A few of the creations that highlight Lake County’s vibrant artisan drink scene include:

At Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. in Long Grove, the Big Ludwigski pays homage to the classic German Märzen with 5.7% ABV, robust Munich malts and a crisp, clean finish. Inspired by the cult film The Big Lebowski, it’s a seasonal favorite that flows freely during the brewery’s annual Oktoberfest festival, complete with oompah music, stein-holding contests and Bavarian fare.
Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire also celebrates the season with its Oktoberfest Märzen. At 6.5% ABV, the lager offers rich caramel and biscuit malt flavors balanced by noble hops for a smooth, refreshing finish.
Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville taps into the tradition with Pretzel Logic, a Festbier that stands out with a slightly lighter, hoppier profile than typical Märzens. Its malty body and cracker-like notes make it an easy-drinking choice for a lively Oktoberfest party.
Roaring Table Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich introduces Pubtoberfest, a collaboration with Beers on the Wall. This hybrid combines Oktoberfest lager and English ale styles, creating a nutty, malty beer with stone fruit and toffee aromas. The fusion reflects the creativity that continues to define the Libation Trail.
At Steep Ravine Brewing Co. in Highland Park, collaboration is also key. Partnering with Buffalo Creek, the brewery crafted Franc’s Rotbier, a Franconian-style red lager known for its amber color, caramel notes and crisp drinkability. With 5.3% ABV, it’s a nod to the traditional lagers of Nuremberg, Germany.
Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich offers its signature Loaded Bloody Mary, piled high with snacks like cheese, sausage, pepperoni and pickles. Guests can choose the traditional vodka base or add a kick with Fyren Gin, infused with serrano peppers.
At North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks, the Smokey Tahitian blends their Tahitian Vanilla Vodka with smoky Lapsang Souchong tea for a cocktail that feels both cozy and adventurous. Smooth enough to sip neat but versatile in mixed drinks, the creation delivers campfire warmth with a tropical edge.
28 Mile Distilling Co. in Highwood serves up the Elf-spresso Martini, blending Elf Butterscotch Bourbon Whiskey with espresso and coffee liqueur. The cocktail combines a sweet finish with a caffeinated boost, offering both comfort and energy on a chilly evening.
For wine lovers, Lynfred Winery in Wheeling and Highland Park releases its seasonal Oktoberfest Wine, a tribute to its German heritage. With aromas of pear, peach and apple layered with tropical fruit, the wine pairs well with bratwurst, pretzels and apple pie.
Glunz Family Winery and Cellars in Grayslake features Mission Angelica, a fortified dessert wine aged an average of 25 years in oak barrels. The result is a lush blend of butterscotch and maple balanced by acidity, making it a standout for autumn tastings.
Valentino Vineyards and Winery in Long Grove pours the 2020 Seyval Blanc, a late-harvest white wine with hints of honey and oak. Its crisp flavor and smooth finish make it a versatile choice, especially when paired with seasonal dishes like pumpkin pie.
In Waukegan, Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing Co. offers Rosemary’s Baby, an American Pale Ale infused with blood orange and rosemary. With 7.8% ABV, it’s both bold and aromatic, balancing citrus brightness with herbal depth.
9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa presents Dark Poet’s Society, a Schwarzbier that leans on roasted malts for a dark yet smooth lager. At 5.3% ABV, it delivers toasty flavors with a crisp finish.
For those who enjoy sours, Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich recently released Frog Stack, a fruited Gose layered with peach, blackberry and marshmallow. Its tart yet sweet character and 4.5% ABV make it a playful seasonal pour.
Celebrate the “T-formation” with former Chicago Bears special teamer extraordinaire Patrick Mannelly as he partnered up with Tighhead Brewing Co. in Mundelein to create Long Snapper IPA. The longest-tenured Bear’s suds has ample base, and Vienna malt accented by caramel notes from Karastan and Munich Malts. Designed on Mannelly’s favorite beer styles, this IPA stands at 6% ABV and contains 40 IBUs.
Nearby, Pips Meadery in Gurnee takes fall in a dessert-inspired direction with Banana Walnut Bread Mead. At 14% ABV, the rich honey wine combines nutty walnut, sweet banana and maple syrup for a drink reminiscent of a baked treat.
Harbor Brewing Co., with locations in Lake Villa and Winthrop Harbor, leans classic with Her Name Was Amber, an American Red Ale full of caramel and toffee notes. Its 6% ABV profile is smooth and versatile, matching the crisp evenings of early fall.
At Black Lung Brewing Co. in Fox Lake, Grayslake and Round Lake Beach, crack open a metaphorical can of Caduceus and pour some comedic froth onto this beer-wine hybrid! Imagine this: Your taste buds are tired of the same old IPA routine. They crave a tropical vacation, a fruity fling, a sip of something that whispers Sauvignon Blanc but roars with hoppy swagger. Enter Caduceus, the “White Wine IPA” that’s basically a party in a pint glass. The 7.5% ABV hazy IPA beer has 18 IBUs on the scale. The brew is not only created with Nelson Sauvin and Hallertau Blanc hops, its also fermented with 30% Sauvignon Blanc grape juice.
At Wild Onion Brewery and Banquets in Lake Barrington, the return of Pumpkin Ale delivers an amber-hued classic flavored with pumpkin pie spices. With a 5.4% ABV and balanced maltiness, it’s a Lake County staple for celebrating the season.
Wright’s Brew and Bistro in Lincolnshire, located inside the Marriott Resort, serves the Bee’s Knees, a gin cocktail made with honey from the resort’s own apiaries and fresh lemon juice. The drink offers a lighter, refreshing option as summer fades into fall.
Broken Tee Brewing Co. in Highwood is experimenting with its Swing Hard Hard Seltzer. Traditionally offered in flavors like black cherry and Moscow Mule, the brewery is teasing seasonal variations including pumpkin spice — a nod to seltzer lovers seeking fall flair.

A Seasonal Invitation

As Halloween approaches, Visit Lake County encourages residents and travelers to embrace all that the region has to offer. Whether it is dressing up for a parade, braving a haunted maze, or raising a glass on the Libation Trail, the Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration provides opportunities for every age and interest.

The campaign runs through October, giving visitors plenty of time to experience its variety of offerings. Click here for schedules, event details and Libation Trail passport information. For those seeking a seasonal escape, Lake County promises a “BOOtiful” weekend — or several.

Libation Trail Showcases Lake County’s Rich Tradition of Artisan Drink Making

, Date: February 15, 2023

This post is contributed by our partners at Visit Lake County – the official destination marketing organization and champion of tourism for Lake County, Illinois. The organization is comprised of thirteen community partners plus Lake County, along with 200 industry partners including hotels, attractions and hospitality-related industries, all of whom recognize the powerful economic impact of tourism.

“In wine there is wisdom, in beer, there is freedom, in water there is bacteria,” said U.S. Founding Father and esteemed libation consumer Benjamin Franklin.

Lake County makes its own, from beer and wine to vodka and whiskey. Thirty-plus independent businesses highlight the Lake County Libation Trail which winds throughout the county and showcases adult beverages from locally-sourced ingredients, designed to dazzle and educate the most discerning tastes.

Visit Lake County launched the Libation Trail initiative in 2017 with only eight participants, and since then it has blossomed.

The Libation Trail marketing strategy aims to support the county’s thriving craft beverage scene throughout the year, with February designated as “Libation Trail Month” and an added focus during the “Spooks and Spirits” Autumn Celebration. These campaigns encourage locals and visitors to taste Lake County’s character, enjoy its vibrant communities, and support local businesses in the process.

“Visit Lake County supports these hospitality partners year-round in our promotional efforts and referrals to groups we attract to stay here, and the locals show great loyalty to their favorites,” said Visit Lake County Programs Director John Maguire. “Guests will find the state’s oldest brewpub, innovative newcomers, creative collaborations and great camaraderie among the industry peers. Award-winning craft beer, fine wine and delicious spirits make it an easy sell.”

Visit Lake County designates every February as “Libation Trail Month,” which includes a Check-in Challenge. When craft drinkers arrive at a participating location, they check in using their mobile passes to show they are in attendance. The user can scan the QR code on table tents or go to the website for a current list of participants and receive Libation Trail updates. If libation-ers check in to five or more Lake County Libation Trail partners during February, they are entered into a sweepstakes to win a commemorative long-sleeved shirt.

Finding a suitable multi-purpose facility is an essential element of opening a brewery, winery or distillery. Several new businesses and expansions are planned for 2023. Lake County has certainly demonstrated that it is a welcoming home for food, drink, and craft artisans. This is true not only for new businesses, but also for existing businesses that decide to expand into local communities to build on their success.

Lynfred Winery is one such example, having launched two Lake County locations over the last 14 years. Although the headquarters of its winery sits in DuPage County’s Roselle, the 40-year-old berry beverage maker opened its doors to its Wheeling location in 2009, while the Highland Park facility is nearing its first anniversary in June.

“For Wheeling, it was the charm of the building itself and its prime location on Milwaukee Avenue,” said Lynfred Wheeling and Highland Park Director of Operations Matt Philips. “We’re nestled between two nice restaurant districts, and being adjacent to the tollway was also a selling point. Lynfred is fortunate to have name recognition, and the community and our partners in town fully embraced us.”

“In Highland Park, the ability to be a part of a community with an established downtown, nestled in an area that gets daily foot traffic is what attracted us. There is a spillover from the traffic, whether they visit before dinner or go shopping, and they discover us along the way. We’re in great company among other industry leaders located nearby, including 28 Mile Distilling Company, Ravinia Brewing Company and Half Day Brewing Company.” As is the case with many growing small businesses, Lynfred Winery’s expansion plan has relied on community support and appealing brick and mortar spaces.

This also applies at Harbor Brewing Co., where the business has expanded to three Lake County locations since its inception. These spaces include the company’s first taproom facility in Winthrop Harbor, the lakefront Biergarten that sits on the Lake Michigan harbor at North Point Marina and its most recent Lake Villa establishment.

Camaraderie in the industry is a cornerstone of success, as Harbor’s Lake Villa location shares its space with other Lake County Libation Trail participant 9th Hour Brewing Co.

“Breweries are very tight-knit,” said Harbor Brewing Co. owner Kyle Wenzel. “When we opened our Lake Villa location, we were interested in sharing a space with a few fellow home brewers so that we could share ideas, energy and success. 9th Hour Brewing Co. decided to dip their toes in, and now, they’re distributing. It’s a nice way to help other potential breweries and entrepreneurs come up at a low-cost entry.”

“The community was receptive to us when we started 10 years ago. Winthrop Harbor is my hometown. I had a home brewer hobby and passion. We started really small, and it helped in the beginning, to get up and running in a community that knows you. We started with a small tap room, kept our day jobs, and slowly grew from there. We expanded as we could, but being in a local community that knew us definitely helped us to start.”

Other burgeoning breweries, wineries and distilleries have also found opportunities and jumped at the chance to call Lake County home. They have found immense support from municipal leaders, reliable utilities, a lively entertainment scene and a variety of spaces that can adapt to their uses and support retail spaces as well as manufacturing and distribution.

“Our current location in Lake Zurich stood out as a central location between both the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. It affords us with reasonable rent and the opportunity to purchase as we grow,” said Phase Three Brewing Co. co-owner and director of operations Evan Morris.

“The Village of Lake Zurich has been instrumental in not only streamlining the governmental approval process that comes with operating a business, but also in their willingness to actively facilitate community engagement for our brand.”

The Lake County Libation Trail is only growing and achieving more fame. For example, North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks was the first craft distillery to open in Illinois since the Prohibition Era. Sonja Kassebaum, one-half of the ownership at North Shore Distillery, was featured in “Chemists, Bartenders and British Royalty: Eight Women Who Changed Gin History” in Wine Magazine. Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville was the state’s first brewpub in 1993 and continues to win brewing industry awards today.

Several other breweries, distilleries and wineries have been honored with the Illinois Office of Tourism honor of “Illinois Made,” recognizing the state’s makers, creators, artisans, artists, family-owned businesses and more, including the aforementioned North Shore Distillery and Lynfred Winery, as well as the Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich and Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. Many Libation Trail partners have received countless awards for their innovative and fresh creations.

“As someone who grew up in Lake County, in the Buffalo Grove and Grayslake area, and then moved on to live and operate businesses elsewhere in Chicagoland for several years, the opportunity to return and tap into all that the area has to offer was exciting.” Morris said.

READY TO HIT THE LIBATION TRAIL?

Venture out on the Lake County Libation Trail throughout February and all-year round, and click here to learn more about how to support some of Lake County’s most unique small businesses along the way. Cheers! Salud! Prost! Kan-pie!