North Riverside IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near North Riverside, Illinois.
1. North Riverside Park Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
North Riverside Park Mall serves as the area's primary shopping destination with numerous retail stores and dining options. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of brand names and bargains all in one convenient location. The mall provides a climate-controlled environment perfect for shopping year-round regardless of weather conditions.
2. Village Commons
BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACE
Village Commons stands as one of the most beautifully executed green spaces in the western suburbs of Chicago. This community centerpiece features a picturesque pond and fountain that create a serene atmosphere for visitors. The space incorporates walking paths, picnic areas, and a veterans' memorial gazebo perfect for relaxation and reflection.
3. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
INDOOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park offers an exciting indoor entertainment venue for families and thrill-seekers of all ages. Visitors can experience various attractions including trampolines, climbing walls, obstacle courses, and more under one roof. The park provides a perfect solution for active fun regardless of weather conditions, making it an ideal destination for birthdays and family outings.
4. The Sweet Spot Tavern & Grill
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
The Sweet Spot Tavern & Grill welcomes guests to experience its warm atmosphere and delicious menu offerings. Patrons can enjoy a variety of American comfort food classics along with refreshing beverages in a friendly environment. The establishment serves as both a dining destination and social gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
5. Spin's Cafe
COZY LOCAL EATERY
Spin's Cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking a comfortable place to dine or grab coffee. Visitors appreciate the cafe's menu featuring breakfast and lunch options prepared with care. The establishment provides a more intimate alternative to chain restaurants in the area.
6. Classic Cinemas - North Riverside
NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE THEATER
Classic Cinemas in North Riverside delivers an enjoyable movie-going experience with current film releases in a comfortable setting. The theater combines modern projection technology with reasonable prices to create an affordable entertainment option. Moviegoers appreciate the convenient location and less crowded atmosphere compared to larger multiplex theaters.
7. Riverside Golf Club
HISTORIC GOLFING DESTINATION
Riverside Golf Club, founded in 1893, stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the Chicago area. The meticulously maintained course offers challenging play among beautiful landscaping just minutes from North Riverside. Golfers appreciate the historic clubhouse and traditional golfing experience at this long-standing institution.
8. Brookfield Zoo
PREMIER WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Brookfield Zoo, located just 1.2 miles from Riverside and close to North Riverside, is the largest zoo in Illinois with over 2,000 animals. Visitors can explore numerous exhibits including the popular Tropic World, Great Bear Wilderness, and Hamill Family Play Zoo. The 216-acre park offers a full day of wildlife encounters, conservation education, and family entertainment throughout the year.
9. Salt Creek Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Salt Creek Trail provides hikers and cyclists with a beautiful path through natural areas near North Riverside. The trail follows Salt Creek through wooded areas, meadows, and wetlands offering opportunities to observe local wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate this accessible trail for exercise and connecting with nature without traveling far from the suburbs.
10. Chicago Portage National Historic Site
IMPORTANT HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Chicago Portage National Historic Site, just 2.4 miles from Riverside, preserves the location of a vital transportation link used by Native Americans and early European explorers. This site marks where travelers would portage (carry) their canoes between the Chicago River and Des Plaines River watersheds. Visitors can explore interpretive displays explaining how this geographical feature shaped the development of Chicago and the entire Midwest.
11. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, located 5.5 miles from Riverside, served as the famed architect's residence and workplace from 1889 to 1909. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to see where Wright developed his Prairie School architectural style and designed over 125 structures. The building itself showcases Wright's evolving design philosophy with experimental elements that would later influence modern architecture worldwide.
12. Unity Temple
WRIGHT'S INFLUENTIAL BUILDING
Unity Temple stands as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most influential buildings and is located just 5.2 miles from Riverside. Completed in 1908, this UNESCO World Heritage site demonstrates Wright's revolutionary approach to religious architecture using reinforced concrete in bold, geometric forms. Visitors can experience the building's remarkable interior space with its ingenious natural lighting and innovative floating balconies that create an atmosphere of serenity and spiritual elevation.
13. Loyola Hospital Medical Center
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE CAMPUS
Loyola Hospital Medical Center campus offers more than just healthcare services with its impressive facilities and architecture. Visitors can explore the peaceful chapel, gardens, and public areas of this renowned academic medical institution. The campus regularly hosts educational exhibits, lectures, and events that are open to community members.
14. Riverside Artisan Market
LOCAL CRAFT SHOWCASE
Riverside Artisan Market brings together local artists and craftspeople to showcase their unique creations for visitors and residents. Shoppers can browse handmade jewelry, artwork, home décor, clothing, and specialty food items in a community-oriented setting. The market represents the creative spirit of the area while providing an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind items directly from their makers.
15. Kehrein Center for the Arts
COMMUNITY CULTURAL HUB
Kehrein Center for the Arts serves as a vibrant cultural hub offering performances, exhibitions, and arts education near North Riverside. The center hosts a diverse calendar of events including concerts, theater productions, and visual arts shows that highlight local and regional talent. Visitors appreciate the center's mission to make arts accessible to all while enriching the cultural landscape of the western Chicago area.