The Zion center is around 6 miles northeast of European Art Co and 6 miles northeast of Vista Work Power Center.
The best time to visit Zion is during the summer months when temperatures are warm and outdoor activities in the area are plentiful. The warm season goes from June to mid-September, with an average high around 71 degrees. Hotel prices will be at their highest at this time, but you can score lower room rates by booking early and taking advantage of discounts. If you're seeking warm days on the beach with low chances of rain, plan your visit between early June and mid-August.
You can save a little on hotel costs while also enjoying comfortable temps by choosing to travel to Zion late in spring or early in fall. The cold season begins in December and goes through early March, with average highs around 41 degrees. This would be the least popular time to visit, but you could save big on lodging.
The Lotus Suites at Midlane Golf Resort in Wadsworth, 4 miles from Zion, offers discounts to government employees and members of the military. When you stay at this luxurious location, you'll be right next to a golf course and near Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall and Six Flags Great America. An indoor pool and spa tab will revitalize you, and you can relax in the lobby in front of the fireplace. Rooms feature mini fridges, microwaves, and LCD televisions.
In nearby Decatur, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Decatur offers senior, government/military, and AAA discounts. You can also stay within your budget by keeping food in the mini fridge and using the microwave. The hotel offers a free buffet breakfast and free newspapers. The rooms have flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, and desks. You'll be just a few minutes from the Children's Museum of Illinois and Scoville Zoo.
The Best Western Executive Inn in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is 10 miles from Zion and offers discounts for seniors, military members, and government. The hotel features plenty of features for business travelers and families, from a pool table to an indoor pool, and you can take advantage of the 24-hour business center. In your room, you'll find 32-inch LED TVs, desks, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and serves a free buffet breakfast each day.
Some of the best hotels in the Zion area give you impressive amenities along with value for a pleasant and relaxing stay that will keep you on budget. Howard Johnson Waukegan / Great Lakes in Waukegan is perfect for families, as it's just 3 miles from Six Flags Great America. Shop at the Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall, which has top brands at bargain prices, or take up a show at the Genesee Theater. A restaurant is steps away from the hotel, but if you're in the mood to stay inside, rooms have microwaves, mini fridges, coffee makers, and HD TVs.
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott in Pleasant Prairie is perfect for shopping enthusiasts, as it's adjacent to Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlet Mall. The hotel has a pool and fitness center and serves a hearty free breakfast each day. Rooms have mini fridges and microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and in-room coffee and tea. Suites provide separate areas for sleeping, living, and working.
With a population of about 24,000, Zion is not a big city, but there's plenty to do, starting with great outdoor activities. Don't miss Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, which features fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking, along with gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and hundreds of plant species. The park covers more than 4,000 acres and is separated into north and south units. The North Point Marina is at the park's north beach and is the newest and largest marina in the state.
If you'd like to explore Zion's early history, visit the Shiloh House, a 25-room Swiss Chalet mansion that was the home of the city's founder and is now its museum. Many personal belongings of Dowie are displayed in the house, along with many of the original elements of the house. Samples of lace and tools from the Zion Lace Factory are among the many items on display.
The Platen Press Museum, featuring the collection of Paul Aken, features Platen presses, bindery equipment, Linotype machines, and much more. The museum, which is lovingly run by Aken, is open by appointment or by chance, so if you want to stop by and experience the history of printing, call ahead at 847-746-8170.
Annual events in Zion include the Zion Passion Play, performed since the 1930s, and Jubilee Days, which celebrates the harvest over the Labor Day weekend.
Zion, Illinois, offers a relaxing, picturesque setting along Lake Michigan that will always make your vacation a time to remember. Whether you're in Zion for the history, the outdoors, shopping, golf, or simply the relaxation, there's something for everyone in this charming city.
Below are reviews of the city of Zion, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Relaxed environment. No traffic. Easy to get around.
Quiet and safe feeling town.
The beach!
It was a nice little town with some interesting shops and nice people. We enjoyed Shiloh House/Museum. There were nice parks. There wasn't a huge selection of places to eat but we enjoyed the ones we did eat at. Zion has an interesting history and it is a pleasant train ride into Chicago and a nice drive to surrounding towns and attractions.