Glen Ellyn IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
1. Willowbrook Wildlife Center
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION
Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a premier wildlife rehabilitation facility in Glen Ellyn that offers visitors a chance to observe and learn about local wildlife. The center provides care for injured and orphaned native wildlife while educating the public through exhibits and programs. Visitors can explore nature trails and view various native species in naturalistic enclosures while learning about conservation efforts.
2. McAninch Arts Center
PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURE
McAninch Arts Center serves as a cultural hub in Glen Ellyn, offering a diverse range of performances including theater, music, and dance. The center features multiple performance spaces, including a 780-seat proscenium theater and an outdoor pavilion for summer concerts. Art enthusiasts can enjoy professional touring artists alongside student productions throughout the year.
3. Cleve Carney Museum of Art
CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITIONS
The Cleve Carney Museum of Art showcases year-round visual art exhibitions featuring works from regional, national, and international artists. This contemporary gallery aims to foster understanding and appreciation of modern art through its carefully curated displays. Visitors can experience thought-provoking exhibitions in an intimate setting that encourages engagement with contemporary artistic expressions.
4. Glen Ellyn Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVATION
The Glen Ellyn Historical Society preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of this charming DuPage County community. Through its collections, exhibits, and educational programs, the society offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past from early settlement to modern times. History enthusiasts can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Glen Ellyn's development.
5. Stacy's Tavern Museum
HISTORIC 1800S INN
Stacy's Tavern Museum is a meticulously restored 1846 inn that once served travelers along the St. Charles Road stagecoach route. The historic structure offers visitors an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life in the developing Illinois prairie communities. Tours of this carefully preserved landmark showcase period furnishings and artifacts that illuminate the daily experiences of early settlers and travelers.
6. Village Links of Glen Ellyn
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE
Village Links of Glen Ellyn is a premier 18-hole championship golf course that offers challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. The beautifully maintained grounds feature rolling terrain, strategic water hazards, and pristine greens surrounded by native vegetation. Beyond golf, the facility includes a popular restaurant, practice areas, and has been recognized for its environmental stewardship.
7. Glen Ellyn Boat House
LAKESIDE RECREATION SPOT
The Glen Ellyn Boat House provides access to water recreation on picturesque Lake Ellyn, offering paddleboat and kayak rentals during the summer months. This charming lakeside facility serves as a gathering place for community events and relaxation throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the serene water views, surrounding park trails, and seasonal activities in this quintessential Glen Ellyn setting.
8. Downtown Glen Ellyn
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Downtown Glen Ellyn captivates visitors with its charming historic atmosphere and collection of locally owned shops and award-winning restaurants. The pedestrian-friendly district features beautifully preserved architecture that houses unique boutiques, specialty stores, and diverse dining options. Throughout the year, the area hosts special events and festivals that showcase the community's vibrant spirit and welcoming character.
9. Wrigley Field
ICONIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Wrigley Field stands as one of America's most beloved baseball stadiums, home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and known for its ivy-covered outfield walls and historic manual scoreboard. Visitors can tour the iconic grounds or catch a game during the baseball season from March through September. Beyond baseball, the stadium's charm extends to its Wrigleyville neighborhood, offering pre-game and post-game entertainment options.
10. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Navy Pier stretches into Lake Michigan as Chicago's most-visited attraction, featuring a 200-foot Ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This historic pier offers spectacular views of both the Chicago skyline and the vast waters of Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, theater performances, gardens, and seasonal events throughout the year at this vibrant waterfront destination.
11. Millennium Park
URBAN CULTURAL PARK
Millennium Park serves as Chicago's premier public space, featuring iconic attractions such as Cloud Gate (The Bean) sculpture and the Crown Fountain interactive art installation. The park hosts free concerts and events at the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion throughout summer months. Visitors can also enjoy the Lurie Garden's year-round botanical displays and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink during winter seasons.
12. Six Flags Great America
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Six Flags Great America delivers high-adrenaline entertainment with its impressive collection of roller coasters and thrill rides spread across 300 acres. The park features themed areas, family attractions, and Hurricane Harbor water park for cooling off during hot summer days. Seasonal events like Fright Fest in autumn and Holiday in the Park during winter months extend the park's appeal beyond traditional summer visits.
13. Morton Arboretum
MAGNIFICENT TREE COLLECTION
The Morton Arboretum spans 1,700 acres of magnificent landscapes featuring collections of trees and plants from around the world arranged in themed gardens and natural settings. Visitors can explore more than 16 miles of hiking trails, drive the scenic route, or participate in seasonal events like the winter Illumination light show. The arboretum combines scientific research with public education and recreation to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees.
14. Cantigny Park
HISTORIC ESTATE GARDENS
Cantigny Park encompasses the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, featuring 30 acres of spectacular formal gardens, historic museums, and a championship golf course. The park houses both the Robert R. McCormick Museum, a historic mansion, and the First Division Museum with its impressive collection of military artifacts and tanks. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, educational programs, concerts, and special events throughout the expansive grounds.
15. Brookfield Zoo
WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE PARK
Brookfield Zoo houses over 2,000 animals representing more than 500 species across its 216-acre naturalistic habitat. Visitors can experience immersive exhibits like the Tropic World rainforest, the Australia House, and the Great Bear Wilderness featuring polar bears and grizzlies. The zoo offers special experiences including dolphin presentations, giraffe feedings, and seasonal events like Holiday Magic and Summer Nights.