Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Plainfield, IL

First established by Euro-American settlers nearly 200 years ago, Plainfield is a village situated in Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs.

This rapidly expanding community has seen its population increase ten-fold, reaching 44,000 since 1990.

At the heart of Plainfield lies a welcoming downtown featuring preserved historical buildings, surrounding parks, a variety of restaurants, and charming shops.

Visitors come from distant locations to experience the Lake Renwick Preserve, a significant rookery for wading birds, while the village offers numerous family-friendly amenities, exceptional parks, and scenic walking trails along the DuPage River.

1. Downtown Plainfield

Plainfield boasts one of only 22 downtown areas in Illinois listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This area, located along Lockport Street on either side of the DuPage River, developed over more than a century from the 1840s to the 1960s and comprises over 50 significant buildings.

The architectural diversity here is impressive, ranging from Greek Revival to International styles, and the vibrancy of downtown Plainfield is striking.

If you find yourself hungry, selecting from the multitude of independent restaurants may prove challenging, with options that include Southern cuisine, diner classics, pizza, Asian fusion, New American, Cajun, pub food, ice cream, and Mexican, all within a few blocks.

Additionally, there are ample specialty stores offering antiques, floristry, unique gifts, pet supplies, farm-raised meats, baked goods, teas, jewelry, diving gear, and board games.

2. Lake Renwick Preserve

Cared for by the Will County Forest Preserve District, this 836-acre reserve is conveniently located near downtown Plainfield.

Lake Renwick is distinguished by its role as a nesting habitat for various wading birds including great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, great egrets, and double-crested cormorants.

Before the 1980s, this area consisted of a series of aggregate quarries that flooded shortly after their closure.

The lake’s diverse features, including its abundant fish population and gravel beds, have made it the most significant wading bird rookery in the state.

The preserve operates year-round; however, during the nesting season from March to mid-August, access is restricted to a designated bird-watching area at Copley Nature Park on the west side.

Throughout the remainder of the year, visitors are free to explore the lake system via a three-mile network of trails, previously utilized by loading trucks at the former quarry.

3. Settlers’ Park

Intertwined with downtown Plainfield, this 20-acre park adjacent to the village hall has been designed to create a green space within walking distance of shops and eateries.

Settlers’ Park, situated on the west bank of the DuPage River, provides the backdrop for Plainfield’s summer concert series and outdoor movie events.

These gatherings take place at the Richard A. Rock amphitheater, beside a picturesque ornamental lake featuring a fountain.

You can wander along the pathways of Settlers’ Park, which are equipped with engaging interpretive signs. One trail has been adopted by the Plainfield Public Library District, which has initiated the StoryWalk, introducing a new children’s story each season.

4. Werk Force Brewing Company

By employing innovative hops and yeast strains, this small-batch brewery in Plainfield is leading the charge in the expanding craft beer sector of Chicagoland.

The brewery welcomes visitors Thursday through Sunday to sample a wide selection on tap or purchase cans for off-site enjoyment.

The offerings vary weekly, typically featuring IPAs (American, New England, Hazy), a Mexican-style lager, a Saison, a Pilsner, a Stout, a sour, and a variety of hard seltzers.

The generously sized taproom includes a pleasant outdoor patio. On weekend evenings, a food truck is frequently available, and you can visit the website for details about live music, new releases, and special events.

5. Sable Creek Winery

This boutique winery in Plainfield procures grapes from vineyards throughout the United States to craft a diverse array of red, white, and rosé wines.

Sable Creek Winery utilizes vineyards located in California, Missouri, New York, Michigan, and Illinois, producing varietal wines such as Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vignoles, Traminette, dessert wines, and various well-balanced red and white blends.

At the tasting room, patrons can select from a menu of snacks, including cheese platters, charcuterie boards, hummus, pretzels, and delectable desserts.

There is always an exciting event at Sable Creek, ranging from live music to themed trivia nights, wine bingo, or special tasting sessions.

6. Mistwood Golf Club

Located opposite Lake Renwick Preserve, Mistwood Golf Club stands as one of the finest public golf courses in the region.

Following a comprehensive multimillion-dollar redesign by Ray Hearn, Mistwood Golf Club offers a unique Scottish links experience in the Southwest Suburbs.

Its many design elements draw inspiration from famous courses such as St Andrews, including intimidating sod-wall bunkers that cause many golfers anguish.

Water features prominently at Mistwood Golf Club, boasting two lakes and the winding Mink Creek. There is no better way to conclude a round of golf than at the clubhouse, designed to resemble a Scottish lodge, which houses the inviting McWethy’s Tavern.

7. Flanders House

The Flanders House, one of three historic landmarks in Plainfield recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed in 1841 and is located at 507 W. Main St.

This attractive residence is built in the Greek Revival style and serves as a testament to the wealth accumulated in Plainfield before the Illinois & Michigan Canal became operational.

Built for Jason and Lucy Flanders, who relocated from Lowell, Massachusetts, the couple was affluent, with Jason serving as Plainfield’s first constable.

The structure was originally situated at Routes 59 and 126 before being relocated to accommodate the construction of an office building. Nearby at No. 503, you will discover the Plainfield Halfway House (1836), which functioned as a tavern and inn during the mid-19th century.

8. DuPage River Trail

This trail system includes multiple sections along the banks of the DuPage River, spanning DuPage and Will counties.

In Plainfield, several trail sections are accessible, with a long-term vision for a continuous 40-mile pathway suitable for hiking, jogging, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cycling.

From south to north, you can access trail segments at Riverwalk Park, Maher Woods, Settlers’ Park, Electric Park, Riverview Park, and Eaton Preserve Park.

Riverview Park is also one of the few locations in Plainfield where you can launch a kayak or canoe for leisurely paddling on the gentle DuPage River.

9. Plainfield Lanes

This bowling establishment has a long-standing presence in Plainfield, having undergone a name change from “Pioneer Lanes” following a change in ownership in 2014.

Since the transition, Plainfield Lanes has modernized, introducing a high-tech scoring system allowing for games like Angry Birds in your lane.

In addition to regular leagues during the week, the alley hosts black-light cosmic bowling on weekends and features an arcade with redemption games and a laser maze.

Further enhancements include an escape room with a heist theme, and visitors can enjoy the bar & grill, which offers make-your-own pizza with Wisconsin cheese, along with burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, wraps, and various shareable appetizers.

10. The Wandering Dragon Game Shoppe

Within downtown Plainfield, an abundance of unique stores can be found, yet perhaps the most cherished is this game shop.

Established in 2012, The Wandering Dragon Game Shoppe has become the premier destination for tabletop gaming in the Chicago area.

The shop features an extensive range of games for purchase and hosts numerous events year-round, thanks to its spacious tournament rooms and eight dedicated gaming rooms.

Moreover, with a large library of games available, this store serves as an excellent location for gathering with friends for D&D campaigns.

11. Norman Greenway

Spanning over 100 acres and navigated by a network of trails, this neighborhood park is perfectly suited for passive recreational activities.

A well-maintained and enclosed Daisy Dog Park can be found on the south side of Norman Greenway. Additionally, there are winter sledding hills, playgrounds for young children, basketball courts, and picnic shelters throughout the park.

A small creek runs through the area, and at the northwest corner, visitors can follow a trail along this waterway north to Tamarack Settlement Park, which offers even more amenities, including a baseball field and a skate park.

12. C.W. Avery Family YMCA

An outstanding recreational facility serving Plainfield and the Joliet region, this YMCA is modern, well-maintained, and equipped with a vast array of amenities.

Families can enjoy an indoor water park featuring slides, a wading pool, and spray equipment.

This is supplemented by a lap pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio machines and weights, a multipurpose hall, a children’s zone complete with an indoor playground, and various exercise studios and classrooms.

As anticipated, the YMCA offers a diverse selection of programs throughout the year, covering everything from Zumba classes to swimming lessons and basketball camps.

13. Naperbrook Golf Course

Part of the Naperville Park District, the picturesque Naperbrook Golf Course is set amidst beautifully rolling terrain in northwest Plainfield.

A par 72, the 6,755-yard course was laid out on formerly cultivated land and features expansive prairie sections interspersed with ponds.

This course emulates a links-style layout, characterized by its large greens, spacious fairways, and surprising bunkers.

Naperbrook Golf Course is also convenient for those looking to practice their skills, as it includes a 10-acre driving range, a separate tee for lessons, and putting greens covering 3,000 and 10,000 square feet respectively.

14. Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade

One of the most anticipated annual events in Plainfield occurs on the Sunday preceding St. Patrick’s Day.

With many residents possessing Irish heritage, the Irish Parade simultaneously celebrates the upcoming arrival of spring following the harsh Chicago winter.

Local businesses, the fire department, and the Joliet Police Pipes & Drums group participate in this vibrant event.

A Parade Princess is selected ahead of the festivities, which include ample entertainment options such as Irish dance performances and a family area featuring bounce houses and face painting.

15. Cruise Nights

A beloved summer tradition in Plainfield features a weekly series of car shows that run from early June to late August.

Hosted by the village’s Chamber of Commerce, these cruise nights are complimentary and showcase a blend of modern and classic vehicles.

Events occur on West Lockport Street and a segment of South Des Plaines Street, both of which are closed to traffic, allowing attendees to admire stunning vintage muscle cars and their contemporary counterparts. Each week features a different theme, rotating through Corvettes, Pontiacs, Fords, trucks, and imports.