Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Elmhurst, IL

Approximately 15 miles west of the Chicago Loop, the city of Elmhurst serves as an affluent suburb located on the edge of DuPage and Cook Counties.

Rather than being just another indistinct suburb, Elmhurst is characterized by a vibrant downtown area filled with captivating shops, prominent attractions, entertainment venues, and excellent dining options.

Much of your visit to Elmhurst will revolve around Wilder Park, which hosts the notable Elmhurst Art Museum and the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art within its confines.

On the western side of the park lies Elmhurst University, whose entire campus is recognized as an arboretum, home to 130 diverse tree species.

1. Elmhurst Art Museum

As one of two main attractions in Wilder Park, the Elmhurst Art Museum focuses on contemporary art and has been operating at its current facility since 1997.

The museum features world-class exhibitions showcasing works by local, national, and international artists.

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy seasonal exhibitions presented by the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild, along with engaging themed temporary exhibitions.

Exhibition themes have included topics such as Chicago’s architectural heritage, the Chicago Freedom Movement, renewable energy advancements, and figurative painting in Chicago.

Additionally, solo exhibitions have highlighted the works of artists such as David Wallace Haskins, Sandra Jorgensen, Joan Ladendorf, and Randi Holt.

Architecture plays a significant role in the museum’s programming, and the campus features the McCormick House, one of only three residences designed and constructed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the United States.

2. Elmhurst City Centre

The vibrant central business district of Elmhurst stands as one of its significant assets. Located near the train station, Elmhurst City Centre features pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets equipped with benches, vintage-style lamps, and ample outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes.

This charming area is perfect for strolling for an hour or two, boasting an exceptional variety of unique independent shops, including galleries, boutiques, jewelers, antique and collectible stores, a comic book shop, a toy store, as well as a furrier and a cigar shop.

Throughout Elmhurst City Centre, visitors can find independent dining options, whether one prefers crêpes, frozen desserts, sushi, noodles, Chinese, BBQ, pizza, tacos, Italian cuisine, a cocktail, or an upscale glass of wine.

The downtown area also hosts several major events, including one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicagoland and a Memorial Day parade that has been held since 1918.

3. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Located within walking distance from Elmhurst Station at the picturesque Wilder Park, the Lizzadro Museum offers a remarkable array of collections.

Established in 1962, the museum serves as a repository for the collections of Joseph Lizzadro (1898-1972), a noted businessman who ascended to the position of Chairman of the Board of Meade Electric Company.

In his leisure hours, Lizzadro developed a keen interest in lapidary art, particularly carved jade, and amassed a remarkable collection beginning in the late 1930s.

The museum boasts a rich inventory, encompassing an impressive array of jade carvings, mosaics, gemstones, organic gems, cameos, rocks/minerals/fossils, alongside approximately 20 exquisite dioramas featuring animals intricately carved from gemstones.

A fitting homage to the museum’s founder is Castle Lizzadro, an 18K gold model embellished with malachite, azurite, amethyst, and vanadium.

4. Elmhurst History Museum

For those interested in learning about Elmhurst’s history, the impressive Glos Mansion has housed the Elmhurst History Museum since the 1970s.

With its rustic limestone exterior, copper dormers, and white oak interiors, the mansion showcases Romanesque Revival architecture and was constructed between 1892-1893.

The museum features a diverse range of exhibits annually, encompassing both national touring exhibitions and engaging displays curated by the museum’s team.

Prominently featured is “By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst,” which explores the city’s over 165 years of history through multimedia presentations and various intriguing artifacts.

Recent temporary exhibitions have tackled subjects ranging from Elmhurst University and the Great Depression to Chicagoland’s railroads, Frank Lloyd Wright, and American Political Posters.

5. Wilder Park

Perfectly situated between downtown and Elmhurst University, Wilder Park serves as a beloved green space that embodies the city’s social atmosphere.

Often praised as the premier park in Chicago’s suburbs, Wilder Park is located on the grounds of the namesake mansion, originally constructed in the 1860s and home to several distinguished local families.

The Wilder Mansion, refurbished in the 1930s and 1960s, is available for rental as a wedding venue. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful formal gardens and the elegant Wilder Park Conservatory, dating back to 1923 and renowned for its seasonal displays of plants (such as lilies, chrysanthemums, and poinsettias).

Alongside the Elmhurst Art Museum and the Lizzadro Museum, Wilder Park hosts a full events calendar that includes an Easter Egg hunt, Art in the Park in May, summer concerts, movie screenings, and a holiday market at the mansion, among other events.

6. Illinois Prairie Path

Elmhurst is situated along a 61-mile network of trails, much of which is built along the former right of way of the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad (which operated from 1902 to 1959).

After this line was decommissioned, the concept of a regional trail along the route was proposed in 1963 by naturalist May Theilgaard Watts (1893-1975), and by the early 1970s, the Illinois Prairie Path emerged as the first of many rails-to-trails in the United States.

The trail features a gentle gradient and a combination of asphalt and crushed stone pathways. It meanders through the heart of Elmhurst, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, jogging, nature watching, and horseback riding.

There are numerous access points to the trail throughout Elmhurst, from where one can venture east toward Maywood. A fork to the west at Wheaton leads northwest toward Elgin or southwest toward Aurora.

7. Great Western Prairie

Due to an unusual land allocation in the 19th century, this six-acre parcel in Elmhurst has remained untouched amidst the city’s development.

Stretching for approximately one mile, the Great Western Prairie is recognized as the oldest living ecosystem in the area, nestled between two abandoned railway lines, one of which is utilized by the Illinois Prairie Path (to the south).

This beautiful area has been preserved by volunteers since the 1970s and features interpretive signage to assist visitors in identifying the various plant species thriving in the region.

8. Classic Cinemas York Theatre

Hard to overlook due to its vibrant marquee, Elmhurst boasts a popular cinema downtown. The York Theatre has its origins in 1924, while its Art Moderne façade and interior date back to 1938.

The theater’s ability to thrive can be attributed to the conversion of its original 1,100-seat auditorium into multiple screening rooms since the 1980s.

This transformation was executed while maintaining much of the historic charm and ambiance of the theater’s interior.

Today, the venue features ten screens, all with a vintage atmosphere. Free refills are available on both beverages and popcorn, and some screening rooms are equipped with heated recliners.

9. Salt Creek Greenway Trail

This extensive 35-mile trail accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists, stretching from Elk Grove Village, situated north of Elmhurst, to Brookfield Zoo, located to the southeast.

Following the watercourse from DuPage County into Cook County, the trail’s conception occurred in the 1960s, with its realization following in the late 1990s.

As you traverse the path, it may be surprising to find yourself within the Chicago suburbs, as you pass through a series of lush forest preserves and marshy areas.

An interesting sight to note, just south of Elmhurst and about a ten-minute drive away, is the Graue Mill, a preserved water-powered gristmill established in 1852 that operated until the 1910s.

10. Elmhurst College Arboretum

One factor contributing to the aesthetic charm of Elmhurst College’s campus is its diverse array of tree species. The entire 48-acre campus effectively functions as a living museum, featuring almost 900 trees representing 130 species.

The arboretum was founded in the 1960s in response to the mature elm trees around the campus declining due to disease.

Landscape architect Herbert Licht was instrumental in planting numerous trees and shrubs, many of which he personally sourced and contributed.

Noteworthy attractions include the rare Elmhurst yew, the arboretum’s first oak tree planted in 1966, a fossilized tree estimated to be 150 million years old, and a cross-section of the Memorial Elm that was present during Lincoln’s second inauguration.

The university’s website features an interactive map to assist in planning your visit.

11. Art in the Park

Every May, Wilder Park serves as the venue for one of Elmhurst’s premier annual events. Open to the public, Art in the Park features a juried exhibition and competition attracting over 100 artists each year.

Visitors can view and purchase high-quality works across various mediums, from painting to ceramics, photography, jewelry, sculpture, wood carving, glass, and mixed media.

Alongside these visual displays, the event offers live music, children’s activities, and a diverse selection of food vendors.

12. Elmhurst Farmers’ Market

In the small business area at the intersection of York and Vallette Streets, Elmhurst hosts a delightful farmers’ market every Wednesday morning from June to October.

The market focuses primarily on local fresh produce, with the selection likely to vary throughout the season.

During the summer months, one might discover an array of vegetables ranging from asparagus to turnip greens and fruits such as blackberries, cherries, peaches, raspberries, and strawberries.

For details on what is available, annual harvest calendars for the Chicago area are accessible online.

13. Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley

During the holiday season, a charming trolley traverses Elmhurst every Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Operating over six weekends from late November to late December, this service enables residents and visitors to discover the various local businesses throughout the city. The trolley operates without tickets and makes six stops around Elmhurst.

While aboard, you can learn about the numerous holiday promotions available throughout the city.

Each stop is conveniently located near a parking area, with an online tracking service available, allowing you to avoid waiting outside in the cold for the trolley to arrive.

14. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Elmhurst is home to a branch of the renowned trampoline park chain, Sky Zone, offering an exciting opportunity for physical activity alongside fun for individuals of all ages.

The facility features a vast expanse of trampolines and a range of attractions, including a bouldering wall, a warped wall, a massive inflatable tower, a dodgeball court, a basketball hoop for slam dunks, and a foam pit filled with thousands of cubes for safe landings.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a preferred venue for children’s birthday celebrations and also features a designated toddler zone, a secure soft area specifically designed for children under four years old.

15. Safari Land

Perfect for winter or rainy summer days, this family entertainment center, located in nearby Villa Park, features eight indoor attractions across a spacious 62,000 square feet.

Established for two decades and family-owned, Safari Land caters to both young children and teenagers seeking entertainment.

For younger guests, there is the Lion’s Den soft play area and a delightful carousel, while thrill-seekers will enjoy the largest indoor roller coaster in the state along with an authentic Maxflight simulator.

Additional attractions include a 12-lane bowling alley, kid-friendly go-karts, bumper cars, a tilt-a-whirl, and an arcade featuring over 100 of the latest games and redemption options.