Attractions and Places To See around Glencoe - Top 20

Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette This is one of eight continental Bahá’í temples worldwide and serves as a spiritual center for all of North America. • The temple is open to people of all faiths and is intended as a place for prayer, meditation, and reflection, without sermons or organized worship services. • Inside, sacred texts from various world religions are read or sung without instrumental accompaniment. A domed prayer hall with nine entrances, nine alcoves, and nine fountains—the number nine symbolizing unity and spiritual wholeness. • Detailed concrete cladding in a lacy style, made of Portland cement and quartz. • Religious symbols from various faiths, such as the Christian cross, the Star of David, and the Islamic crescent, are incorporated into the exterior pillars. • Inside the dome, the “Greatest Name” is inscribed in Arabic script, meaning “O Thou Glory of Glories.”

Set on the shores of Lake Michigan this is the second Baha'i Temple ever built. The Baha'i Faith is based in unity of all people therefore everyone is welcome to visit the temple.

Lovely water feature behind / south of the Lighthouse

From this grassy spot you get a lovely view of Skokie Lagoon No. 3. This lagoon is part of the Skokie Lagoons nature preserve, located in Glencoe and Winnetka, Illinois. This lagoon is one of seven interconnected lagoons spanning 190 acres, managed by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The lagoons were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1940, transforming a marshy area into the artificial lagoons seen today. On hot days you might see folks fishing, and kayaking. This is a great spot to rest and relax before continuing on your ride.

This is a paved 21.3 mi (34 km) trail from Highland Park to Chicago. It's shared use, so look out for other pedestrians and watch your speed. Enjoy the smooth, traffic-free riding!

Grosse Point Lighthouse, erected in 1873, stands proudly as the primary beacon guiding ships to Chicago. Named by early French explorers, this historic structure features a 113-foot tower, originally brick and later covered in concrete. Its powerful second-order Fresnel lens illuminated Lake Michigan for the first time on March 1, 1874. Over time, the site evolved with additions like fog signal buildings. Electrified in 1923, the lighthouse remains operational today, a testament to its enduring maritime legacy.

Hiking, running, and biking are popular activities in this area, with the well-known North Branch Trail running through and providing both paved and unpaved trails to enjoy. The North Branch of the Chicago River also flows through the area, offering scenic water views.

This nature preserve has been the subject of years of dedicated restoration efforts. On this side of the river, it's full of unpaved trails great for walking and running, and links into the North Branch Trail. Keep an eye out for spring wildflowers, butterflies, and birds.