Gorton Center

Gorton Center

The gathering place in the heart of our community

where people connect, converse, learn, listen, play & perform.

Our vision: Gorton engages and enriches all generations

through vibrant social experiences and exceptional arts and culture.

Gorton Center’s mission is to be the gathering place in the heart of our community where people connect, converse, learn, listen, play and perform. Gorton is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, independent of the city of Lake Forest, that operates to enrich the lives of our communities through cultural arts, education and charitable service.

Gorton presents film, classes and events year-round for all ages. In addition to annual events like the End of Summer Block Party, Dog Day, Safety Town and Kids Only Holiday shop, patrons enjoy both independent and classic cinema, live music, storytelling and family entertainment. Many of these events take place in the John & Nancy Hughes Theater, a 309-seat state of the art theater housed within Gorton, which was most recently renovated in 2015. Classes offered at Gorton include art, theater, cooking, wellness, games, STEM and more.

Gorton is thankful for a long-term use agreement with the City of Lake Forest to be stewards of the 1902 building originally known as the Central School within which Gorton operates. Within this historic building, Gorton also houses nine other nonprofit organization offices, and the Children’s Learning Center, a high-quality early childhood education and daycare that has been in operation for 37 years. Gorton also welcomes people and organizations of all kinds to host their own events onsite.

Gorton relies on the generosity of residents and businesses to help fund all the programs & services offered and are grateful for the support received from our communities.