20 Attractions to Explore Near Illinois Prairie Path

Lilacia Park is a beautiful public park nestled in the center of town. It covers an area of 4.3 acres, and offers a variety of activities such as strolling paths, gardens, sculpture exhibits and more. It's well-known for its blooming lilacs which bloom twice per year: once in April and again in June. Visitors can stroll through the formal gardens or admire the statuary scattered throughout the grounds. In addition to lilac displays, visitors enjoying a walk can find plenty of other flower beds.

Lake Ellyn is a stunning and tranquil escape situated on the western edge of Glen Ellyn. Part of the 160-acre Lake Ellyn Park, the lake offers a picturesque stretch of shoreline with plenty to do for visitors. During warm days, residents flock to take advantage of its plethora of recreational opportunities including fishing, paddle-boating, and savoring their picnic lunches at one of the 13 shaded pavilions that line the water's edge.

Great Western Trail is a tranquil and beautiful trail spanning 24 miles. The path winds past lush fields and forests, wetlands, creeks, and more, providing an abundance of unique sights along the entire journey. Cyclists, hikers, runners and nature lovers alike will all find something to appreciate on the trail - from its vast array of flora and fauna to its charming bridges. It's easy to lose track of time as one soaks in their surroundings amid the peacefulness of this rural area.

The Elmhurst Park District offers a stunning collection of parks and recreational opportunities. Spanning hundreds of acres, visitors enjoy 26 unique community parks, 4 playgrounds and 3 separate dog parks for their four-legged friends. In addition to these attractions, there are also several lakes, athletic fields, tennis courts and an aquatic center all within the park district's boundaries.

The Mayslake Peabody Estate is a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. Originally built as a private estate for coal-baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, it was renovated and opened as a public facility in the 1990s. Today, visitors can explore more than 87 acres of old-growth oak woodland and enjoy plenty of amenities like nature trails and an arboretum. This grand estate also offers exquisite architecture in its main manor house along with other charming buildings.

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, is a scenic destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities. The 974-acre preserve was acquired in 1975 and contains forests, wetlands and prairies which provide habitats for numerous species of wildlife. Visitors to the preserve can explore the 7.25 miles of trails on foot or by bicycle, take a paddleboat out onto the 43-acre lake or fly a kite on one of its open expanses. There are several fishing sites available near the lake.

Fullersburg Woods, is a picturesque nature preserve full of lush forestry and wildlife. The preserve's 500 acres feature a variety of trees and shrubbery, including oak-hickory woods, black walnut-white ash woods, and dense woodbands. The sights and sounds of nature are around every corner as visitors can enjoy the songbirds, warblers, and more that thrive there. Hiking trails provide access to the diverse topography of Fullersburg Woods.

The Morton Arboretum is an incredible treasure for nature-lovers. Boasting over 200 kinds of trees, 16 miles of trails, and a variety of interactive exhibits, it is an exemplary destination for people to appreciate the beauty of flora and fauna. With 1,700 acres of naturalistic landscapes to explore, this arboretum offers its visitors an array of educational opportunities from research and science-based classes to Children's Garden activities.

The Morton Arboretum, is a 1,700-acre public garden known for its diverse mix of plants and majestic trees. Visitors to the arboretum enjoy exploring an extensive trail system as well as seeing over 4,000 different types of trees and shrubs. The living collections are mainly composed of native species but visitors can also find a wide range of plants from temperate zones around the world.

Graue Mill & Museum is a 19th century water-powered gristmill and National Historic Landmark. The historic mill stands as a reminder of days gone by, when families gained services like grinding wheat and other grains into flour to use in their homes daily. Visitors to the museum can explore the architecture of the mill, view an array of artifacts and displays that tell the story of area settlers and travelers, plus the history behind their wares.

Cosley Zoo offers a great opportunity for visitors to get up close to and learn about some incredible animals. At Cosley Zoo, you’ll see a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians native to the area. The zoo also features a petting zoo, allowing guests to pet and get to know goats, sheep and other domesticated animals. For more adventurous visitors, there are programs available that allow guests to observe animal care staff as they feed the animals and help out with other daily tasks.

Lake Marmo, is a stunningly beautiful and peaceful sight. Fed by multiple streams and creeks. It has become a favorite recreation spot for many in the local area. Boaters, anglers, and swimmers all take delight in the tranquil setting of the lake. Ample hiking trails circle around the crystal-clear waters of Lake Marmo. Bird watchers also find something special here with dozens of species of migratory birds often observed on their journeys across the lake.

Belmont Prairie, is one of the best preserved tallgrass prairies in the Midwest and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It's grassland ecosystem encompasses plants native to northern Illinois along with wildflowers, shrubs, and oak savanna trees. This area has been recognized as a National Natural Landmark due to its significant biodiversity and contains an abundance of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern.

The Chicago Golf Club is a prestigious golf club established in 1892, it has been a leader in the Midwestern golf community for over 120 years. With a challenging yet beautiful championship course designed by the legendary C.B Macdonald and Seth Raynor, this club is perfect for all levels of play. In addition to its stellar main course, the Chicago Golf Club offers a number of additional amenities including practice areas on teaching greens, bunkers for practicing sand play shots.

The First Division Museum at Cantigny, in DuPage County, Illinois, is an interactive and engaging museum. Visitors can learn all about the history of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division on site by exploring galleries with multimedia presentations and life-size dioramas, a research library filled with historic documents, artifacts, photographs and newspapers, or outdoors while exploring tanks and other military vehicles in their own special displays.

Cantigny Park is a lovely destination for those looking for a great outdoor experience. Located on 500 acres of land donated by the McCormick family, Cantigny features hiking trails, picnic spots and gorgeous gardens to explore. The main attraction of the park is its formal gardens and 30-acre lake, as well as the First Division Museum which commemorates WWI America's first major battle overseas. Visitors can also enjoy free concerts in summer and other sporting events throughout the year.

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Centered around the scenic Herrick Lake, the preserve offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can take advantage of bird watching, kayaking, fishing, nature trails, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, several playgrounds make it perfect for families looking to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

Mallard Lake, is a popular destination for both nature lovers and outdoorsy types alike. Its wooded trails are perfect for taking a leisurely stroll, while its tranquil waters make it great for kayaking and canoeing. The lake has plenty of spots to fish along its shoreline, as well as some nifty dams that offer panoramic views of the lake and distant hillsides. There are also picnic spots off the main trail for a quick bite or snack.

Brookfield Zoo, is an outdoor recreation destination for the whole family. From the towering lions to the adorable lemurs, Brookfield Zoo is a great way to spend a day. There are over 450 species of animals exhibited across 200 acres of wooded landscape giving visitors plenty to explore. Brookfield Zoo offers interactive experiences such as animal encounters, zookeeper talks, and educational presentations which make it unique among other zoos across the country.

The Chicago Zoological Society is a renowned wildlife conservation center that is home to over 2,300 animals and 450 different species. Since its formation in the 1920s, the zoo has been committed to caring for animals, educating visitors about wildlife conservation, providing research opportunities for scientists, and participating in species reintro-duction programs. Along with housing many unique species from around the world, the zoo also hosts a myriad of events throughout the year.