Head about 40 miles north of the Loop to find Libertyville, located midway between Chicago and Milwaukee in Lake County. Take a look at our curated photo gallery to get a taste of what this Lake County suburb has to offer, from a historic downtown with boutiques and restaurants to outdoor recreation in the area’s forest preserves.

Photos by Mike Piff/WGN Radio; captions by Sara Tieman

  • Libertyville, the Spirit of Independence
  • In the heart of downtown Libertyville on Milwaukee Ave., many shops and restaurants are located in buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
  • Downtown Libertyville
  • Wayfinding signs in downtown Libertyville
  • Dairy Dream, a neighborhood staple since 1961 open seasonally. Located at 1229 W. Park Street in Libertyville.
  • Dreamsicle is one of Dairy Dream’s signature soft serve flavors, but they can custom blend over 28 flavors.
  • Visit Dairy Dream for 28 flavors of soft serve and a quick bite to eat.
  • Artist Alley in downtown Libertyville
  • Ansel B. Cook House or Cook Memorial Library dates circa 1878.
  • The Cook Memorial Library is on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a museum operated by the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society.
  • View to Cook Memorial Park, a popular community gathering spot in the heart of downtown Libertyville for farmers markets, car shows, and more.
  • Cook Memorial Library
  • Mickey Finn’s Brewery, the oldest brewpub in Illinois. Located at 345 N. Milwaukee Ave.
  • Mickey Finn’s brews their own beers on premise.
  • A peek inside one of Libertyville’s boutiques.
  • LEE Famous Donuts, 124 Peterson Road
  • Main Street Libertyville plaque designation
  • Independence Grove, 1899 W. Winchester, offers plenty of recreation opportunities and a place for weddings and reunions.
  • At Independence Grove Forest Preserve
  • 115-acre lake in Independence Grove Forest Preserve.
  • Libertyville METRA station
  • The Firkin (515 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
  • Inside the Firkin
  • Located in downtown Libertyville’s restaurant row, this is owned by two chefs born and raised in Libertyville.
  • Breakfast sandwich from Bagels by the Book
  • Cozy nook inside family-owned Bagels by the Book, 870 S. Milwaukee Ave.
  • Black Cat Yoga mural
  • Libertyville Town Hall
  • The Picnic Basket, popular family-owned spot on the corner of Cook and Milwaukee that has served the area sandwiches, soups and more since 1980.
  • The Proctor Building, 520-30 N. Milwaukee Ave., dates to 1903 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • The Proctor Building, historic designation plaque.
  • Petranek’s Pharmacy (426 N. Milwaukee) has served Libertyville since 1872.
  • Libertyville Village Hall
  • Sunrise Rotary Park at Church St. and Milwaukee Ave.
  • One-acre Sunrise Rotary Park in downtown Libertyville
  • Downtown Libertyville
  • Wood-fired pizza spot in downtown Libertyville.
  • McDonalds at 1330 N. Milwaukee Ave., a reproduction of the original 1950s-era drive-in.
  • Plaque designating the McDonald’s at 1330 N. Milwaukee Ave. was one of founder Ray Kroc’s original store locations.
  • McDonald’s retro look at the 1330 N. Milwaukee Ave. location.
  • The Green Room (624 Milwaukee Ave.) is another one of Libertyville’s family-owned restaurants.
  • Old School Forest Preserve, 28285 N St Marys Rd.
  • Old School Forest Preserve offers trails, bass fishing and a popular sledding hill.
  • Marytown, the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe is a pilgrimage site and sacred space at 1600 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville.
  • Marytown
  • Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Marytown.
  • Inside Marytown
  • Marytown has 15 acres of grounds. This St. Francis sculpture is located on the campus.
  • O’Toole’s of Libertyville in the downtown historic district
  • Libertyville, Ill.