Ravinia Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ravinia Park is a popular outdoor music venue located in Highland Park, Illinois.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is known for its beautiful grounds and stunning architecture, with a variety of attractions and amenities for visitors to enjoy.

Some good reasons to visit Ravinia Park include the world-class music performances that take place throughout the summer, as well as the park's picturesque setting and extensive green space. Visitors can also explore the park's historic architecture, which includes a number of notable buildings and structures.

Specific points of interest to see at Ravinia Park include the Martin Theatre, which hosts a variety of music and theatrical performances, as well as the Ravinia Festival Shop, where visitors can pick up souvenirs and gifts. Other notable features of the park include the Ravinia Ravine and Ravinia Lawn, which offer scenic views and plenty of space for picnics and relaxation.

Interesting facts about the area include the park's long history, which dates back to the late 19th century, when it was originally established as a summer retreat for Chicago's wealthy elite. Over the years, the park has evolved into a cultural hub and a popular destination for music lovers from around the world.

The best time of year to visit Ravinia Park is during the summer months, when the park is alive with music and festivities. Visitors can attend concerts and other events, enjoy picnics on the lawn, and take in the natural beauty of the park's surroundings. Overall, Ravinia Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in music, culture, and the great outdoors.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks

View more

Nearby Fishing