Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Darien, IL

Although this green suburban village in the southwest of the Chicago area was developed in the 1970s, it possesses a history that dates back to the 1830s.

The area now known as Darien first developed at the intersection of Cass Avenue and 75th Street, which continue to be significant commercial routes for the village.

Darien offers numerous points of interest, including the largest museum dedicated to Saint Therese outside of France, excellent public amenities, serene stretches of forest, a craft brewery, and various family attractions.

The Southern DuPage County Regional Trail meanders through the village, providing a convenient means to access stores, parks, forest preserves, and visitor attractions without reliance on a vehicle.

1. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Regarded as one of the most ecologically diverse natural areas in Northern Illinois, this vast forest preserve is situated at the southern edge of Cass Avenue in Darien.

Waterfall Glen includes the Argonne National Laboratory, which will be discussed further below, and features 11 miles of marked trails, alongside numerous unmarked paths inviting exploration into the forest.

Within its 2,500 acres, visitors can enjoy remarkable sights, such as the scenic Sawmill Bluff overlook and Rocky Glen waterfall.

The preserve primarily consists of savanna, prairie, and oak-maple woodland, harboring 740 plant species, which accounts for three-quarters of the total known to exist in DuPage County.

Additionally, the preserve is home to 600 animal species, found either year-round or during seasonal migrations.

2. Cass Avenue

In the absence of a defined downtown area, this north-south thoroughfare is lined with various businesses in Darien and extends northward for several miles through Westmont.

The name Cass dates back to the 19th century, initially bestowed by early settler Thomas Andrus in the 1830s.

During the early development of the area, the triangle formed by Cass Avenue, 75th Street, and Plainfield Road constituted the heart of the settlement.

At the intersection of Cass Avenue and 75th Street, one can find the Darien Historical Society, which is accessible on the first and third Sunday of every month.

The venue is housed in the Old Lace Schoolhouse, constructed in 1925 and still located at its original site.

Continuing toward Westmont, Cass Avenue hosts a rich assortment of independent dining establishments, celebrated annually in July with the Taste of Westmont festival across three blocks of the avenue.

3. Argonne National Laboratory

With an annual budget of $1.2 billion, Argonne National Laboratory is the largest national laboratory in the Midwest. Established in 1946, this facility initially concentrated on non-weapon related nuclear physics.

This original mission concluded in the 1990s, and the laboratory has since diversified its portfolio, focusing on areas such as supercomputing and renewable energy. Additionally, it houses ATLAS, the world’s first superconducting particle accelerator for heavy ions.

Visitors can gain insight into how Argonne is addressing some of the United States’ paramount challenges through a complimentary three-hour laboratory tour (reservation required).

During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to observe ATLAS and the Advanced Photon Source X-ray research facility, along with an exhibit hall that narrates Argonne’s historical and current research endeavors.

4. National Shrine & Museum of St. Therese

The Carmelite Order manages a 50-acre estate in Darien, which includes a shrine and museum dedicated to the highly-respected French Saint, Therese.

Originally located in Chicago, the shrine was relocated to this new site in 1987 and expanded in the early 2000s.

The Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary played a crucial role in supporting Therese’s canonization in the early 20th century.

Following the confirmation of her canonization in 1925, the Carmelite Nuns of Lisieux sent a collection of personal items and relics in appreciation, which are now showcased in the museum.

This collection represents the most extensive assemblage of its kind globally, outside of Lisieux. The shrine chapel holds Mass on weekdays at 11:30 am, and guided or self-directed tours are available through the museum, including an accurate replica of Therese’s convent cell in Lisieux.

5. Miskatonic Brewing Company

Visitors in the Chicago area are never far from a craft brewery, and Darien is no exception, being home to Miskatonic Brewing Company, which offers a dynamic selection of ales and lagers at its taproom.

Miskatonic is dedicated to replicating traditional beer styles while also innovating and reinterpreting established concepts.

The taproom provides a welcoming, pet-friendly environment, complete with board games, darts, food trucks, and live music on weekends.

At the time of this list’s compilation, the twelve beers on tap featured various styles, including two autumn Festbiers, four IPAs, two Stouts, a Pilsner, a Saison Ale, and a Strong Bitter.

6. Southern DuPage County Regional Trail

Spanning nearly 50 miles, the Southern DuPage County Regional Trail serves as an efficient means to navigate Darien and the neighboring communities to the north and west without requiring a car.

This bicycle-friendly path is generally situated on side trails adjacent to county and township roads, connecting picturesque residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and forest preserves.

The project was largely finalized in the 2000s and now integrates 11 communities across the southern third of DuPage County, extending as far west as Aurora.

In Darien, users can take advantage of this network to discover Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve while simultaneously accessing shops and restaurants along 75th Street (33).

7. Darien Community Park

One of the largest parks managed by the Darien Park District, Darien Community Park spans nearly 20 acres adjacent to Plainfield Road and is another site supported by the Southern DuPage County Regional Trail.

For families, it is noteworthy that two expansive playgrounds are located here, one of which is an ADA-compliant facility, providing a variety of play options for children with different abilities.

A paved pathway meanders through Darien Community Park’s grassy areas, surrounded by trees, alongside a range of recreational amenities for basketball, baseball/softball, tennis, and volleyball.

8. Oldfield Oaks County Forest Preserve

Situated within Darien’s borders is a 109-acre area of mature oak woodlands, restored prairie, and wetlands that are managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Oldfield Oaks was acquired in phases from 1998 to 2014 and provides a particularly scenic location for walks in the spring.

During this season, wildflowers including trillium, spring beauties, mayapples, jack-in-the-pulpits, and trout lilies display a magnificent array of colors.

Additionally, the substantial hardwood forest within the preserve creates vibrant colors in the fall. There are two walking loops measuring 0.6 miles and 1.1 miles, along with a dog park, which will be elaborated upon later in this article.

9. Lost Mountain Adventure Golf

This creatively designed adventure golf course is recognized as one of the premier courses in the Chicago area.

Lost Mountain features a layout that encompasses a three-tiered waterfall, allowing players to traverse steep terrain via wooden bridges and navigate rocky formations toward the summit.

The course evokes imagery akin to Indiana Jones, enhanced by the presence of a quicksand pit and archaeological artifacts.

The shade provided by the surrounding landscape, along with ample water features, ensures a refreshing experience on hot summer days, while each hole offers distinct challenges to engage seasoned players.

10. The Farm in Westmont

This family-owned establishment cultivates a variety of fruits and vegetables on its farms in Kendall County, IL, which are sold at several stands throughout the Chicagoland area.

One of these locations is conveniently situated just off Cass Avenue on the path to Westmont. The Farm operates from spring through fall, offering a changing selection of exceptionally fresh produce, grown sustainably and harvested six days a week for peak flavor.

The growing season begins with bedding flowers in spring, followed by a wide array of summer favorites, such as tomatoes, sweet corn, and cantaloupe, transitioning to squash and pumpkins in the fall.

11. The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park & Ziplines

This outdoor adventure park, a collaboration between private and public sectors, is located just south of Waterfall Glen, adjacent to the Des Plaines River/I&M Canal.

The Forge occupies a site previously used for limestone quarries, which have now been flooded, dating back to their operation in the mid-19th century.

Surrounded by mature woodlands, it now provides an ideal backdrop for the largest high ropes courses in the country, where visitors can navigate dozens of thrilling transitions and glide along two miles of ziplines.

For younger climbers, there is an adventure zone tailored for those up to the age of 13, in addition to tactical laser tag and augmented reality escape rooms.

The Adventure Park features trails and a pump track for mountain biking and BMX, and visitors can rent canoes or kayaks for a paddling excursion on the flooded quarries.

12. Darien Towne Centre

Traveling east along 75th Street (33), this shopping center signifies the commencement of an array of significant box stores, supermarkets, and entertainment establishments.

Connected by the Southern DuPage County Regional Trail, Darien Towne Centre includes a Walmart Supercenter, as well as branches of Home Depot and PetSmart, alongside dining options like Subway and TGI Fridays.

Continuing eastward, additional centers showcase Kohl’s, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Best Buy, and a variety of dining choices, ranging from White Castle to Wendy’s.

In addition to Lost Mountain Adventure Golf, previously mentioned, visitors will also encounter the Par 3 Zigfield Troy Golf Course, and a Hollywood Blvd Cinema—a movie theater and full-service restaurant that screens both current releases and classic films.

13. Cypress Grove Family Aquatic Park

A short distance away in Woodridge, there is a bayou-themed public water park that operates during the summer months, attracting visitors from adjacent communities.

A multimillion-dollar venture, Cypress Cove first opened in 1997 and due to its popularity was expanded ten years later, garnering multiple awards around that time.

The primary pool accommodates 1,500 individuals and features a bay-like zero-depth entry area for leisurely enjoyment, along with a lap pool and diving facilities.

Adjacent to this, a 600-foot lazy river meanders, complemented by three body slides, a tube slide, a drop slide, and a state-of-the-art spray playground with a substantial tipping bucket.

All attractions incorporate a bayou aesthetic, incorporating names such as “Mud Bug Beach” and “Cajun Creek.”

14. The Promenade Bolingbrook

Just beyond Darien’s southwestern boundary lies a significant open-air shopping center that has been operational since 2007.

The Promenade Bolingbrook features a town-like layout with streets and alleys, adorned with trees, street furniture, shrubs, flower beds, and lamps.

Key anchors at this establishment include Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, DSW, iPic Theaters, Bass Pro Shops, and Binny’s Beverage Depot, and the center is complemented by over 100 additional stores and services.

Additional stores include American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, H&M, Loft, and Victoria’s Secret, alongside assorted food and drink options from bd’s Mongolian Grill to Starbucks.

The Promenade Bolingbrook is also part of a broader commercial corridor running alongside Interstate 355, which features Ikea, Costco, and a range of chain restaurants.

15. Oldfield Oaks Dog Park

Located at the southern edge of the forest preserve, a spacious off-leash dog park was established in 2018.

Featuring its own parking area, Oldfield Oaks Dog Park spans nearly seven acres, with designated sections for larger and smaller breeds.

Various paved and unpaved trails are available, one of which connects to the forest preserve’s loop trail. To utilize this facility, an off-leash dog permit from the Forest Preserves of DuPage County is required, which is reasonably priced for residents but higher for non-residents.