Clarendon Hills IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clarendon Hills, Illinois.
1. Tierra Distilling Company
LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS DESTINATION
Tierra Distilling Company offers visitors a chance to sample locally crafted spirits in a welcoming environment. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distilling process while enjoying tastings of their signature products. This establishment has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to experience craft spirits in Clarendon Hills.
2. Tracy's Tavern
COZY NEIGHBORHOOD PUB
Tracy's Tavern is a beloved local pub offering affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere in Clarendon Hills. The tavern serves as a gathering spot for residents looking to unwind and socialize in a casual setting. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town charm and welcoming vibe that makes this establishment a Clarendon Hills staple.
3. Salt Creek Woods
SCENIC NATURAL PRESERVE
Salt Creek Woods is a natural preserve offering visitors diverse terrain including prairie, marsh, and meadows. The woods derive their name from the creek that runs through the property, providing an excellent habitat for various types of wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can explore the area while enjoying opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and connecting with the local ecosystem.
4. Salt Creek Greenway Trail
25-MILE MULTI-USER PATH
The Salt Creek Greenway Trail is a 25-mile-long multi-user path that follows the creek from Busse Forest in Elk Grove Village to the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. The paved trail offers excellent conditions for cycling, running, and walking through scenic natural areas. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings while taking advantage of this well-maintained recreational resource.
5. Sawmill Creek
PEACEFUL NATURAL WATERWAY
Sawmill Creek offers a charming spot for observing wildlife, particularly damselflies, along with a picturesque small bridge that occasionally floods. The creek provides a peaceful setting along the Waterfall Glenn Main Trail, making it popular with nature photographers. Visitors appreciate this tranquil location for its serene atmosphere and natural beauty.
6. Burlington Plaza
CENTRAL COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Burlington Plaza serves as a central gathering space in the heart of Clarendon Hills. The plaza provides residents and visitors with a place to relax, socialize, and participate in community events throughout the year. Its convenient location makes it an ideal spot to enjoy the small-town charm that Clarendon Hills is known for.
7. Park Avenue Water Tower
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK
The Park Avenue Water Tower stands as a distinctive landmark in Clarendon Hills, visible from many parts of town. This historic structure has served the community for generations while becoming an iconic symbol of the village. Visitors often photograph this architectural feature that represents an important piece of Clarendon Hills' infrastructure history.
8. Prospect Park
SCENIC COMMUNITY PARK
Prospect Park features a beautiful pond with surrounding walking paths and comfortable seating areas. The park offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy nature while remaining within the village limits. Families particularly appreciate this well-maintained green space for its accessibility and scenic views throughout the changing seasons.
9. Starved Rock State Park
DRAMATIC CANYONS AND WATERFALLS
Starved Rock State Park is a breathtaking wilderness area located along the Illinois River, about an hour and a half drive southwest of Clarendon Hills. The park features dramatic sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails through stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the unique geological formations while enjoying outdoor activities including hiking, bird watching, and photography throughout the park's 2,630 acres.
10. Field Museum
WORLD-CLASS NATURAL HISTORY
The Field Museum stands as one of Chicago's premier cultural institutions, housing an extraordinary collection of natural history exhibits. Visitors can explore everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to the famous T. Rex skeleton named Sue, one of the most complete dinosaur fossils ever discovered. The museum offers an educational journey through time with interactive displays and comprehensive exhibits suitable for all ages.
11. Grant Park
CHICAGO'S FRONT YARD
Grant Park, often called 'Chicago's front yard,' spans 319 acres of green space along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The park hosts major city events including Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, and the Chicago Jazz Festival throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy magnificent gardens, impressive fountains, and iconic landmarks including Buckingham Fountain within this urban oasis.
12. Willis Tower
ICONIC CHICAGO SKYSCRAPER
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) offers spectacular views from its Skydeck, located 1,353 feet above street level. Before ascending to the top, visitors can explore an exhibition introducing Chicago's architecture, famous residents, and culinary scene. The experience culminates with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city from one of America's tallest buildings.
13. Millennium Park
MODERN URBAN PLAYGROUND
Millennium Park represents the heart of Chicago's cultural landscape, featuring iconic attractions like Cloud Gate (The Bean) sculpture. Located along beautiful Lake Michigan, this modern park combines art, architecture, music, and landscape design in a unique urban setting. Visitors can enjoy free concerts, interactive public art, beautiful gardens, and the reflective surfaces of Cloud Gate that mirror Chicago's impressive skyline.
14. Skydeck Chicago
THRILLING GLASS LEDGE EXPERIENCE
Skydeck Chicago offers the exhilarating experience of stepping onto glass ledges extending four feet outside the Willis Tower's 103rd floor. The transparent platforms provide unobstructed views of Chicago from 1,353 feet above ground, creating unforgettable photo opportunities. Visitors can see 360-degree panoramas of the city skyline and Lake Michigan while experiencing the unique sensation of floating above the urban landscape.
15. The Daily Scoop
BELOVED LOCAL ICE CREAM
The Daily Scoop serves as Clarendon Hills' favorite destination for sweet treats and ice cream specialties. This affordable dessert shop offers a variety of flavors in a family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to locals and visitors alike. The establishment has become a community tradition, especially popular during warm summer months when residents gather to enjoy cold treats.