Downs IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Downs, Illinois.
1. Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre
HISTORIC MOVIE PALACE
The Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre is a beautifully restored nearly 100-year-old movie palace in Downers Grove that offers visitors a glimpse into cinema history. The main auditorium seats over 1,000 guests and has been meticulously restored to preserve its historic charm while providing modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy current films in a unique setting that combines nostalgic ambiance with contemporary comfort.
2. Alter Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Alter Brewing Company offers a striking modern-industrial taproom that opened in December 2015. Visitors are greeted by pipe-legged wooden tables and bright orange chairs that enhance the contemporary brewery atmosphere. Beer enthusiasts can sample locally crafted brews in this spacious setting that combines industrial design with comfortable gathering spaces.
3. Downers Grove Park District Museum
HISTORICAL VICTORIAN HOME
The Downers Grove Park District Museum is housed in the historic Blodgett House, a Victorian structure built in 1892 as the 11-room home of the Charles Blodgett family. Located on the grounds of Wandschneider Park, this specialized museum preserves the area's local history through exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can step back in time as they explore this well-preserved piece of Downers Grove heritage.
4. Barth Pond
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Barth Pond provides a tranquil setting for afternoon strolls, fishing, or simply relaxing on a bench. The area features a playground for children and plenty of natural beauty to enjoy throughout the seasons. Visitors appreciate this peaceful water feature as a respite from urban life and a place to connect with nature.
5. Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Hidden Lake Forest Preserve offers visitors a chance to explore protected natural landscapes within easy reach of Downers Grove. The preserve features walking trails, fishing opportunities, and diverse wildlife habitats that change with the seasons. Nature enthusiasts can observe local flora and fauna while enjoying recreational activities in this conservation area.
6. Lyman Woods
PRISTINE OAK WOODLAND
Lyman Woods encompasses 150 gorgeous acres of oak woodland, prairie, and marshland managed by the Downers Grove Park District. These diverse habitats support approximately 300 different species of native plants and a rich array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can explore trails while potentially spotting great horned owls, Cooper's hawks, deer, foxes, and coyotes in this ecological treasure that includes a 19-acre parcel of oak woodland untouched since 1839.
7. William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center
EDUCATIONAL NATURE HUB
The William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center serves as the gateway to Lyman Woods with ever-changing exhibits about the woods and their wildlife. Outside the center, visitors can explore a butterfly garden, rain gardens, and native landscaping that showcase local ecosystems. The center provides educational resources for understanding the natural heritage of Downers Grove and its environmental significance.
8. McCollum Park
RECREATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX
McCollum Park spans 50 acres as the Downers Grove Park District's flagship park, purchased by the village in the early 1970s. The park boasts ten lighted tennis courts, multiple sports fields, lighted basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and a 1.2-mile paved walking loop with fitness stations. Seasonal attractions include Miner Mike's Adventure Golf in summer and an ice skating rink in winter, making this park a year-round recreational destination.
9. The Morton Arboretum
BOTANICAL TREE MUSEUM
The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre living museum just outside Downers Grove featuring collections of trees and plants from around the world. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, formal gardens, and seasonal exhibits that showcase natural beauty throughout the year. The arboretum combines scientific research with public education and recreation, offering a comprehensive nature experience for all ages.
10. Feet Feel Spa
RELAXATION AND WELLNESS
Feet Feel Spa offers visitors to Downers Grove a tranquil retreat for massage and wellness services. This spa specializes in foot treatments but provides a range of relaxation options for travelers seeking rejuvenation. After a day of sightseeing, guests can unwind with professional therapeutic services in a calming environment.
11. Miner Mike's Adventure Golf
FAMILY MINIATURE GOLF
Miner Mike's Adventure Golf provides an 18-hole miniature golf course experience within McCollum Park in Downers Grove. Families can enjoy friendly competition amid themed obstacles and landscaping during the summer months. The facility includes a concession stand for refreshments, making it a perfect destination for casual family outings.
12. The Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the world's most notable collections of art and is located just 32 kilometers from Downers Grove. Visitors can explore thousands of artworks spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The museum's iconic lion statues welcome art enthusiasts to this cultural institution that offers a profound artistic journey through human history.
13. Field Museum
NATURAL HISTORY WONDER
The Field Museum stands as one of North America's greatest natural history museums, accessible as a day trip from Downers Grove. Visitors can marvel at SUE, the most complete T. rex ever discovered, along with extensive exhibits on ancient civilizations, gemstones, and global cultures. The museum's immersive displays and scientific collections provide educational entertainment for curious minds of all ages.
14. Shedd Aquarium
UNDERWATER MARINE EXPLORATION
Shedd Aquarium offers an immersive aquatic experience featuring thousands of marine animals from environments around the world, just a short drive from Downers Grove. Visitors can observe dolphins, beluga whales, penguins, and colorful reef fish in carefully designed habitats that mimic their natural ecosystems. The aquarium combines entertainment with conservation education, making it both a fun and enlightening destination for families.
15. Skydeck Chicago
BREATHTAKING CITY VIEWS
Skydeck Chicago offers visitors the opportunity to walk on a glass ledge 103 floors above the city streets, creating an exhilarating experience just a short drive from Downers Grove. From this vantage point, guests can enjoy 360-degree views of Chicago's impressive skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon. The glass balconies extend four feet outside the building, providing a unique perspective and unforgettable photo opportunities for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike.