Attractions and Places To See in DuPage County - Top 20

DuPage County boasts over 60 forest preserves and 500 miles of trails. Key natural attractions include the 1,700-acre Danada Forest Preserve, known for its prairies, woods, and wetlands, and Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, which features the charming Sawmill Creek Bridge and 11 miles of trails. The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is another significant 'outdoor living museum' with extensive gardens and woodlands. You can also visit Herrick Lake Forest Preserve for hiking and fishing, or the West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve.

Yes, DuPage County is rich in history. Cantigny Park in Wheaton, once the estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, offers beautiful gardens and museums. The DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton showcases the region's architectural and cultural past. Naper Settlement in Naperville is an outdoor living history museum, providing a glimpse into 19th-century life. You can also see the McCormick House at Elmhurst Art Museum, an architectural landmark designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

DuPage County offers a vibrant cultural scene. The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook is unique, specializing entirely in stone and lapidary art. The Cleve Carney Museum of Art at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn is a significant venue for contemporary art. Additionally, the Elmhurst Art Museum hosts various exhibitions, and venues like the Drury Lane Theatre & Events provide performing arts experiences.

Families will find plenty to do. The DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville offers interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is another popular family destination. Many forest preserves, such as Danada Forest Preserve and Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, are family-friendly with trails suitable for all ages. The Naperville Riverwalk, with its gardens and paddleboat quarry, is also a great option for a family outing.

DuPage County offers extensive hiking opportunities. The Waterfall Glen Main Trail is a popular gravel loop around Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The Illinois Prairie Path is an extensive trail system running through several towns, ideal for exploring on foot or bike. For more specific hiking routes, you can explore waterfall hikes in DuPage County, which includes routes like the Rocky Glen Trail.

Absolutely. DuPage County is excellent for cycling. The Illinois Prairie Path, the first rail-to-trail conversion in the U.S., offers a vast network for biking. The Waterfall Glen Main Trail is a multi-use path suitable for gravel bikers and mountain bike beginners. You can also find the Timber Ridge Trail, which connects the Illinois Prairie Path with the Great Western Trail. For more options, check out road cycling routes or gravel biking routes in DuPage County.

Beyond the main categories, DuPage County has several unique spots. The Naperville Riverwalk is a charming 1.75-mile pathway along the DuPage River. Lilacia Park in Lombard is famous for its 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips, especially during the annual Lilac Time Festival. You can also experience a piece of history along parts of historic U.S. Route 66, with nostalgic stops like Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket.

DuPage County is a great destination for bird enthusiasts. Various forest preserves are identified as prime locations for diverse bird species. These include Cantigny Park, Churchill Woods, Fermilab Tallgrass Prairie, and Herrick Lake Forest Preserve. Danada Forest Preserve also features a large wetland complex that supports diverse wildlife, including egrets and herons, and even a rookery of nesting great blue herons.

Yes, some trails in DuPage County are designed to be wheelchair accessible. For example, the Timber Ridge Trail is a smooth, paved path that is wheelchair accessible, connecting the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail.

The best time to visit DuPage County for outdoor activities largely depends on your interests. Spring brings the blooming of lilacs and tulips at Lilacia Park. Summer is ideal for enjoying the many trails and forest preserves. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage, making it a beautiful time for hiking and exploring. While winter offers fewer outdoor activities, some preserves are open for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and accessible outdoor activities. The peaceful environment of places like Sawmill Creek Bridge in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, known for its damselflies, is often highlighted. The diverse terrain of preserves like Danada Forest Preserve, with its prairies, woods, and wetlands, also receives positive feedback for its scenic trails and wildlife. The multi-use paths, like the Waterfall Glen Main Trail, are popular for their suitability for various activities and skill levels.