Attractions and Places To See around North Riverside - Top 20

North Riverside and its surroundings offer several natural escapes. You can visit Brookfield Woods, a serene nature reserve with winding trails and diverse flora. Another option is the 14-acre Commons Park, which features picnic areas, a playground, and a bike path. For a tranquil walk, explore the 73.8 acres of National Grove Woods, ideal for hiking and picnics.

Yes, North Riverside has several family-friendly options. The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park offers trampolines, climbing walls, go-karts, and more for active fun. Commons Park provides a playground and open spaces for children. Just a short distance away, the Brookfield Zoo is a major regional attraction with 450 species of animals and unique exhibits, making it a great day out for all ages.

The North Riverside Historical Society preserves the village's past, with collections of artifacts and exhibits displayed at the Village Commons and the North Riverside Public Library. Additionally, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in nearby Oak Park offers a glimpse into the architectural legacy of the renowned architect.

The area boasts several trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is a 25-mile multi-user path suitable for all types of bikes, linking into a larger regional network. You can also explore Bemis Woods North Trail, which features both paved and dirt sections, some of which are open to bikes. For more options, check out the easy hikes around North Riverside or the cycling routes around North Riverside.

Yes, Commons Park is a 14-acre dog-friendly park where you can enjoy picnics, a bike path, and open spaces with your pet. Many of the natural areas and trails, such as the Salt Creek Greenway Trail and National Grove Woods, are also popular for walks with dogs, though leash rules should always be observed.

The North Riverside Park Mall is the village's main shopping destination, featuring a variety of stores. It also offers entertainment options like Round 1, with arcade games and bowling, and Classic Cinemas North Riverside, a movie theater with amenities like heated reclining seats.

For a truly unique dining experience, visit Chef Shangri-La. This restaurant and tiki bar offers Chinese cuisine with an island flair, live performances from celebrity impersonators, and a vibrant tropical decor, making it one of the only tiki restaurants of its kind in the Chicagoland area.

The Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is built to national bike path standards and is generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers due to its paved surface. Commons Park also features a bike path that can be used for accessible strolls.

During winter, Commons Park offers opportunities for ice skating on its two ponds when conditions allow. The various trails, such as those in Brookfield Woods and National Grove Woods, can also be enjoyed for winter walks, and Commons Park has a sledding hill.

North Island, located in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, is a charming small island nestled in Salt Creek. It offers picturesque surroundings with picnic shelters, making it a perfect spot to relax, enjoy the views, and even set up a fishing pole.

Areas like Brookfield Woods and National Grove Woods are home to diverse flora and wildlife. Visitors might spot various bird species, small mammals, and other local fauna typical of woodland and creek environments in the region.

Yes, the Riverside Golf Club, founded in 1893, is a significant historical part of the area's recreational development and offers a golfing experience amidst the region's forested setting along the Des Plaines River.