Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bartlett, IL

This village in the Chicago suburbs developed in the late 19th century around a stop on the Chicago and Pacific Railway.

Individuals who contributed land for these railway depots were permitted to have the depot named in their honor, which is how Bartlett derived its name from Luther Bartlett.

Bartlett also serves as a convergence point for three counties, and one will immediately notice the abundance of public green space.

The forest preserves of Cook, DuPage, and Kane counties offer ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and wildlife observation.

The village distinguishes itself through its significant Asian community, which has expanded considerably since the inauguration of the impressive BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in 2004.

1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Traveling along Illinois Route 59 through Bartlett, a magnificent structure will come into view.

Consecrated in 2004, this site serves as a place of worship for the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Sanstha Hindu denomination, representing the largest of its kind in the state.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir showcases intricately carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone, with designed ancient Hindu scriptures detailing the temple’s architecture.

Before arriving here and being assembled like a sizeable puzzle, the stone was transported to Rajasthan, where approximately 2,000 traditional artisans skillfully worked on it.

A visit is essential to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship displayed at the mandir, including its gateways, domes, pillars, arches, and columns.

2. Bartlett History Museum

For those interested in the historical evolution of Bartlett, there exists a thoroughly researched exhibition at the Village Hall on Main Street.

Open Monday to Saturday, the Bartlett History Museum features engaging exhibits that document various aspects of the village’s heritage, including agriculture, sports, and politics, enhanced by a fascinating array of artifacts contributed by local residents over the years.

At the time of writing, an exhibit was present to commemorate Illinois’ 200th birthday, exploring the state’s history through the lens of this village.

3. Bartlett Aquatic Center

The outdoor pool complex in Bartlett is hard to believe is a public facility overseen by the local park district.

Surrounded by lush greenery, the Bartlett Aquatic Center features an eight-lane lap pool with zero-depth entry at one end.

In addition, visitors can enjoy a lazy river meandering through the complex, a diving pool, spray playground, sandy play area, various water slides, and an aquatic zip line.

This attraction operates from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, providing an economical day out for families and offering diverse programs throughout the season, including swimming lessons for children.

4. James Pate Philip State Park

This 500-acre park, owned by the state and managed by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, is situated on land previously used as farmland for generations.

Since 1991, native prairie has been reestablished, creating a habitat for numerous plant and animal species, many of which are endangered.

One noteworthy aspect of this environment is that the restoration is a continuous endeavor, and with every visit, one may observe a new aspect of the transformation.

Head towards Brewster Creek Bridge to observe warblers, waterfowl, and beavers in the wetlands, while white-tailed deer are frequently sighted in the prairie during early and late daylight hours.

5. Bartlett Nature Center

Located at James Pate Philip State Park, the Bartlett Nature Center offers a diverse range of educational programs tailored for all ages, particularly children.

Featuring a classroom and auditorium that can be reserved, casual visitors may explore the excellent seasonal exhibits.

An assortment of bones and pelts relevant to the local habitat is on display, alongside live exhibits featuring native reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

During summer, the center boasts a lovely butterfly garden, and winter visitors can rent snowshoes for the park’s extensive trail network.

6. Leiseberg Park

In close proximity to the shops and dining establishments in downtown Bartlett, Leiseberg Park is a community park replete with amenities.

This park draws visitors following snowfall in winter, thanks to its exceptional sledding hill.

During summer, families with young children congregate at the spray playground on the west side, along with other play equipment including a trampoline and sand area.

A baseball field occupies the park’s northern side, together with tennis courts and walking trails for leisurely strolls near downtown.

7. Bartlett Gazebo Park

Designed for passive recreation, this quaint park located north of Bartlett Train Station provides a serene atmosphere to unwind for an hour or two on a summer day.

Bartlett Gazebo Park features well-maintained lawns crowned by numerous mature trees that provide ample shade in summer.

The park is interwoven with meandering paths, and a playground is located on the northwest side. The focal point of the park, a charming gazebo, serves as a popular backdrop for numerous summer photo opportunities and was erected in 1991 to commemorate the centenary of Bartlett’s incorporation.

8. Bartlett Depot Museum

This modest-looking clapboard structure previously served as a railroad station and possesses an intriguing history.

The Bartlett Railroad Depot was established in 1873 and financed by Luther Bartlett, who also contributed a portion of his woodlot for its construction.

This station is the reason for the village’s naming. The depot museum, which is free to enter, features a rotating array of interactive exhibits that provide insight into local railroad heritage.

At the time of writing, the Bartlett Depot Station was operational on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings of each month.

9. Hawk Hollow

For those seeking to immerse themselves in nature, forest preserves envelop Bartlett in every direction. To the south lies the expansive 1,172-acre Hawk Hollow, bordering both sides of the West Branch of the DuPage River.

This preserve features 5.6 miles of walking trails while also connecting to the adjacent Mallard Lake, which will be discussed shortly.

During your exploration, you will encounter a diverse tapestry of habitats, including mature woodlands, fens, and sunlit meadows adorned with wildflowers in the summer.

This grassland is crucial for avian species that are not frequently seen in the Chicago suburbs, such as grasshopper sparrows, savanna sparrows, and Henslow’s sparrows.

For dog owners residing in the vicinity, there is a popular off-leash dog area on the preserve’s northern side, but obtaining a Forest Preserve District permit is necessary.

10. Mallard Lake Forest Preserve

Adjacent to Hawk Hollow lies the water-abundant Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, situated on the site of a former landfill.

The preserve encompasses a landscape characterized by scattered woodlands, open water, meadows, and wetlands, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

It features four miles of trails, and a particularly well-suited section for nature enthusiasts includes a 2.5-mile system with an accessible boardwalk, ideal for birdwatching.

Common bird species inhabiting the preserve include great blue herons, kestrels, bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, and red-tailed hawks.

The 85-acre Mallard Lake is a favored local fishing destination, teeming with bluegill, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, muskie, northern pike, and largemouth bass.

11. Bluff Spring Fen

This Cook County forest preserve, located on Bartlett’s northwest perimeter, is a natural enclave surrounded by light industrial areas. Bluff Spring Fen was previously an industrial site featuring a gravel quarry and dumping ground.

Today, the 160-acre preserve boasts a rare type of wetland nourished by mineral-rich springs. The alkaline water maintains a consistent temperature of 50° year-round, ensuring the streams around the fen are always flowing.

The surrounding area comprises a mosaic of woodlands, savannas, and prairies, with kames—gravel hills deposited by glaciers—scattered throughout.

This preserve serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, supporting over 100 species of migratory and nesting birds, 450 plant species, 20 types of dragonfly, and 57 butterfly species.

12. Sunrise Park

The main attraction at this neighborhood park in Bartlett is a disc golf course established in 2005. Comprising 18 holes, predominantly situated on open, gently rolling terrain, some holes are nestled within the woodlands.

In the open areas, one must consider the wind, while a sizable pond comes into play on three of the holes.

If you lose a disc in the pond, retrieving it is not advisable. Additional amenities at Sunrise Park include walking paths and bike trails, a basketball court, and soccer fields at the adjacent Sunset Park to the south.

13. Apple Orchard Golf Course

The Bartlett Park District manages several golf courses within the village. The family-friendly Apple Orchard Golf Course, a nine-hole par three, is particularly appealing to families and newcomers.

Open during daylight hours from April through October, this course allows seasoned golfers to refine their precision, while also being welcoming to less experienced players.

For a more challenging golfing experience, the public Villa Olivia Golf Course, established in 1926, is nestled among mature trees, rolling hills, and exquisite landscaping.

14. Wintrust Field

There is no need to travel more than a couple of Metra stops to enjoy live professional sports. Wintrust Field, constructed in 1999, serves as the home ground for the Schaumburg Boomers.

Established in 2012, the Boomers compete within the Midwestern Conference of the Frontier League, recognized as an official MLB Partner League.

The Boomers have enjoyed considerable success, winning two division championships and three league championships. Wintrust Field, with a seating capacity of 7,365, provides a great environment for families to enjoy a summer afternoon or evening.

15. Streets of Bartlett Shopping Plaza

Previously referred to as Bartlett Plaza, this recently renovated shopping center is strategically located in the village’s center, positioned between Leiseberg Park to the southeast and Bartlett Train Station to the north.

The Streets of Bartlett features a blend of dining options, essential services, and everyday amenities. Among its tenants is Midway Landing Bowling Alley, which offers 14 lanes, billiards/pool, an arcade, and a sports bar.

Culinary options include an Irish-style pub (O’Hare’s), a local ice cream parlor (Cherry on Top), Italian cuisine (Pasta Mia), pan-Asian dishes (Asia Wok), and Mexican fare (One Taco Dos Tequilas).