Bartlett IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bartlett, Illinois.
1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
STUNNING HINDU TEMPLE
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is North America's largest traditional Hindu mandir, showcasing stunning architectural beauty and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the intricately carved stone structures and learn about Hindu traditions and customs. The temple offers a peaceful environment for spiritual reflection and cultural education, making it a must-visit attraction in Bartlett.
2. Villa Olivia
YEAR-ROUND RECREATIONAL FACILITY
Villa Olivia is a premier recreational facility in Bartlett offering skiing and snowboarding during winter months. During warmer seasons, the venue transforms into a beautiful golf course with lush fairways and challenging holes. The facility also features banquet halls that host various events throughout the year, providing entertainment options regardless of the season.
3. James 'Pate' Philip State Park
NATURAL PRAIRIE PRESERVE
James 'Pate' Philip State Park offers visitors a chance to experience Illinois' native prairie landscape with its extensive trail system. The park features diverse ecosystems including meadows, wetlands, and woodlands that support a variety of wildlife and plant species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and educational programs about the local environment throughout the year.
4. Bartlett Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
Bartlett Depot Museum is housed in the historic 1873 railroad station that gave the village its name, financed by local resident Luther Bartlett. This preserved clapboard building offers interactive exhibits about local railroading heritage and the development of the community. The museum is free to enter and typically open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as on the first and third Saturday mornings of each month.
5. Ancient Oaks Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE
Ancient Oaks Park provides a serene natural setting with mature oak trees creating a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths suitable for families and individuals seeking outdoor recreation. Its well-maintained grounds make it an ideal location for community gatherings and casual outdoor activities throughout the warmer months.
6. Arts in Bartlett Center
COMMUNITY CULTURAL HUB
Arts in Bartlett Center serves as the cultural heart of the community, hosting various artistic exhibitions and performances throughout the year. The center promotes local artists and provides opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with different art forms and creative expressions. With its rotating displays and special events, the center enriches the cultural landscape of Bartlett and supports the local arts scene.
7. Bartlett Aquatic Center
PREMIER OUTDOOR WATER PARK
Bartlett Aquatic Center is an impressive outdoor pool complex managed by the local park district, featuring an eight-lane lap pool with zero-depth entry. The center includes additional attractions such as a lazy river, diving pool, spray playground, sand play area, water slides, and an aquatic zip line. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, this family-friendly venue offers affordable recreation and various swimming programs throughout the summer season.
8. Bartlett History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Bartlett History Museum preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the village through permanent and temporary exhibits about local history. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Bartlett's development from its early days to the present. The museum offers free admission and provides an educational experience for those interested in understanding the community's past and cultural identity.
9. Bartlett Nature Center
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FACILITY
Bartlett Nature Center offers educational programs and exhibits focused on local ecology and environmental conservation. The center provides guided nature walks, workshops, and interactive displays that help visitors understand the natural world around them. With its emphasis on environmental stewardship, the facility serves as both a recreational destination and an important educational resource for the community.
10. Fox River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATHWAY
Fox River Trail is a beautiful paved pathway that stretches 45.7 miles along the Fox River from Algonquin to Oswego. The trail provides stunning views of the water and numerous rest areas, making it ideal for cycling, running, and walking activities. Originally explored by French missionaries and traders, the area now offers modern recreational opportunities while preserving its historical significance.
11. West Branch Forest Preserve
DIVERSE NATURAL WILDERNESS
West Branch Forest Preserve is a 713-acre natural area comprising meadows, wetlands, forests, and prairies that showcase the region's biodiversity. The preserve features trails for hiking and cycling, fishing opportunities, wildlife viewing areas, and picnic facilities for visitors to enjoy. Open from one hour after sunrise until sunset, this expansive natural space provides a peaceful retreat from urban life and connects to other regional trail systems.
12. Timber Ridge Trail
CONNECTING RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
Timber Ridge Trail is a smooth, paved path that strategically connects the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail. The trail runs past notable attractions including Kline Creek Farm and Timber Lake, offering scenic views throughout the journey. Cyclists and hikers appreciate this well-maintained connector trail for its accessibility and the variety of landscapes it traverses.
13. Kline Creek Farm
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Kline Creek Farm is a living history museum that recreates farm life from the 1890s with costumed interpreters demonstrating period-appropriate agricultural techniques and daily activities. Visitors can explore the restored farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings while learning about rural Midwestern life at the turn of the century. The farm hosts seasonal events and educational programs throughout the year, making history come alive through immersive experiences.
14. Bartlett Park District Golf Course
PUBLIC GOLFING DESTINATION
Bartlett Park District Golf Course offers an accessible golfing experience for players of all skill levels with its well-maintained fairways and greens. The course features strategic layouts that provide both challenges for experienced golfers and learning opportunities for beginners. Visitors can enjoy affordable rates, practice facilities, and a clubhouse with amenities that enhance the overall golfing experience.
15. Timber Lake
PEACEFUL RECREATIONAL WATERWAY
Timber Lake provides a tranquil setting for fishing, wildlife observation, and shoreline relaxation in the DuPage County area. The lake is surrounded by natural habitats that attract various bird species and other wildlife, making it a favorite spot for nature photographers and birdwatchers. Walking paths around the lake offer easy access to scenic viewpoints and quiet contemplation spaces throughout the changing seasons.