Oak Brook IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oak Brook, Illinois.
1. Graue Mill & Museum
HISTORIC WATERWHEEL GRIST MILL
Graue Mill & Museum is one of Oak Brook's top attractions featuring a historic waterwheel grist mill that has been in operation for over 150 years. Visitors can explore this living history site to learn about 19th-century milling techniques and the area's connection to the Underground Railroad. The museum offers demonstrations, exhibits, and a chance to purchase freshly ground flour produced using traditional methods.
2. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
NATURAL GEMSTONE COLLECTION
The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art showcases a stunning collection of gemstones, jade carvings, and lapidary works that highlight the beauty of natural earth science. Visitors can marvel at intricately carved jade pieces, gemstone dioramas, and mineral specimens from around the world. The museum offers educational programs that teach about geology, gemology, and the ancient art of stone carving.
3. Mayslake Peabody Estate
HISTORIC TUDOR REVIVAL MANSION
Mayslake Peabody Estate features a magnificent Tudor Revival-style mansion built in 1921 for coal baron Francis S. Peabody. The estate grounds include beautiful gardens, a restored portiuncula chapel, and natural areas perfect for exploring. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion to learn about its architecture, history, and the fascinating stories of its former residents.
4. Oakbrook Center
UPSCALE OUTDOOR SHOPPING MALL
Oakbrook Center is a premier open-air shopping destination featuring over 160 specialty stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Shoppers can enjoy a mix of luxury and mainstream retailers in a beautifully landscaped environment with fountains and comfortable seating areas. The center regularly hosts events, seasonal displays, and offers a variety of dining options from casual to fine dining experiences.
5. Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater
ELEGANT DINNER THEATER EXPERIENCE
Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater offers world-class theatrical performances in an elegant venue that has been entertaining audiences for decades. Visitors can enjoy Broadway-quality musicals and plays while also having the option to combine their show with a pre-show dining experience. The theater's opulent interior, complete with crystal chandeliers and grand staircases, creates a memorable atmosphere for theater enthusiasts.
6. Fullersburg Woods
NATURE PRESERVE AND HISTORY
Fullersburg Woods offers visitors over 220 acres of woodlands, prairies, and savanna habitats along Salt Creek with miles of scenic hiking trails. The preserve includes a nature education center with interactive exhibits about local ecology, wildlife, and environmental conservation. History buffs will appreciate the preserved historic buildings including the Ben Fuller House that dates back to the area's early settlement.
7. Brookfield Zoo
WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE PARK
Brookfield Zoo, located near Oak Brook, is home to approximately 2,000 animals from 216 species spread across 216 acres of naturalistic habitats. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits including the Tropic World rainforest, Great Bear Wilderness, and the popular Hamill Family Play Zoo designed for children. The zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts and offers special experiences such as animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and seasonal events throughout the year.
8. The Morton Arboretum
LIVING TREE MUSEUM
The Morton Arboretum spans 1,700 acres featuring collections of trees and plants from around the world, just a short drive from Oak Brook. Visitors can explore 16 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of paved roads for biking, and specialty gardens including the acclaimed Maze Garden and Children's Garden. The arboretum hosts seasonal events including the winter light show Illumination, summer concerts, and educational programs focused on tree conservation and research.
9. Cantigny Park
GARDENS AND MILITARY MUSEUM
Cantigny Park, the former estate of Chicago Tribune publisher Colonel Robert R. McCormick, offers 500 acres of spectacular gardens, historic museums, and recreational areas near Oak Brook. Visitors can tour the McCormick House, explore the First Division Military Museum with its collection of tanks and artillery, or wander through themed gardens including the stunning Rose Garden and Idea Garden. The park hosts concerts, festivals, and educational programs throughout the year, making it a destination that changes with each season.
10. Lynfred Winery
ILLINOIS' OLDEST WINERY
Lynfred Winery, established in 1979, is Illinois' oldest and largest continuously operating winery located near Oak Brook in Roselle. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in a charming Victorian setting, with expert staff guiding them through selections of award-winning wines produced on-site. The winery features a bed and breakfast, special events throughout the year, and wine club memberships for enthusiasts who want to continue their experience at home.
11. Naper Settlement
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM VILLAGE
Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum featuring a 13-acre village with 30 historic buildings that recreate 19th-century life in the region. Visitors can interact with costumed interpreters who demonstrate period crafts, chores, and trades while sharing stories about early settler experiences. The museum offers special seasonal events including Civil War reenactments, harvest festivals, and holiday celebrations that bring history to life throughout the year.
12. Wrigley Field
ICONIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, is one of America's most beloved baseball stadiums and an easy day trip from Oak Brook. Visitors can tour the historic grounds to see the famous ivy-covered outfield walls, the hand-operated scoreboard, and learn about the stadium's rich history in baseball lore. Between March and September, fans can experience the electric atmosphere of a Cubs game while enjoying Chicago-style hot dogs and other ballpark favorites.
13. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on Lake Michigan featuring attractions, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues just a short drive from Oak Brook. Visitors can ride the iconic Centennial Wheel for panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and lake, enjoy performances at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, or explore the Crystal Gardens botanical display. The pier hosts fireworks displays twice weekly during summer months and offers seasonal events including winter festivities and summer concerts.
14. Millennium Park
URBAN ART AND RECREATION
Millennium Park is a modern urban park featuring iconic public art installations including Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the interactive Crown Fountain, easily accessible from Oak Brook. Visitors can attend free concerts at the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, stroll through Lurie Garden's perennial landscapes, or cool off in the playful Crown Fountain during summer months. The park serves as Chicago's cultural hub with year-round programming including film screenings, workout classes, and seasonal events like ice skating in winter.
15. Six Flags Great America
THRILLING THEME PARK
Six Flags Great America offers over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including 17 heart-pounding roller coasters and Hurricane Harbor water park, making it a perfect day trip from Oak Brook. Visitors can experience record-breaking coasters like Maxx Force, which launches riders from 0 to 78 mph in under two seconds, or family-friendly areas with gentler rides and entertainment options. The park hosts seasonal events including Fright Fest in autumn and Holiday in the Park during winter months, offering different experiences throughout the year.