The Tempel Lipizzans
The Tempel Lipizzans
4.5
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Lipizzaner Stallions have been enchanting audiences for 450 years. Witness art and history come to life at one of our Matinee or Evening Performances or during a Behind-The-Scenes Tour (available by appointment only). From the playful bounding of new foals to the strong, precise jumps of our stallions, the whole family will be captivated by the strength, beauty, and intelligence of these horses. Each performance, to music, is a study in classical horsemanship which has been practiced in Europe since the 16th century; the Lipizzaners have been performing at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria since the 1500’s. There are very few places in the United States where such an art can be observed. We offer a taste of Vienna, Austria right in your back yard. Performances begin mid June and run through mid September.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
61 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
18
Average
2
Poor
6
Terrible
0
SouthernBred59
Greensboro, North Carolina216 contributions
Sep 2021
We had the "Behind the scenes" tour of the farm. It included a tour of the stables where we were able to see the horses at feeding time and pat a horse. The owner told us about the history of the farm and family. The training session was interesting and informative. The horses are talented and beautiful, and the trainers exhibited a good relationship with the animals. I hope to return for a full performance some day.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie S
Richland, MI54 contributions
Aug 2022
I was looking for something fun to do with my daughter for her birthday. I found The Tempel Lipizzans searching things to do in Chicago. It seemed like the perfect thing for my daughter who loves horses and dancing. We were not disappointed! Since it was for her birthday, I did the VIP tickets. It was well worth it! We had a little snack box, drinks, and had a nice side view to see the whole arean and the horses performing. The riders and hroses were absolutely amazing! The show was beautiful. Afterwards, the stable time was great. It was fun to get to talk to the riders and trainers and say hi to the amazing horses. All the staff was frienly and willing to tell you all about the farm if you wanted to chat. We would definitely go again!
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann W
Boone, IA66 contributions
Aug 2022
It is a little far to drive but well worth the effort to see these beautiful horses and what a wonderful show they put on for you. I highly recommend this tour. They have great parking and good places to sit to watch the show. Before you go I would recomment that you get the Disney movie about the horse and the back ground. It help you to appreicate the horses more.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mmmidwesterner
Palatine, IL187 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
I just took a minute to read a few other reviews and I'm shocked... This place is really charming. And I thought I had already reviewed it but I guess not, so here goes:
Definitely arrive early. Be aware that you might have traffic on 294 from Six Flags. Have a picnic lunch or buy a sandwich and a glass of wine at the farm. It's inexpensive, simple and plentiful food.
Bring a long lense if you plan on doing any photography. Use a fast shutter speed and burst mode to make sure you don't miss a key moment of the performance.
This isn't a fancy place and it also isn't very expensive. It's not as glamorous as seeing the horses at the Spanish Riding School but it's right here! In Illinois! It's a treasure...! Grab your sunhat and go support this stables. We went several times this summer and believe me, I'll go again next summer, too. Where else can you eat a burger, relax, sip some wine, watch beautiful horses perform and the get to pet them afterward?
Definitely arrive early. Be aware that you might have traffic on 294 from Six Flags. Have a picnic lunch or buy a sandwich and a glass of wine at the farm. It's inexpensive, simple and plentiful food.
Bring a long lense if you plan on doing any photography. Use a fast shutter speed and burst mode to make sure you don't miss a key moment of the performance.
This isn't a fancy place and it also isn't very expensive. It's not as glamorous as seeing the horses at the Spanish Riding School but it's right here! In Illinois! It's a treasure...! Grab your sunhat and go support this stables. We went several times this summer and believe me, I'll go again next summer, too. Where else can you eat a burger, relax, sip some wine, watch beautiful horses perform and the get to pet them afterward?
Written December 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley L
Chicago, Illinois, United States2 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
I offered a booklet of horse tattoos and a coloring book to my granddaughter, after reading the PRINTED prices on the back of each item. The tattoo booklet was priced at $1.50 and the coloring book was priced at $3.99. When I asked about paying, I was informed that the tattoo booklet was $5.00 and that the coloring book was $10.00. I said that I assumed that since the price was printed as shown, that she would in fact sell the items to me at the lower prices, based on the law. (What business doesn't know that law??) When the clerk said she had no authority to charge me the prices printed on the actual items and that a manager would have to handle the transaction, I said, "Okay, I'll wait." When the manager approached, the clerk had a private conversation with him before he came to where I was standing at the end of a long counter. I explained that the law states that if an item is priced below what the business is asking, that the business is required to honor the price printed on the item. He said their prices were posted on 8 1/2 x 11 inch signs that were at the far end of a counter that was crowded with other patrons when I went to the "book" end of the counter. When I repeated the law to him, he walked to the other end of the counter, picked up two of the signs and brought them to the counter in front of me, placing them firmly and loudly on the top of the counter. He repeated, "These are our prices." I refused to purchase the said items and had to redirect my granddaughter elsewhere. It was a sad disappointment to the end of a lovely afternoon. I recommend that you buy the kids their souvenirs elsewhere before going to the presentation or avoid the souvenir stand altogether.
Written August 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very sorry that you had this experience at our gift shop during your visit. It is true that some of our items are not sold at the Suggested Retail Value. Our policy is to mark out any listed prices on the backs of these items and write our prices over the Suggested Retail Values. The items you picked up must have been missed, and we apologize that it resulted in this conflict. All profits/proceeds received from our gift stand go directly to the maintenance and upkeep of the Lipizzan horses.
Written August 28, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vette079
Green Bay, WI95 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We really enjoyed the 90 minute show and our visit to the stables afterwards. If you love horses as my wife does its a must see. The grounds are very nice. The workers were nice and helpful showing us to the seating area and talking with us in the stables. The sound system was not as good as it could be. The only other thing I didn't like was the driveway and parking area are gravel. Otherwise we thought it was a wonderful show.
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IronRangeMNGirl
Minneapolis, MN677 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
I've seen Lippizzan performances before - in large arenas and my 8 year old daughter LOVES horses & has done a lot of reading about the Lipizzan breed of horses so she is very familiar with their history & unique moves. We were very excited to learn of this local Tempel Lipizzan Farm so we bought our tickets & went on an adventure.
First of all, the tickets are general seating. The show starts at 1:00, with the gates opening at 11:30. With bringing kids we didn't want to get stuck behind someone, so we got there early at the 11:30 time. So that left me an hour an a half to entertain 3 kids (ages 8-11). We brought stuff along but to be honest, I would have rather spent a little more with each ticket in order to have assigned seats & not have to get there so early. Because we got there early, we did take seats on the bleachers over on the far side where the horses come in. Our seats were excellent & because it was cloudy that day we didn't have to worry about the sun, but I strongly recommend bringing suntan lotion. There is a field off to the side where kids can play a little - maybe bring a baseball & glove to throw around while waiting.
They do have a "café" & souvenir shop. They sell stuffed white horses ($35), horse necklaces ($15) & some postcards & color books. My son got a little hungry so he bought a hotdog ($4.95).
The performance is okay but not as great as I thought it would be. At most they had 4 horses out in the arena at a time. It was a lot of footwork. What everyone enjoys the most is the foals & the "airs above the grounds". After a lot of footwork, they bring out 3 horses that demonstrate their leaps. At most 1 horse did the airs above the grounds 3 times & then other horses did some leaping or hopping. Then after that they brought out 4 horses to do the quadrille - again a lot of footwork for about 15 minutes. To be honest, after seeing the leaping, the quadrille was a little boring. I know they put a lot of work into knowing how to do that footwork, but it kind of seemed to drag on. A little girl behind me kept asking when it would finally be done & I think we were all wondering that.
I really wouldn't recommend bringing anyone smaller than 8 years old. My daughter, who LOVES horses, had a hard time sitting all that time watching it.
After the show, they open the barn for you to walk through, see some horses & pet some. That part is very fun although be prepared for a lot of waiting & people pushing in front of you.
The staff was friendly & helpful & the grounds were beautiful. Unfortunately for facilities, all they have available are portapotties.
First of all, the tickets are general seating. The show starts at 1:00, with the gates opening at 11:30. With bringing kids we didn't want to get stuck behind someone, so we got there early at the 11:30 time. So that left me an hour an a half to entertain 3 kids (ages 8-11). We brought stuff along but to be honest, I would have rather spent a little more with each ticket in order to have assigned seats & not have to get there so early. Because we got there early, we did take seats on the bleachers over on the far side where the horses come in. Our seats were excellent & because it was cloudy that day we didn't have to worry about the sun, but I strongly recommend bringing suntan lotion. There is a field off to the side where kids can play a little - maybe bring a baseball & glove to throw around while waiting.
They do have a "café" & souvenir shop. They sell stuffed white horses ($35), horse necklaces ($15) & some postcards & color books. My son got a little hungry so he bought a hotdog ($4.95).
The performance is okay but not as great as I thought it would be. At most they had 4 horses out in the arena at a time. It was a lot of footwork. What everyone enjoys the most is the foals & the "airs above the grounds". After a lot of footwork, they bring out 3 horses that demonstrate their leaps. At most 1 horse did the airs above the grounds 3 times & then other horses did some leaping or hopping. Then after that they brought out 4 horses to do the quadrille - again a lot of footwork for about 15 minutes. To be honest, after seeing the leaping, the quadrille was a little boring. I know they put a lot of work into knowing how to do that footwork, but it kind of seemed to drag on. A little girl behind me kept asking when it would finally be done & I think we were all wondering that.
I really wouldn't recommend bringing anyone smaller than 8 years old. My daughter, who LOVES horses, had a hard time sitting all that time watching it.
After the show, they open the barn for you to walk through, see some horses & pet some. That part is very fun although be prepared for a lot of waiting & people pushing in front of you.
The staff was friendly & helpful & the grounds were beautiful. Unfortunately for facilities, all they have available are portapotties.
Written July 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norris A
Chicago, IL2,163 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
I don't know why we left it so long as our last visit here was 20 years ago! Since then we have seen the Lippizans indoors in Vienna. Better late than never and so a few days ago on a sunny Sunday we went back up North to Wadsworth Illinois and to Old Mill Creek where the magic happens.
When we arrived, 30 minutes before a 1 pm matinee, a staff member pulled up in a golf cart and asked if we wanted a ride to the stands-it was maybe 70 yards away. Nice gesture and typical of the helpful staff we would find there. We walked.
One surprise on the way to the showgrounds was the Port-A-John toilets to serve maybe 150 attendees. There's no lack of space to build toilets and a septic tank...just sayin'.
I'm surprised they haven't done so considering their 60 year history.
We splurged on VIP seating as this was such a once in a while occasion. I thought that would be front row of the bleachers at either end of the show sand with maybe a cushion. We were instead directed to the end where the horses appear to find benches with backs and small tables for the complimentary wines and delicious snacks of cheese, fruit, olives and salami. A server was there to help one load up the plate and pour some fine Pinot Grigio. We had folding chairs as the benches were occupied and these can me moved to get a better view. We were in the shade under trees. A comfortable environment and money well-spent.
The performance is 90 minutes with a 15 minute intermission where you can go to the cafe for hot food and drinks or line-up at a Port-a-John. It goes at a relaxed and graceful pace, so if you are expecting a rodeo or such you have taken a wrong turn somewhere.
There are no Cheerleaders with pom noms urging the horses to jump higher or do handstands and no marching bands or mascots in goofy costumes. There are just meticulously trained horses doing things you don't normally see horses do. In a very nice calming setting. Surrounded by considerate people not gabbing babble into their cell phones for 90 minutes.
You are given a color pamphlet listing the moves the horses will be making, in order so you can anticipate your favorite or most thrilling. The horses are focused and responding to subtle rein twitches of their remarkable riders. It's skill and precision. Riders and horses on the same page accompanied by Viennese music and a narrator's recorded voice. It's an art form and it's happening just a few feet away ( roughly 10 in our case) along the sidelines.
After the show you are welcome to visit the stables and see and touch the horses. The trainers will be there to answer any questions you may have. Just outside the stables one of the riders will have his horse for you to pose with in front of a backdrop.
I can't think of a nicer way to spend a couple of hours in pleasant weather.
It's a special experience for people of all ages and the kids will love it.
(If it rains the event will be moved to an indoor arena.)
When we arrived, 30 minutes before a 1 pm matinee, a staff member pulled up in a golf cart and asked if we wanted a ride to the stands-it was maybe 70 yards away. Nice gesture and typical of the helpful staff we would find there. We walked.
One surprise on the way to the showgrounds was the Port-A-John toilets to serve maybe 150 attendees. There's no lack of space to build toilets and a septic tank...just sayin'.
I'm surprised they haven't done so considering their 60 year history.
We splurged on VIP seating as this was such a once in a while occasion. I thought that would be front row of the bleachers at either end of the show sand with maybe a cushion. We were instead directed to the end where the horses appear to find benches with backs and small tables for the complimentary wines and delicious snacks of cheese, fruit, olives and salami. A server was there to help one load up the plate and pour some fine Pinot Grigio. We had folding chairs as the benches were occupied and these can me moved to get a better view. We were in the shade under trees. A comfortable environment and money well-spent.
The performance is 90 minutes with a 15 minute intermission where you can go to the cafe for hot food and drinks or line-up at a Port-a-John. It goes at a relaxed and graceful pace, so if you are expecting a rodeo or such you have taken a wrong turn somewhere.
There are no Cheerleaders with pom noms urging the horses to jump higher or do handstands and no marching bands or mascots in goofy costumes. There are just meticulously trained horses doing things you don't normally see horses do. In a very nice calming setting. Surrounded by considerate people not gabbing babble into their cell phones for 90 minutes.
You are given a color pamphlet listing the moves the horses will be making, in order so you can anticipate your favorite or most thrilling. The horses are focused and responding to subtle rein twitches of their remarkable riders. It's skill and precision. Riders and horses on the same page accompanied by Viennese music and a narrator's recorded voice. It's an art form and it's happening just a few feet away ( roughly 10 in our case) along the sidelines.
After the show you are welcome to visit the stables and see and touch the horses. The trainers will be there to answer any questions you may have. Just outside the stables one of the riders will have his horse for you to pose with in front of a backdrop.
I can't think of a nicer way to spend a couple of hours in pleasant weather.
It's a special experience for people of all ages and the kids will love it.
(If it rains the event will be moved to an indoor arena.)
Written August 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael M
La Quinta, CA34 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Incredible show! We went to the July 7th evening show and were quite impressed with the quality of both the horses and riders. The setting is a gorgeous farm just south of the Wisconsin border. Currently they are celebrating their 60th year and have teamed up with a Lipizzan group from Chile. The combination of dedicated riders with these highly trained Lipizzans make for a wonderful show for all ages.
Written July 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ace J
Chicago, IL511 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
This summer/fall attraction is worth seeing - very rare Lipizzaner horses on display.
Cost was about $30 for an unreserved seat. The show lasted an hour and a half , including an intermission.
It is divided into seven presentations, such as 'Quadrille' and 'Young Stallions'.
The horses strut and dance and stand on their hind legs and then leap! Seating is around a large oval ring; there is both a pavilion and folding chairs. There are no bad seats. Classical and contemporary music is played during the performances.
There is a big tent with refreshments and souvenirs for sale. After the performance you can walk through one of the barns and see the horses in repose.
All in all, a unique performance which is sure to please kids, adults, and seniors.
Cost was about $30 for an unreserved seat. The show lasted an hour and a half , including an intermission.
It is divided into seven presentations, such as 'Quadrille' and 'Young Stallions'.
The horses strut and dance and stand on their hind legs and then leap! Seating is around a large oval ring; there is both a pavilion and folding chairs. There are no bad seats. Classical and contemporary music is played during the performances.
There is a big tent with refreshments and souvenirs for sale. After the performance you can walk through one of the barns and see the horses in repose.
All in all, a unique performance which is sure to please kids, adults, and seniors.
Written September 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martha E
Boonville, MO4 contributions
Can you take pictures of the performance?
The_Tempel_Lipizzans
Old Mill Creek, IL9 contributions
Hello Martha,
Yes, all photography is allowed during the performance and in the stables.
~Tempel Lipizzans Management Team
what is the cost of admission? Adults? and Seniors?
The_Tempel_Lipizzans
Old Mill Creek, IL9 contributions
Hello Betty,
The cost at the door is $32 for adults. We do not have a senior discount. We do have a veterans discount which is $22. If you purchase online in advance of the performance date you can save $5 on the adult ticket price.
marilynruch
Hot Springs Village, AR1 contribution
How close to the Tempel Lipizzans farm is The Shanty Restaurant? I'd like to visit both on the same day I'm visiting.
The_Tempel_Lipizzans
Old Mill Creek, IL9 contributions
The Shanty is just down the street from us. A 5 minute drive, at most, if you catch the red light.
Juliacodeman
Kingston, MA14 contributions
I am coming for a show and dinner here next weekend, and wondered what the dress is?
The_Tempel_Lipizzans
Old Mill Creek, IL9 contributions
Casual dress, but we won't judge if you feel like dressing up!
The Tempel Lipizzans (Old Mill Creek) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tempel Lipizzans
- The Tempel Lipizzans is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near The Tempel Lipizzans:
- (6.44 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Kenosha Pleasant Prairie
- (3.13 mi) Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee
- (6.86 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
- (8.80 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Libertyville
- (3.80 mi) Hampton Inn Chicago/Gurnee
- Restaurants near The Tempel Lipizzans:
- (1.63 mi) The Shanty Restaurant
- (5.09 mi) Tina's Italian Bake Shop
- (8.58 mi) Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
- (5.03 mi) The Chocolate Sanctuary
- (3.84 mi) Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Gurnee
The Tempel Lipizzans Information
Excellent Reviews | 35 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 18 |
The Tempel Lipizzans Photos | 63 |