20 Attractions to Explore Near Eaton Preserve Park

Commissioners Park is an impressive outdoor playground. It has beautiful paths for hiking and biking, as well as bike rentals. The park also offers a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy such as disc golf, fishing, volleyball, horseshoes, soccer fields and several playgrounds. There are plenty of picnic areas to relax after a day of fun activities. With its plethora of attractions, Commissioners Park is one of the county's most popular outdoor destinations.

The West Branch DuPage River is a beautiful and tranquil river flowing through Will County. It has many picturesque landscapes that you can enjoy, from rolling hills freshly blanketed in snow to colorful forests bursting with life. Along the river there is ample opportunity for both fishing and canoeing, making it a popular spot for those looking to get outdoors. The gentle current of the West Branch allows casual paddlers a chance to take in the sights while getting some light exercise.

The Illinois Aviation Museum is an impressive experience for aviation enthusiasts. On display are aircraft from the golden age of flight along with exhibits from WWI and WWII, as well as modern military machines. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of aviation through tour guides who have a wealth of knowledge about each aircraft and their historical context. Educational programming includes speakers, lectures, and interactive workshops for children of all ages.

The DuPage River Park offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. Boasting over 40 miles of trails that connect to numerous other parks, the DuPage River Park is ideal for walking, biking and even horseback riders. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll or explore the wetlands and woodlands, there's something here for everyone. The park also includes fishing piers and boat launches, giving anglers access to the river.

This Preserve is a sprawling wonderland of nature and wildlife. The majority of the preserve consists of high-quality prairie and wetland habitats, with an abundance of native plants and animals. Situated along the east branch of the DuPage River, the forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. It also includes trails that are lined with historic oak savannas from before European settlement.

Whalon Lake is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. It is situated in the DuPage River watershed, and there are numerous opportunities for visitors to experience nature and all that it has to offer. The lake itself offers fishing and boating, while scenic trails provide perfect spots for hikers, joggers, and bicyclists alike. Picnic areas are scattered around the lake and ideal for family get-togethers or just unwinding after a long day outdoors.

The Gaylord Building has a rich local history. Built in 1867, it was originally used as a general store and post office before being converted into the offices for many businesses in this growing area. Throughout the years it has seen many uses, including retail shops, service clubs, and professional offices. Recognized for its beauty and design, the Gaylord Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The Illinois State Museum with its permanent exhibits feature ancient Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years as well as items from more recent civilizations that have lived in the area. Additionally, there are interactive displays that help visitors gain a better understanding of Illinois culture and development. Since it first opened its doors in 1974, this museum has been an invaluable asset in documenting and preserving the past for future generations to appreciate.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal is a historically important transportation route that has been connecting towns since the early 19th century. The I & M Canal ran for a distance of about 98 miles beginning in Bridgeport on the Chicago River and ending at LaSalle-Peru at the Illinois River. Some say the move from Native American portage trails to the canal was what enabled the Chicago area to become a center of commerce in the young United States of America.

Dellwood Park offers a unique opportunity for nature lovers by allowing its visitors to observe a wide variety of flora and fauna up close. This park is made up of nearly 500 acres of recreational land, including three ponds and an amateur disc golf course. The park also hosts fishing areas, picnic tables, hiking trails, open field spaces, nature play areas, and many more offerings to keep visitors busy throughout the day.

Phillips Park Sunken Garden is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Located just outside of downtown Aurora, the park’s main attraction is the Sunken Garden. Featuring winding pathways and scenic blooms, this lovely walk is also surrounded by mature trees that provide natural shade during the hot summer days. For those looking to stay active while exploring the park, there are also two playgrounds on each side of the garden where children can play.

The Little White School Museum is a journey through time. Operating as a one-room school until 1966, the building has been lovingly transformed into a museum of artifacts and photographs that capture the history of the area’s education system from its earliest days to the present. Visitors to the museum can trace how far our educational system has come by exploring interactive exhibits covering topics from rural school life to technological innovation.

Phillips Park Zoo is a great place for families to spend the day. Located just outside of Aurora, the small sized zoo offers a variety of animals from all around the world. Visitors can observe creatures such as African lions, kangaroos, zebras, a range of primates and birds, and even reptiles like giant pythons. The zoo also features an education center and reptile house which allows visitors to learn more about the local and other ecosystems.

Joliet Kicks on Route 66 is a popular tourist site for those looking to journey along historic Route 66. The attraction is an Americana-style truck stop and diner that also houses a gas station and convenience store. Stop at Joliet Kicks to experience the nostalgia of traveling down one of America’s most iconic highways. With prices that are cheaper than traditional fuel stations, helpful staff, great service, delicious food, and vintage vibes.

Old Joliet Prison was once a formidable structure that acted as a symbol of the power of the State. Founded in 1858 and closed in 2002, it served many economic and criminal justice functions within the region over its 144 year history. Originally constructed to ease overcrowding within the Cook County prison system, it eventually became a juvenile correctional facility during its later years. It housed some of the most dangerous criminals in Chicago and surrounding areas.

The Oakhurst Forest Preserve, is an incredible natural sanctuary. Featuring more than 600 acres of undisturbed prairie and oak woodland habitat, visitors can take part in a wide range of outdoor activities, enjoying everything from hiking to birding. The vast array of wildlife, including deer and fox, can often be seen wandering through the preserve. In addition, this vast expanse of green space leads directly down to the picturesque Fox River.

Shorewood Park is a great choice for a peaceful and picturesque getaway. It is 38 acres of breathtaking scenery, providing plenty of outdoorsy activities like kayaking, canoeing and fishing for experienced or novice visitors. The park also has an ADA accessible trail which takes visitors through the oak-hickory forest and past the pond overlooking the DuPage River. No matter if you are looking for a peaceful nature escape or an active day of recreation, Shorewood Park has something for everyone.

The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site offers visitors a unique look into the area's rich industrial history. Built in 1873, this National Historic Landmark was once an active iron works that created an impressive number of mining tools and products for the area's booming mining industry. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of many of the site's buildings and machinery to gain a greater understanding of how the local economy operated during its heyday.

The historic Jackson Street Bridge has been a fixture in Will County, for nearly a century. Built in 1919, the truss bridge was the first publicly-funded structure of its kind in the area, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning 80 feet across Fox Creek, it is not only a marvel of engineering, but also a cherished part of local history. With its inviting wooden railings and grand rustic design, this iconic relic has become an attraction to many visitors.

Greene Valley, is a naturally beautiful spot. Just 35 miles away from downtown Chicago, it is home to verdant woodlands, meadows full of wildflowers, and serene meandering rivers. Greene Valley is one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets—an oasis of peace and tranquility surrounded by sprawling cities. Whether you feel like catching some fresh air on a hike through the forest or going fishing along the riverbanks, this hidden gem has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts.