Those Who Live in or Around Volo, Illinois, Love the Welcoming Atmosphere and Variety of Activities.
Whether You're Into Outdoor Activities, Unique Attractions, or Family-friendly Adventures, the Area Offers Something for Everyone.
Top 10 Ways to Complete Your Trip After Exploring the Volo Museum, Extend Your Visit With These Nearby Attractions and Experiences.
1. Jurassic Gardens
Realistic Encounters • Roaring Dinosaurs • Year-Round
Jurassic Gardens is the Midwest’s only permanent dinosaur adventure. It roars to life with over 40 lifelike dinosaurs that move, breathe, and roar around you. Walk through lush, prehistoric landscapes filled with sound and light effects that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Both thrilling and educational, it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure for dino fans of every age.
Located on the same property as the Volo Museum, Jurassic Gardens takes visitors back 65 million years. With lifelike dinosaurs, fossil digs, educational exhibits, and an arcade, it’s both fun and educational.
👉 Explore combo passes: https://www.volocars.com/jurassic-gardens
2. Illinois Railway Museum
The Illinois Railway Museum is one of the largest railway museums in the U.S., featuring 450+ pieces of historic equipment, including locomotives and passenger cars.
The Illinois Railway Museum (IRM, (reporting mark IRMX) is a railroad museum located in Union, Illinois, it is also the largest railroad museum in the United States.[1][2][3] It is located in the Chicago metropolitan area at 7000 Olson Road in Union, Illinois, 55 miles (89 km) northwest of downtown Chicago.
👉 Plan your visit: https://www.irm.org
3. McHenry Outdoor Theater
The McHenry Outdoor Theater, located at 1510 Chapel Hill Rd in McHenry, IL, is a historic drive-in theater operating from spring through late fall, featuring a 100-foot screen and double features. It offers a nostalgic, family-friendly experience with modern amenities, concessions, and FM radio sound (89.9 FM). The 2026 season opens April 3rd.
👉 Check Showtimes: https://www.goldenagecinemas.com/
4. Phil's Beach
Phil’s Beach in Wauconda, Illinois, is a historic 3.5-acre swimming destination on Bangs Lake, famous as a 1980 The Blues Brothers filming location.
Following a $3 million renovation by the Wauconda Park District, it reopened in 2020, featuring the iconic, preserved “J-Slide” for photos, a splash pad, concessions, and a sandy beach.
Key Details About Phil’s Beach:
Blues Brothers Fame: The beach featured in the 1980 film where characters drove on the sand to advertise their show. The famous “J-Slide” (a tall, J-shaped water slide) seen in the movie is still on-site.
Reopening & Amenities: After closing in 1990 due to insurance costs, the park district took over, reopening in 2020 with a boardwalk, bathhouse, picnic pavilion, and a new splash pad.
The J-Slide: The original 50-foot J-Slide was removed from the water for safety but remains on land as a, according to YouTube user “Blues Brothers Filming Location”, “landlubber” photo opportunity.
Operations: The beach operates seasonally, generally from June to August, offering daily fees or season passes, as described in the Wauconda Park District’s 2026 Season details.
History: Founded in the 1920s by Phil Froehlke, the site was a beloved Midwestern swimming spot for decades before its revitalization.
👉 Explore Phil’s Beach: https://www.waucondaparks.com/parks-facilities/philsbeach/
5. Fish Lake Beach
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo, IL, is a family-owned campground on Route 12 offering sandy beach lake swimming, boating (kayaks, canoes, pedal boats), and fishing. Open from mid-April to October, it caters to RVers, tent campers, and seasonal campers with a heated pool, hot tub, and organized activities.
👉 Explore Camping & More: https://fishlakebeach.com/
6. Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America, located in Gurnee, IL, between Chicago and Milwaukee, is the “Thrill Capital of the Midwest,” featuring 17 roller coasters, themed areas, and the included 20-acre Hurricane Harbor Chicago water park. Open from late April through October, it offers high-octane rides, family attractions, live entertainment, and events like Fright Fest.
👉 Get Tickets: https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica
7. Volo Bog State Natural Area
Located 56 miles northwest of Chicago, Volo Bog State Natural Area features the only remaining open-water quaking bog in Illinois and is the southernmost such bog in North America. It is a 47.5-acre site formed 6,000 years ago by glacial activity, featuring a floating vegetation mat of sphagnum moss.
- Unique Ecosystem: The bog features five distinct ecological zones—from open water (“the eye”) to a tamarack forest—showcasing all stages of bog succession.
- Boardwalk: A 0.5-mile interpretive trail/boardwalk takes visitors through the marsh and into the heart of the bog.
- Wildlife Viewing: It is a prime birding spot, with sightings of sandhill cranes, herons, and green herons. Other wildlife include deer, beaver, fox, and rare plants like pitcher plants.
- Hiking & Nature Center: In addition to the interpretive trail, the 3.7-mile Tamarack View Trail offers a longer hike. The visitor center is located in an renovated farmhouse and offers educational exhibits.
- Volunteers & Education: The Friends of Volo Bog supports the site through restoration and education efforts.
👉 Learn More: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.volobog.html
8. McHenry River Front Shoppes
The McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes are a Seasonal “tiny house” retail incubator program located at 1202 Riverside Drive in McHenry, IL, running from late spring through October. Situated along Boone Creek, they feature small, local startup businesses selling artisan goods, gifts, treats, and apparel, operating Friday-Saturday (10 AM–6 PM) and Sunday (10 AM–4 PM).
👉 View The Shoppe Directory: https://mchenrychamber.com/mchenry-riverwalk-shoppes
9. Lake Geneva, WI
The Lake Geneva region is a place where endless adventures await! Whether you’re seeking thrills on the water, heart-pumping hikes through stunning scenery, or a day of exploring charming towns and indulging in delicious cuisine, you’ll never run out of exciting spots to discover and enjoy. Lake Geneva offers the perfect activities for visitors of any age, the list of things to do in Lake Geneva is endless!
If outdoor adventures are what you’re after, the Lake Geneva area is a dream come true. Immerse yourself in Lake Geneva’s beauty as you explore scenic shore paths, nature preserves, beaches, and apple orchards. From fishing on the lake to premiere golf courses to soaring in a hot air balloon, excitement abounds. Explore by land on an e-bike or glide across the lake on a pontoon boat. Thrill-seekers will love ziplining, high ropes courses, and mountain biking. Families with kids will have a blast visiting a wildlife safari, a petting zoo, or going horseback riding.
If you’re looking for a slower pace, browse around our unique shops and boutiques to discover keepsakes, antiques, and crafts or learn a new skill in local classes. Visit historic landmarks and tour fascinating museums and estates or rejuvenate at one of the area’s spas and salons offering massages and skin treatments. Then wrap up your day with some first class entertainment and relax with a drink at a winery or brewery, soaking up our lakeside culture.
👉 Explore more: https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/
10. Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois
Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois, is a premier fall destination famous for hosting the “World’s Largest Corn Maze,” featuring 28 acres and over 10 miles of trails. Open primarily from September to October, it offers a massive, 50-foot observation tower, zip-lining, zorbing (riding in a giant ball), live pig races, and extensive pumpkin patches, making it a full-day experience for families and adults.
2026 Tulip Fields Update
We have had a few warmer days, 75.6 growing degrees since January, that have added to the 300-330 growing degrees needed before tulips bloom and we open. Look at the map on the tulip festival page to see the 2026 design and the names of this year’s plantings.
👉 Plan A Visit: https://richardsonadventurefarm.com/
Last But Not Least - The Volo Museum
Whether you’re moving to Volo or just passing through, the Volo Museum should be at the top of your list. Here, you can explore an incredible collection of classic, celebrity, and pop culture vehicles. Once you’ve experienced the museum, you can easily build a full itinerary around the many nearby attractions.
Visitors of all ages plan trips around the Volo Auto Museum—a 35-acre destination featuring 33 unique exhibits. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy it. While there are stunning vehicles from the early 1900s, you’ll also find iconic cars from movies, television, and American pop culture.
The museum is home to over 400 vehicles you won’t see anywhere else. Since everything is indoors, it’s a perfect year-round destination—especially for families visiting the greater Chicago area.
If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to check the museum’s event calendar. Food is part of the Museum experience! Make sure you grab some BBQ at Grams Central Station, Ice Cream Sundaes from the Ice Cream Parlor, or seasonal treats from our on-site pizza parlor Mama Mia’s.
👉 Learn more https://volofun.com/attractions/ or plan your visit
