Elmwood Park IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elmwood Park, Illinois.
1. Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GROCERY EXPERIENCE
Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets offers an authentic Italian grocery experience that stands out from typical supermarkets with reasonable prices and genuine Italian products everywhere you look. Visitors can explore aisles filled with specialty items, fresh produce, and imported delicacies that showcase the area's rich Italian heritage. This market provides a cultural shopping experience that reflects Elmwood Park's longstanding connection to Italian immigrants and their culinary traditions.
2. Taste of Elmwood Park
PREMIER FOOD FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
The Taste of Elmwood Park has been a premier event for over 30 years, showcasing the village's finest local restaurants and outstanding culinary offerings. Taking place at Central Park on 75th Avenue and Fullerton, this annual festival features not only exceptional food but also musical entertainment, games, rides, a bocce ball tournament, and yoga in the park. The event highlights Elmwood Park's reputation as a food destination, particularly for Italian cuisine, making it a must-visit attraction during its season.
3. Johnnie's Beef
LEGENDARY ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES
Johnnie's Beef on North Avenue is an iconic Elmwood Park eatery renowned for its mouthwatering Italian beef sandwiches that Chicago Magazine named among the best places to eat in the suburbs. This beloved establishment is part of the village's famous 'Restaurant Row' along North Avenue, where visitors can experience authentic Chicago-style street food. Johnnie's represents the culinary excellence that has made Elmwood Park a destination for food enthusiasts seeking genuine Italian-American flavors.
4. Central Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Central Park serves as Elmwood Park's primary community gathering space located on 75th Avenue and Fullerton. The park hosts the village's signature event, the annual Taste of Elmwood Park, transforming into a vibrant festival ground with food vendors, entertainment stages, and family activities. Throughout the year, Central Park offers recreational facilities and green space for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in the heart of the village.
5. Oak Park Country Club
PREMIER GOLF DESTINATION
Oak Park Country Club offers a premier golfing experience just minutes away from downtown Elmwood Park. The historic club features meticulously maintained greens and fairways for golf enthusiasts to enjoy. Beyond golf, the country club serves as an elegant venue for social events and gatherings, representing the upscale recreational options available in the area.
6. Cernan Earth and Space Museum
EDUCATIONAL SPACE EXPLORATION
The Cernan Earth and Space Museum, located near Triton Community College just minutes from Elmwood Park, offers visitors an educational journey through space exploration and Earth sciences. Named after astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, this museum features interactive exhibits, space artifacts, and astronomical displays that engage visitors of all ages. The museum provides educational programs and events that inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the lens of space exploration.
7. Forest Preserve Trails
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
The forest preserve on Elmwood Park's western border offers extensive trails and paths for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and outdoor adventurers. Visitors can explore the preserved natural areas that provide a refreshing contrast to the suburban surroundings and offer glimpses of local wildlife and native plant species. These accessible trails connect to the broader Cook County Forest Preserve system, allowing for extended excursions through the region's natural landscapes.
8. Restaurant Row
CULINARY DESTINATION HUB
Elmwood Park's Restaurant Row along North Avenue features everything from fine dining establishments to casual sandwich shops, showcasing the village's rich culinary heritage. Visitors can experience authentic Italian cuisine alongside other international and American offerings, reflecting the diverse cultural influences in the community. This concentrated collection of eateries has established Elmwood Park as a dining destination for both locals and visitors from throughout the Chicago area.
9. Ashe Beach Park
RECREATIONAL WATERFRONT SPACE
Ashe Beach Park offers Elmwood Park residents and visitors a recreational waterfront space for outdoor enjoyment. The park features open spaces and facilities for various activities, providing a respite from urban surroundings. This community amenity serves as a gathering place for families and individuals seeking leisure time in a pleasant natural setting.
10. Salt Creek Greenway Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATH
The Salt Creek Greenway Trail is a 25-mile-long multi-user path near Elmwood Park that follows the creek from Busse Forest in Elk Grove Village to the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. The well-maintained trail offers cyclists and pedestrians a scenic route with good surface conditions and ample room to enjoy the natural surroundings. With only a few interruptions where the path intersects with traffic, this trail provides a relaxing outdoor experience connecting multiple communities in the western Chicago suburbs.
11. Centennial Park
MODERN COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Centennial Park serves as one of Elmwood Park's key recreational facilities, offering modern amenities for community use. The park provides space for sports activities, leisure pursuits, and family gatherings throughout the year. Its central location makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors looking to enjoy outdoor activities in a well-maintained public space.
12. Triton College
EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
Triton College is a community college located just minutes from Elmwood Park, offering educational opportunities and cultural events open to the public. The campus features the Cernan Earth and Space Museum, along with athletic facilities, art galleries, and performance venues that serve the broader community. Visitors can attend theatrical productions, concerts, art exhibitions, and sporting events throughout the year, making Triton College a cultural hub for the area.
13. Elmwood Park Historical Sites
VILLAGE HERITAGE EXPLORATION
Elmwood Park's historical sites offer glimpses into the village's evolution from open prairie to a railroad hub following the arrival of the Chicago & Pacific Railroad in 1870. Visitors can explore locations connected to the village's incorporation in 1914 and its development during population booms after each World War. These historical points of interest showcase Elmwood Park's longstanding Italian immigrant community and its sometimes notorious connections to Chicago's organized crime history.
14. Brookfield Zoo
PREMIER WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Brookfield Zoo, located near Elmwood Park, is one of the Chicago area's premier wildlife attractions featuring over 2,000 animals across 216 acres of naturalistic habitats. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits including the tropical world of Tropic World, the polar environment of Great Bear Wilderness, and the African savanna at Habitat Africa. The zoo offers year-round programming, seasonal events, and conservation education, making it an ideal destination for families and animal enthusiasts from Elmwood Park and beyond.
15. North Branch Chicago River Trail
SCENIC URBAN WATERWAY
The North Branch Chicago River Trail near Elmwood Park features scenic paths alongside the waterway with a notable grove of bur oaks that creates a natural oasis in the urban landscape. During spring, visitors can enjoy the blooming wild hyacinth that adds splashes of color to the riverside ecosystem. The trail provides opportunities for cycling, walking, and nature observation while connecting to the broader network of paths throughout Chicago's northwestern suburbs.