6 Favorite Activities to Do in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Home of the 2026 USPC Convention, Plus a Peek at the Resort

By Sage Argent

Winter will still be hanging around in late January, and there are many seasonal activities to do in the Lincolnshire area, which is located in Lake County in northern Illinois and only 30 minutes from beautiful Lake Michigan. It’s a beautiful area for the 2026 USPC Convention, sponsored by Elizabeth Hamill Bramsen, 1961 A alum, Wayne-Du Page Hunt Pony Club; and Via Nova Training. The event will be hosted by the North Central Prairie Region, January 28–February 1 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Visit the link above for all of the wonderful reasons you should join us at Convention, along with all of the wonderful experiences you can have with family and/or Pony Club friends. In addition, you can view a gallery of resort images courtesy Marriott Lincolnshire Resort below. But for fun in the area, here are our top six options:

Marriott Theatre

The Marriott Theatre, which is located within the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, was founded in 1975 and boasts an intimate setting with 838 seats total, and you are never more than nine rows from the state. . It has featured more than180 productions since that time and has been a key venue in the development of original and re-imagined musicals. This theater has launched well-known Broadways shows into the region, showcasing it’s importance over several decades. Such shows include, but are not limited to, “Miss Saigon,” “Les Miserables” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Shows that will be available during the 2026 USPC Convention include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and leaders who wish to attend the leadership evening entertainment can enjoy dinner and a show in this history venue. Another shows available during this time includes the “Little Shop of Horrors.” Ticket prices are based on the show.

Sledding and Tubing in Century Park

Located just 15 minutes north in Vernon Hills, Century Park Arboretum is the district’s largest park right in-between Little Bear Lake and Big Bear Lake and makes a great spot for sledding and tubing during the white winter months. Century Park Sled Hill is even lighted and open until 9 p.m. during winter. There are also walking paths, outdoor ice skating, a playground for those who love to be active in the winter, and cross-country skiing is allowed. Many more facilities and sporting courts will delight those who come back in warmer weather.

Long Grove Confectionery Chocolate Tour, Buffalo Grove Location

Like the Marriott Theatre, the original Long Grove Confectionery was first opened in 1975 as a retail shop and candy kitchen, and designed like a red schoolhouse. Today, the Buffalo Grove location, which is only 2.7 miles from the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, is now 85,000 square feet and is home to all candy production, corporate offices, factory tours, and a store. The tours might let you may catch live production of their chocolates, barks, brittles, caramels, and more, if you’re lucky, although it’s not guaranteed for a tour. Tours accommodate eight to 50 people and require a reservation of $5 per person. It is handicap accessible, and guests will even receive a free chocolate treat. Keep in mind that live production is not guaranteed, and there are no tours on weekends or holidays. The store then offers a bunch of great options to purchase as gifts for your farm sitter, trainer, friends, or family.

Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County

Located about 20 minutes north in the Lake County Forest Preserve, the Bess Bower Dunn Museum helps visitors learn about everything from Lake County history from prehistoric times, the first people in Lake County, the frontier, innovations and preservation, virtual exhibitions, to now. Walk through interactive exhibits with your family as you explore authentic local artifacts, reproductions, and audiovisual displays. Enjoy temporary visits that will be on display, such as Heroes & Villians, which features realistic painting-style fine art pieces featuring classic comic-book characters from Alex Ross. General admission varies from free for those three and under, $3 for kids and seniors 62+, to only $6 for adults.

Navy Pier

If you’re up for going into the big city for the top visited destination in the Midwest, then bundle up for the outdoors or stay warm inside at the Navy Pier. The Navy Pier features interactive light displays, ice skating, fire pits, and local artisan markets. Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel with heated passenger cars or enjoy the funhouse maze or an immersive virtual flyover experience! Try your hand at axe throwing on Friday and watch a fantastic fireworks display by Saturday night! And there’s plenty of restaurants for any taste. Prices vary depending on activity (and may change after publication), but here are examples for some of these activities:

• $37.50 Bundle: Ice skating, wheel, and axe throwing 
• $20 ice skating
• $5 to $12 axe throwing
• $15 to $18 Centennial Wheel

Lincoln Park Zoo

Enjoy the magic of the other animals (other than horses) at the Lincoln Park Zoo. And following along with Pony Club’s interest in conservation, this zoo has one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country and has a focus on enhancing animal welfare, just like Pony Club does. Their scientific team has supported more than 500 zoo species, studied more than 250 wildlife species, published more than 275 scientific articles and book chapters, and much more. Visit the zoo to see Jamaican Iguana care, seal training and feeding, monkey and ape cognition and care, penguin feeding, and more. Visit the small mammal-reptile house, the waterfowl lagoon and swan pond, the children’s zoo, the African Journey and the Artic tundra, penguin cove, the bird house, primate house, Center for African Apes, and the Farm-in-the-Zoo. General admission is free, but parking will cost approximately $35-45 per day.

The Resort

Images Courtesy Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

Unwind and recharge with premium resort amenities designed for comfort and relaxation. Registered guests enjoy exclusive access to the indoor pool (open 6 a.m.–11 p.m.) perfect for burning off any energy left by the kids after they attend workshops, a 24-hour fitness center for those staying in shape for riding, or anything—complete with fresh towels provided on-site. Take advantage of convenient weekday dry-cleaning and valet laundry services, perfect for keeping your stay effortless. For world-class entertainment, the renowned Marriott Theatre is just steps away.

When you aren’t enjoying meals provided as part of your 2026 USPC Convention registration, discover an exceptional array of dining experiences at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, where convenience and quality meet from morning to night. Start your day with your favorite handcrafted beverage at Starbucks, open early seven days a week. Enjoy elevated breakfast offerings at Three Embers Restaurant, featuring à la carte menus and an indulgent buffet with an omelette station available on select days, plus dinner service Wednesday through Saturday. For relaxed all-day fare, Wright’s Brew & Bistro serves lunch and dinner with extended evening hours, and in-room dining brings delicious options directly to your door each night. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a memorable meal with Pony Club friends, exceptional flavors are always within reach.

With plenty of family-friendly activities on top of the USPC Convention, luxurious services, outstanding dining, and unforgettable experiences, Lincolnshire offers everything you need for a remarkable stay.