Top 15 Activities in Downers Grove, IL You Can’t Miss

This village, located 22 miles west of the Chicago Loop, derives its notable name from its founder, Pierce Downer, a farmer who established these lands in 1832.

Renowned for its high quality of life and welcoming community, Downers Grove is well connected to Chicago by both road and rail, offering numerous attractions nearby for visitors.

Surrounded by scenic natural areas managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the village also boasts a nationally recognized arboretum, historical house museums, a century-old cinema, and a flourishing craft brewery, all within easy reach.

1. Tivoli Theatre

Since 1928, this delightful movie theater has been captivating audiences with its splendid decor, enhanced with contemporary technology.

The Tivoli Theatre is integrated into a historic complex featuring preserved storefronts, a vintage bowling alley, and the Tivoli Hotel.

Its elaborately designed facade is adorned with Solomonic columns, urns, and garlands, continuing to show first-run and second-run films.

The establishment temporarily closed in the late 1970s due to a decline, but was revitalized as part of the Chicago-based Classic Cinemas.

In addition to movies in an extraordinary setting, the theater hosts live music performances, with artists such as Neko Case and Los Lobos gracing its stage. Recently, a smaller screen was added, complete with plush reclining chairs.

2. The Morton Arboretum

One of the region’s prominent botanical attractions rests on the northwestern boundary of Downers Grove, making it a must-visit during the summer.

Established in 1922 by salt industrialist Joy Morton (1855-1934), the Morton Arboretum has transformed the surrounding farmland back to its native prairie and woodland.

Spanning 1,700 acres, it hosts over 4,100 different tree species, including notable collections of beeches, maples, oaks, and elms.

Visitors can explore this remarkable area along 16 miles of trails or via tram tours, unveiling features like the Maze Garden, Ground Cover Garden, Four Seasons Garden, and Container and Display Gardens.

As a crucial research center, the arboretum also houses the Sterling Morton Library, which contains 30,000 volumes, along with a modern visitor center for indoor exhibitions.

3. Hidden Lake Forest Preserve

A cherished destination for outdoor activities in Downers Grove, Hidden Lake is overseen by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

This “Hidden Lake” is a glacial pond nestled within a mature oak and hickory forest. Over two miles of trails wind through the preserve, making it ideal for hiking, jogging, and birdwatching.

Notably, it is one of the few locations in the county to hear the spring peeper frog’s distinct call.

There are ample picnic spots at Hidden Lake, with fishing opportunities available at Round Meadow Lake and Eagle Lake, both teeming with crappie, bluegill, carp, bass, green sunfish, black bullhead, and channel catfish.

4. Downers Grove Museum

This engaging museum is located within a residential area near the Downers Grove train station.

The site, known as Wandschneider Park, was generously donated to the village in the 1970s by Pauline Wandscheider, a longtime resident and founder of the Downers Grove Historical Society.

Several structures are present at this site: The Pioneer Blodgett House (1846) is one of the oldest properties in the area and is particularly intriguing as the Blodgett family held abolitionist views, believed to have assisted slaves in escaping through the Underground Railroad.

The youngest son of the Blodgett family constructed the Victorian Blodgett House (1892), which provides insights into local domestic life in the 1890s.

Temporary exhibits are displayed in the Montrew Dunham History Center, a replica barn that hosts a permanent exhibit about the village’s fire department.

5. Alter Brewing Company

Established in 2015, this innovative craft brewery features a 20-barrel brewhouse and a stylish modern industrial taproom.

Visitors can sample a selection of multi-award-winning beers, with a constantly changing lineup of 12 available on tap.

Among the year-round offerings are Alterior Motive (IPA), Houplar Kid (Extra Pale Ale), Center Line (Golden Ale), Hell Hazed Over (Hazy 2X IPA), and Heavy Squeeze (Unfiltered Lemon Wheat Ale).

These are complemented by whimsical limited releases and seasonal varieties such as an Oatmeal Stout and a German-style lager. Additionally, Alter Brewing Company hosts a vibrant schedule of events, from “Brews & Yoga” to craft classes and trivia nights.

6. Lyman Woods & William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center

Managed by the Downers Grove Park District, this beautiful expanse comprises 150 acres showcasing diverse oak woodlands, prairies, and marshlands.

These habitats support approximately 300 species of native plants and a diverse array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Look for species such as great horned owls, Cooper’s hawks, deer, foxes, and coyotes. Of particular significance is a 19-acre section of untouched oak woodland purchased by the Lyman family in 1839.

Your first stop should be the interpretive center, featuring dynamic exhibits about the forest and its wildlife, as well as a butterfly garden, rain gardens, and native landscaping.

7. Graue Mill & Museum

Remaining one of only two operational water-powered grist mills in Illinois, the Graue Mill was constructed in 1852 by German immigrant Friedrich Graue and is adjoined to his residence.

This mill operated for six decades through three generations of the Graue family until advancements in milling technology rendered it obsolete in the 1910s.

The site fell into disrepair but was restored by the CCC during the Great Depression, reopening as a historical attraction in 1951.

The wooden water wheel is activated by a millrace on Salt Creek, and during a guided tour, you can explore the grinding area, gears, a historic buckboard farmer’s workshop, weaving apparatus, general store, Victorian parlor, and a pioneer kitchen.

8. Mayslake Peabody Estate

Within the nearby Mayslake Forest Preserve, you can explore the estate of coal baron Francis S. Peabody (1859-1922).

At the heart of the estate is a half-timbered Tudor Revival mansion, which was established between 1919 and 1921 and originally covered nearly 850 acres.

Mayslake Hall, designed by the prominent Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently undergoing extensive restoration efforts.

You are welcome to take a tour to learn about the ongoing restoration and the property’s history.

Inside, you will find many fascinating features, such as hand-carved walnut details and a concealed staircase leading from Peabody’s study to the basement. A highlight includes the Portiuncula Chapel, an accurate replica of the Chapel of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy.

9. McCollum Park

The flagship park of the Downers Grove Park District spans 50 acres, located on land acquired by the village in the early 1970s.

During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the excitement of Miner Mike’s Adventure Golf, an 18-hole course with a concession area, while a skating rink is available in the north parking lot during winter.

Additional facilities include ten illuminated tennis courts, two baseball fields, two softball fields, two illuminated basketball courts, four soccer fields, and three illuminated sand volleyball courts.

Furthermore, there is a paved 1.2-mile walking loop throughout the park, equipped with fitness stations and surrounded by small wooded picnic areas.

10. Patriots Park

This expansive neighborhood park features Barth Pond, which was excavated in 1978 to manage stormwater and is exceptionally scenic, frequented by numerous geese and ducks.

This location has gained popularity for fishing, as well as a favored destination for summer picnics and leisurely strolls along the paved path that encircles the water.

To the west, there is a large, newly renovated playground designed for children aged 2-5 and 5-12, while the east side offers a picnic shelter with convenient access to the pond.

11. Fuzzy Logic Escape Room

Located in Downers Plaza Shopping Center, this popular escape room entertainment venue opened in 2018.

Fuzzy Logic departs from typical horror themes often found in escape rooms, instead offering a lighter, more family-oriented experience.

At the time of writing, there were five different themed rooms available, featuring challenges such as uncovering a priceless artifact in an Egyptian tomb or searching for adorable pets gone missing at a veterinary clinic.

If visiting with younger family members, guests can request an “easy mode” option for any of the rooms.

12. Downers Grove Golf Club

The first 18-hole golf course in the United States was established at this location in 1893.

A few years later, The Chicago Golf Club moved to near Wheaton, where it remains today; however, several holes at Downers Grove Golf Club (specifically holes 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9) remain unchanged since the late 19th century.

This public course is also remarkable for being an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, integrating natural areas and mature trees into its design.

The significant elevation changes and water hazards present an engaging challenge for players, while the facility includes a partially sheltered driving range and a putting green to improve your skills.

13. Yorktown Center

This shopping mall, located just beyond the northern boundary of Downers Grove, first opened in 1968 and was, at that time, the largest shopping center in the nation.

Yorktown Center has undergone several renovations in the past fifty years and currently houses nearly 150 specialty stores, along with major department retailers such as Von Maur (the second largest in the country), JCPenney, Carson Pirie Scott, and Target.

Prominent brands include H&M, American Eagle, Forever 21, Hot Topic, Victoria’s Secret, and Yankee Candle.

Young visitors will appreciate the indoor Yorktown Express Train and the Treehouse adventure play area, while a selection of 30 dining options is available, featuring establishments such as Claim Jumper, Sbarro, Panda Express, Sarku Japan, Dunkin’, and Buca di Beppo.

14. Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Located just minutes from Downers Grove, this facility serves as the leading wildlife rehabilitation and education center in DuPage County.

A part of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Willowbrook Wildlife Center accepts sick, injured, and orphaned animals, rehabilitating them for return to their natural habitats when feasible.

The visitor center showcases up to 90 different species may be on display as they recover, with some permanent residents who cannot survive in the wild.

Additionally, there is an educational outdoor exhibit and a tranquil walking trail through the surrounding forest.

15. Disturbia Haunted House

Located in University Plaza in the northern area of Downers Grove, this haunted house is considered one of the finest in the Chicago region.

Disturbia has gained recognition for its impressive production values, featuring high-quality animatronics, creative makeup, spine-chilling props, and a dedicated cast of actors.

The intricate details of the house’s various scenarios create a delightfully eerie atmosphere.

Outside of the Halloween season, Disturbia organizes a wide array of other experiences, including seasonal scares, creepy trails, zombie laser tag, and horror-themed escape rooms.