Top reasons to visit Harvard
- Charming Downtown: Harvard features a quaint downtown area with friendly locals, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The town offers a variety of attractions suitable for families, ensuring enjoyable experiences for all ages.
- Outdoor Adventures: Visitors can explore nearby parks, lakes, and beaches, perfect for relaxation and recreational activities.
- Engaging Entertainment: Harvard hosts lively theatre performances and music concerts, adding to the town's vibrant cultural scene.
- Comfortable Accommodations: A range of delightful lodging options, from bed and breakfasts to hotels, cater to diverse traveller needs.
Find great hotels near Harvard
Discover a range of delightful accommodation options in Harvard, Illinois, perfect for families, adventurers, and business travellers alike. From charming bed and breakfasts to well-appointed hotels, each lodging choice offers unique amenities to enhance your stay. Explore fantastic hotel deals and comfortable rooms that cater to all your travel needs, ensuring a memorable experience in this quaint town.
- Abbey Resort and Avani Spa: Nestled 14km from Harvard, Abbey Resort and Avani Spa offers a delightful beachside retreat with a family-friendly atmosphere. This 3.5-star resort boasts a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, making it an appealing choice for families seeking relaxation and fun. With direct access to the beach, guests can enjoy sun-soaked days by the water. The property is equipped with various amenities for children, including a dedicated arcade game room, a pool for younger guests, and nearby sledding opportunities, ensuring that the little ones have plenty of entertainment during their stay.
- Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva: Located 24km from Harvard, Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva is a charming hotel with a strong emphasis on family and business travel. Rated 9.2 out of 10, this 3.5-star lodging provides a welcoming environment for all guests. The property features shared playground facilities for children, making it convenient for families to unwind and enjoy quality time together. Its combination of family-friendly amenities and business facilities makes it a versatile option for both leisure and work-related visits.
- Lake Lawn Resort: Situated 23km from Harvard, Lake Lawn Resort is a scenic 3.5-star retreat celebrated for its adventurous spirit. With a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, this resort offers direct beach access and a variety of outdoor activities. Guests can indulge in adventure sports such as hiking, ziplining, and skiing, all located nearby. This property is ideal for those seeking an invigorating holiday with ample opportunities for recreation and exploration, making it a perfect choice for the adventurous traveller.
Where to stay near Harvard
Harvard, Illinois, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, perfect for a memorable vacation. Explore the charming downtown area, where friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere enhance your experience. Enjoy relaxing moments in nearby parks and discover budget-friendly accommodations that cater to every traveller. Whether you're seeking cultural insights or simply some fun, Harvard promises a warm and inviting getaway for everyone.
- Lake Geneva: Situated 24km from Harvard, Lake Geneva is a picturesque city known for its stunning outdoor scenery and romantic atmosphere. The best time to visit is during the summer months from June to August when the area comes alive with visitors seeking recreational activities and breathtaking views. Popular attractions include the serene lake, expansive national state park, and a thrilling waterpark, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy nature or have a fun-filled family day out. With its charming campgrounds and recreational areas, Lake Geneva offers a delightful escape into the great outdoors.
- Chemung: Located a mere 5km from Harvard, Chemung is a quaint city that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitor numbers peak in the summer, particularly from June to August, when the weather is perfect for exploring its urban parks and the nearby national state park. Chemung offers a variety of activities, including theatre performances and recreational areas, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a day out with loved ones. The lush forests and scenic landscapes provide a tranquil backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
- Fontana: Just 14km away from Harvard, Fontana is a charming city that attracts visitors with its outdoor offerings and romantic settings. The peak season is also in summer, from June to August, when the area's natural beauty is at its best. Fontana is home to serene lakes, beautiful beaches, and a national state park, making it a prime destination for those who appreciate nature. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, from camping to leisurely strolls along the beach, ensuring a memorable experience in this scenic locale.
Things to do near Harvard
Shopping
In Harvard, you can explore local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to the nearby Woodfield Mall for a wider selection of retail stores, or visit the charming shops at the Village Square in nearby Oak Brook for more options.
Recreation
Harvard, Illinois, offers tranquil retreats such as the peaceful Serenity Spa, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and mindfulness sessions. For outdoor recreation, the nearby McHenry County Conservation District provides scenic trails for hiking and cycling, allowing you to connect with nature and unwind in a serene environment.
Adventure
Aerial Adventures offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience, set in a vibrant outdoor environment, located 24km from Harvard. For motorsport enthusiasts, Wilmot Raceway, 37km away, provides thrilling motor racing events that capture the essence of sports and adventure.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant atmosphere at the Harvard House Pub, where you can enjoy a selection of beers and hearty pub fare. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the local coffee shop, which often hosts open mic nights, showcasing the talents of budding musicians in a cosy setting.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Harvard
To save money on your trip to Harvard, Illinois, plan your visit between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a Tuesday stay for the best rates, avoiding the more expensive Saturdays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by budget and type, focusing on eco-friendly options. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look out for deals such as availability strikethrough rates and top-rated hotel offers to maximise your budget.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Harvard are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Harvard is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Harvard is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Harvard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Harvard
Harvard, Illinois, is an excellent destination for family, outdoor, and romantic getaways, offering a variety of attractions such as lakes, beaches, and fairgrounds. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences, with notable spots including the Harvard Diner and local areas to explore. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Harvard has something to offer for every traveller.
- Bull Valley Golf Club: Nestled 21km from Harvard, Bull Valley Golf Club offers a picturesque golfing experience within a serene country setting. Its meticulously designed course caters to both seasoned players and novices, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day on the greens.
- Geneva Lake: Located 18km from Harvard, Geneva Lake is a stunning natural gem. With its sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery, it invites visitors to enjoy outdoor activities and romantic sunsets, creating a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
- Geneva National Golf Club: Just 21km from Harvard, Geneva National Golf Club combines golfing with comfortable accommodation. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff, it offers a relaxing getaway where visitors can unwind and enjoy quality time together.
Best time to go to Harvard
The best time to visit Harvard is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Harvard
Visiting Harvard, Illinois, is convenient with access to several major airports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is situated 77km away, with excellent nearby hotels such as the 4.5-star Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel and the 4-star Hyatt Regency O'Hare, both just 3km from the airport. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is 101km from Harvard, featuring luxurious options like the 5-star Trump International Hotel & Tower. Alternatively, Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is 82km away, with fine accommodations such as the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, located merely 10km from the airport, ensuring a comfortable stay for travellers.