Top 15 Activities in Park Ridge, IL for an Unforgettable Experience

Situated in the northwest of metro Chicago, the affluent city lies just east of the Des Plaines River. A notable characteristic of Park Ridge is its vibrant downtown, referred to as “Uptown,” which features a variety of dining establishments, retail shops, picturesque parks, and captivating architecture.

The Des Plaines River enriches Park Ridge with a captivating natural escape on its western side, where an extensive mixed-use trail links numerous Cook County forest preserves.

O’Hare International Airport is conveniently located just a mile or two southwest of Park Ridge, with Rosemont situated in between, offering a multitude of shopping, sports, and entertainment options.

Park Ridge is recognized for its notable former residents, including Hillary Clinton and film stars Karen Black and Harrison Ford.

1. Pickwick Theatre

Park Ridge’s remarkable landmark is a splendid Art Deco movie palace completed in 1928. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pickwick Theatre boasts an impressive marquee beneath a 100-foot tower.

Internally, the main auditorium is designed in the style of a Mayan or Aztec temple, maintaining its original five-aisle arrangement and accommodating 1,000 guests, complemented by four additional theatres within the structure at the rear.

As it did in the 1920s, the Pickwick Theatre serves as a venue for both films and stage performances, having been the home base for the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra for 26 years until 2020.

One of the architects involved in the project was Alfonso Iannelli, whose studio is located in Park Ridge, with the theatre’s façade appearing in the opening credits of Siskel and Ebert’s At the Movies (1982-1990).

2. Uptown Park Ridge

In contrast to many surrounding Chicago suburbs, Park Ridge has a distinct core, brimming with independent boutiques, dining options, and, naturally, the prestigious Pickwick Theatre.

To prevent confusion with Chicago’s downtown, this area has historically been termed “Uptown,” establishing a vibrant and walkable destination for outings.

The presence of greenery is abundant, owing to Hinkley Park, Hodges Park, and the grounds adjoining the central public library, in conjunction with tree-lined streets and a diverse array of architectural styles.

Visitors can explore charming independent shops offering fashion, jewelry, tea, fabrics, accessories, and handcrafted gifts, while the dining options encompass contemporary American, sushi, Indian, Irish pub cuisine, pizza, Mexican, pan-Asian dishes, and steak.

3. Des Plaines River Trail

The Des Plaines River flows north to south through the Chicago suburbs before merging with the Illinois River near Joliet. The river serves as a continuous thread through an almost unbroken series of Cook and Lake County forest preserves, with this being true for Park Ridge.

Visitors can explore this serene succession of oak-hickory woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands via the Des Plaines River Trail.

This multi-use path runs alongside the river through extensive portions of Lake and Cook Counties, ideal for brief strolls, wildlife observation, and all-day hiking expeditions.

In the vicinity of Park Ridge, one can access the trail at W Higgins Rd heading north for several miles up to Campground Road Woods in Des Plaines.

4. Wildwood Nature Center

Covering five acres of rehabilitated native prairie and woodlands, Wildwood Nature Center serves as an excellent facility where families can learn about the local wildlife of northeastern Illinois.

The centerpiece of this venue is the animal exhibit room, showcasing rabbits, prairie dogs, and numerous native serpents, turtles, and amphibians.

Adjacent to this is the Nature Nook, a hands-on educational area filled with games, puzzles, puppets, books, and various interactive activities.

Wildwood Nature Center also hosts a variety of child-centric programs throughout the year, while the outdoor spaces invite exploration of the woodland and prairie, adorned with wildflowers in spring and summer.

5. Prospect Park

Prospect Park, home to a pair of stunning century-old cottages, was acquired by the local park district in 2013 and opened to the public three years later.

One of these cottages hosts the Park Ridge Historical Society museum (as described below), while a refined community building has been constructed with architectural harmony to the historical aesthetic of the park.

Prospect Park features amenities including a playground, splash pad, pavilion, picnic area, and concessions available during the summer months when the splash pad is open.

Additionally, there is a performing arts area, a focal point for summer entertainment and exciting events such as the family-friendly Movie in the Park series during the summer school break.

6. Dam No. 4 Woods East

Part of the green corridor along the Des Plaines River, Dam No. 4 Woods East is situated on the Des Plaines River Trail, yet it is also a serene location for jogging, dog walking, leisure, or picnicking.

Similar to many areas within the Cook County Preserves, the primary environment comprises oak-hickory woodland, interspersed with picturesque grassy areas and picnic groves adjacent to the access road from Park Ridge.

This road leads to the riverbank, where one has a good chance of encountering deer, particularly early in the morning or just before dusk.

7. Centennial Park

The primary community park in the city for recreational activities encompasses an array of indoor and outdoor facilities.

At the northern end, a state-of-the-art fitness center is equipped with cardiovascular and strength training machinery, as well as free weights, a natatorium housing a 25-yard pool, double gymnasiums, racquetball courts, and an indoor jogging track.

Outdoor amenities include an aquatic center available during the summer, a sledding hill in winter, batting tunnels, ball fields, soccer fields, picnic areas, and a playground.

Concessions are also offered when the aquatic center operates during the warmer months.

8. Iannelli Studios Heritage Center

A collaborator of Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptor and designer Alfonso Iannelli (1888-1965) relocated to Park Ridge with his wife Margaret, an accomplished illustrator, in 1919.

They established one of the most prestigious studios in the Chicago area, collaborating with numerous partners and significantly influencing architecture, interior design, product development, and commercial design over subsequent decades.

In 2011, the studio was acquired by the Kalo Foundation, which is working to preserve this historically significant site. Visitors can explore art exhibitions, delve into Park Ridge’s artistic heritage, and enjoy musical performances.

9. Park Ridge History Center

The museum operated by the Park Ridge Historical Society is located on the west side of Prospect Park.

Since 2017, the venue has occupied the charming Solomon Cottage (built in 1908), which was originally the receiving facility for the Illinois Industrial School for Girls, established in 1877 and closed in 2012.

Inside, meticulously curated exhibits, both permanent and temporary, explore the intriguing history of Park Ridge.

Notable figures include Harrison Ford and Hillary Clinton, both of whom grew up in Park Ridge and graduated from Maine East High School in 1960 and 1965 respectively.

10. Axehead Lake

Axehead Lake, spanning 17 acres, is located within the chain of forest preserves adjacent to the Des Plaines River and is regarded as one of the region’s most frequented fishing spots. It was excavated in the 1950s during expressway construction.

This lake is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and northern pike throughout the year, while avid anglers flock here in spring and fall when it is stocked with thousands of rainbow trout.

Fishing is permitted only from the shore, with a nearby picnic shelter accommodating over 150 individuals.

11. Parkway Bank Park

Situated between Park Ridge and O’Hare International, a cluster of significant establishments can be found in the Village of Rosemont.

Along with Impact Field, home to the Chicago Dogs baseball team, there is the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, numerous hotels, the expansive Fashion Outlets of Chicago, and the renowned Rosemont Theatre.

If you are seeking evening entertainment, Parkway Bank Park is a 200,000-square-foot entertainment district featuring an AMC dine-in theater, at least 15 dining and drinking options, an indoor skydiving facility, and an NHL-sized outdoor rink during winter.

12. King Spa & Sauna

One attraction that may come as a surprise is the traditional Korean-style bathhouse located nearby in Niles.

The King Spa & Sauna is designed after the Jjimjilbang, a 24-hour establishment that has existed for centuries in Korea, yet presents a novel concept for the United States.

This expansive complex, the largest of its kind in the nation, offers nine sauna rooms, relaxation lounges, a relaxation pool, a cinema, and a food court featuring a variety of cuisines, from wings to bubble tea.

A wide range of additional services, including various facial massages, body scrubs, and acupressure massages for both the body and feet, is also available.

13. Hodges Park

Resembling a traditional town green, this open area is located directly in front of Park Ridge City Hall and was the first park established by the local park district.

This site hosts Park Ridge’s war memorial and provides a pleasant space to pause and reflect, surrounded by the stunning Colonial Revival architecture of the City Hall and the Park Ridge Community Church.

Since its inception, Hodges Park has served as the location for outdoor summer concerts, featuring an exciting lineup each year, including a special event during the July 4 weekend.

14. Park Ridge Farmers’ Market

A short distance from the Metra station in downtown Park Ridge, a weekly farmers’ market takes place every Saturday morning from late May until the end of October.

This longstanding tradition, operating since 1989, attracts vendors from Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana.

On an average Saturday, the market features up to 40 vendors specializing in seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, baked goods, jams, pickles, marinades, rubs, spreads, and other unique specialty foods.

Delicious food and beverages are always available to enjoy on-the-go, ranging from shaved ice to tamales.

15. Discover Symphony (Park Ridge Civic Orchestra)

Initially based at the Pickwick Theatre for its first 26 years, this esteemed ensemble was founded in 1994 and has garnered numerous accolades since its inception.

In 2020, the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra rebranded itself as Discover Symphony to better reflect its expanding influence across metropolitan Chicago.

The orchestra was established by Edgar Muenzer, the first violinist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, alongside his wife Nancy, and has collaborated with a distinguished lineup of guest artists, including violinist Rachel Barton Pine, pianist Ralph Votapek, and cellist John Sharp.

While the PRCO performed exclusively within Park Ridge, Discover Symphony now operates as a more mobile ensemble, still rooted in this city.