Des Plaines IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Des Plaines, Illinois.
1. Rivers Casino Des Plaines
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Rivers Casino Des Plaines is a premier gaming destination featuring an array of slot machines, table games, and a noteworthy poker room. Visitors can enjoy varied dining options throughout the casino along with a vibrant sports bar for watching games. The casino offers regular entertainment events and promotions, making it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists in the Des Plaines area.
2. Lake Opeka
SERENE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Lake Opeka offers a tranquil water setting perfect for outdoor recreation in Des Plaines. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, paddleboating, and picnicking along its scenic shores. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding park areas that host seasonal events including carnivals and community gatherings throughout the year.
3. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
SPIRITUAL CATHOLIC SANCTUARY
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic sanctuary that welcomes thousands of pilgrims and visitors each week in Des Plaines. This spiritual destination offers devotional spaces and gardens specifically designed for prayer and reflection. The shrine features a large plaza for celebrations and religious events that bring the community together throughout the year.
4. Mystic Waters
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER PARK
Mystic Waters is a popular water park in Des Plaines offering refreshing summer fun for families and visitors of all ages. The park features plenty of lawn space for picnicking, along with poolside lounge chairs for relaxation between water activities. Seasonal passes are available for frequent visitors who want to enjoy the park's slides and pools throughout the summer months.
5. Des Plaines Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Des Plaines Theatre stands as an iconic historic building in downtown Des Plaines, representing the city's cultural heritage. This renovated venue hosts a variety of performances including concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions throughout the year. The theatre serves as an anchor for the downtown area, drawing visitors to experience both entertainment and the charm of Des Plaines' city center.
6. Leela Arts Building
FORMER MASONIC TEMPLE
The Leela Arts Building, formerly known as the Masonic Temple, is a significant architectural landmark in downtown Des Plaines. This historic structure has been repurposed to support the arts while maintaining its distinctive historic character. Visitors can appreciate the building's heritage while exploring the various artistic and cultural offerings now housed within its walls.
7. Wrigley Field
ICONIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Wrigley Field is Chicago's beloved baseball stadium where visitors can tour the iconic grounds and catch Chicago Cubs games from March through September. The historic ballpark, built in 1914, offers a nostalgic baseball experience with its ivy-covered walls and hand-operated scoreboard. Located just a short drive from Des Plaines, this legendary sports venue attracts baseball enthusiasts from around the world seeking to experience America's pastime in one of its most famous settings.
8. Six Flags Great America
THRILLING THEME PARK
Six Flags Great America is a sprawling theme park where visitors can enjoy an array of thrilling roller coasters, water attractions, and entertainment suitable for all ages. The park features numerous themed areas, each offering unique rides and experiences throughout its seasonal operation. Located within driving distance of Des Plaines, this premier amusement destination provides full-day entertainment with its combination of high-adrenaline rides and family-friendly attractions.
9. Michigan Avenue
MAGNIFICENT MILE SHOPPING
Michigan Avenue, particularly its famed Magnificent Mile section, offers world-class shopping experiences with luxury retailers, department stores, and boutiques lining this iconic Chicago thoroughfare. Visitors from Des Plaines can enjoy not only retail therapy but also the avenue's impressive architecture, including historic buildings and modern skyscrapers. The vibrant area features excellent dining options and connects to Chicago's beautiful riverfront, making it a complete urban experience for shoppers and sightseers alike.
10. McCormick Place
MASSIVE CONVENTION CENTER
McCormick Place stands as the United States' largest convention center, featuring hyper-modern facilities and expansive exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges. The complex hosts major trade shows, conferences, and events throughout the year, drawing visitors from around the globe to Chicago. Located near the lakefront and accessible from Des Plaines, this architectural marvel comprises multiple buildings that collectively offer nearly 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space for diverse events.
11. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Navy Pier is a vibrant waterfront entertainment district featuring the iconic Centennial Wheel, numerous shops, and a variety of restaurants overlooking Lake Michigan. This popular Chicago destination offers cultural attractions including Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Children's Museum, and seasonal fireworks displays. Just a short drive from Des Plaines, the pier provides year-round entertainment with its ever-changing lineup of events, cruises, and exhibitions that appeal to visitors of all ages.
12. Soldier Field
HISTORIC NFL STADIUM
Soldier Field serves as both the home of the Chicago Bears NFL team and a historic landmark on Chicago's lakefront, blending modern facilities with classical architecture. Originally opened in 1924, this renovated stadium hosts major sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings throughout the year. Visitors from nearby Des Plaines can tour the venue or attend events at this unique stadium known for its distinctive design that marries a futuristic interior with preserved historic colonnades.
13. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
INTERACTIVE LEGO EXPERIENCE
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago offers an immersive indoor LEGO playground with interactive rides, building zones, and impressive LEGO model displays. Families can enjoy LEGO-themed activities including 4D cinema experiences, master builder workshops, and recreations of Chicago landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks. Located in nearby Schaumburg and easily accessible from Des Plaines, this attraction provides hours of creativity and fun for children and LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
14. Grant Park
CHICAGO'S FRONT YARD
Grant Park, often called Chicago's front yard, spans 319 acres of green space between the city's downtown and Lake Michigan shoreline. The park hosts major events including Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and various cultural festivals throughout the year. Visitors from Des Plaines can explore the park's numerous gardens, fountains, and public art installations while enjoying spectacular views of Chicago's skyline and lakefront.
15. Millennium Park
ICONIC URBAN PARK
Millennium Park features Chicago's famous Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean) and serves as a centerpiece of the city's cultural landscape with its innovative architecture and public art. The park offers free summer concerts at the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion and seasonal activities including ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Just a short drive from Des Plaines, this 24.5-acre urban oasis also includes the serene Lurie Garden, interactive Crown Fountain, and numerous spaces for relaxation amid the bustling city.