Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Arlington Heights, IL

The northwest suburb of Chicago is distinguished as the largest community in the United States designated as a village.

With a population of approximately 75,000 residents, this predominantly affluent municipality showcases a vibrant downtown area filled with cultural amenities, boutiques, and eateries featuring al fresco seating.

Arlington Heights is particularly renowned for its racetrack, Arlington Park, established in 1927 and hosting three Grade I races each August.

The historical museum houses a collection of historic buildings that reflect the village’s late 19th-century origins, including the legacy of German-born soda pioneer F. W. Müller.

Public green spaces abound in Arlington Heights, whether attending a summer concert at North School Park or exploring the mature forest of Busse Woods.

1. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

Located amidst eclectic shops and dining options in downtown Arlington Heights, this vibrant theater hosts and produces hundreds of performances annually.

The resident company stages significant productions each year, with recent shows including Rent, the 39 Steps, Spamalot, Moon Over Buffalo, and the cherished holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.

With a seating capacity of 329, the theater also welcomes musicians, comedians, and cabaret acts throughout the year.

In addition to its theater performances, Metropolis functions as a performing arts school, offering classes, lessons, workshops, and camps for all ages.

2. Mitsuwa Marketplace

Arlington Heights boasts a connection to Japan, being home to the Chicago Futabakai Japanese School and various Japanese establishments.

Mitsuwa Marketplace is the largest Japanese supermarket in the Midwest and a part of a chain encompassing 11 locations nationwide. It serves not only as a shopping destination for specialty ingredients and kitchenware but also as a cultural hub.

Here, visitors can find music, toys, books, films, and an extensive selection of manga comics. The food court is particularly notable, featuring a vast array of choices, including sushi, ramen, tempura, takoyaki, bubble tea, and Japanese pastries.

3. Lake Arlington

This scenic 50-acre body of water originally served as a stormwater detention basin, and was transformed into a park by 1995 to alleviate flooding issues.

Lake Arlington is a tranquil sanctuary, bordered by lawns, tall grasses, wetlands, and wooded areas, complemented by a two-mile asphalt path ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.

Among the various waterfowl inhabiting the park are great blue herons, Canada geese, and mallards, with new interpretive signage available to assist in wildlife identification.

Recent enhancements to the park include a playground, outdoor exercise area, fishing pier, and sensory garden; during summer months, pedal boat and sailboat rentals are also available.

4. Downtown Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights features a pedestrian-friendly downtown area, complete with a variety of independent shops and restaurants adjacent to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.

Within this vibrant locale, one can discover diverse culinary establishments including Thai (Bangkok Cafe), Vietnamese (Pho an Heights), Italian (Fausto’s, Carlos & Carlos), Korean (Ttowa Bistro), Spanish (La Tasca Tapas), Mexican (Javier’s, Mago Grill), and an inviting Irish pub (Peggy Kinnane’s).

The tree-lined sidewalks offer ample shade from the sun, enhancing the outdoor dining experience, alongside a charming plaza situated at the intersection of South Vail Avenue and West Campbell Street.

Additionally, the area features unique boutiques specializing in home décor, confectionery, jewelry, cosmetics, pet supplies, and more.

5. North School Park

This charming neighborhood park is situated south of the administration building for the Arlington Heights Park District.

Designed for passive recreation, North School Park features well-maintained lawns flanked by flower beds and shrubs, with an abundance of deciduous trees providing ample shade.

The park boasts a flower-ringed fountain on the southern side, conveniently located near a small playground for children.

During the winter holidays, the park is especially enchanting when illuminated with whimsical light displays, whereas summer evenings see North School Park host free outdoor concerts, inviting attendees to bring their blankets or lawn chairs.

6. Arlington Heights Historical Museum

Located just a few blocks north of the Arlington Heights train station, the village’s historical museum features a complex of both original and replica structures.

Among these structures is a coach house from the 1880s, a carpentry shop dating back to 1874, a replica of a 1830s log cabin, and the Banta House from 1908.

The centerpiece is the Müler House, constructed in the 1890s and named after its proprietor, the soda entrepreneur F. W. Müller, who founded what is now known as Arlington Club Beverages.

The Heritage Gallery offers insights into the history of soft drinks in Arlington Heights, alongside guided tours of the historic outbuildings and the restored Müler and Banta Houses, which house notable collections of antique dolls and dollhouses.

Adjacent to the museum is the highly regarded Arlington Heights Memorial Library, which has achieved a prestigious 5-star rating from Library Journal for seven consecutive years, distinguishing it as one of only 21 public libraries in the United States to earn this accolade.

7. Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods)

At the southern edge of Arlington Heights lies a vast natural preserve spanning 3,700 acres within suburban Chicago.

The highlight of this area is Busse Woods, a beloved section comprised of a large expanse of mature Great Lakes hardwood forest, featuring trees such as black ash, red maple, and swamp white oak.

There are over ten miles of biking trails within the preserve, with sections leading past a specially protected pasture for elk.

A significant portion of Busse Woods is occupied by a lake of the same name, which serves as a flood catchment reservoir and is one of the largest bodies of water in Cook County suitable for boating and fishing.

During the summer, kayak and rowboat rentals are available, offering visitors the chance to relax in this serene environment while observing local wildlife.

8. Portillo’s

This renowned restaurant chain originated in Villa Park in 1963, and while it has garnered a significant following in the Chicago area, it has only recently begun to expand into other states.

As of the latest information, there were over 60 Portillo’s locations, with two situated near Arlington Heights, at 806 W Dundee Rd and 1900 Golf Rd.

For those seeking an authentic Chicago hotdog, Portillo’s offers one of the finest, topped with traditional fixings such as diced onions, pickles, tomatoes, and sport peppers.

The establishment also specializes in other Chicago classics, including Italian beef sandwiches overflowing with flavor and a variety of pasta dishes like penne ala vodka and mostaccioli.

9. Heritage Park

Located in the southern region of Arlington Heights, this charming suburban park is equipped with a myriad of amenities.

Among the five community centers operated by the park district, Heritage Park features a gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, illuminated tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and playgrounds suited for various age groups.

In the winter, the park remains vibrant, thanks to the sledding hill and outdoor ice rink, complete with boards and lighting.

For those looking for a leisurely stroll, a mixed-use path meanders through hardwood trees, allowing visitors to continue their journey at the lush Kingsbridge Arboretum, located just off the park’s southwest corner.

10. Thrown Elements Pottery

In a supportive and creative environment, Thrown Elements Pottery invites the public to engage in classes, workshops, and lessons.

These offerings cater to all ages, encompassing skills such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and pottery painting.

Additionally, they provide “Paint Your Own Pottery” sessions, allowing individuals to decorate a pre-made ceramic piece in the studio and return later to collect it once it has been fired and glazed.

This experience can be enhanced with a “paint and sip” session, where participants can bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with friends. The studio also retails pottery supplies and beautifully crafted ceramics.

11. Walker Bros. Original Pancake House

This long-standing establishment in the Chicago area has become synonymous with pancakes, with Walker Bros. in Arlington Heights opening its doors in 1987.

The chain, which has been operating since 1960, was inspired by the Original Pancake House that debuted in Portland, Oregon in 1953.

The Arlington Heights location boasts an elegant interior adorned with stained glass, intricately carved oak, and brass fittings.

For those craving comforting breakfast fare, this venue offers a delightful range of pancakes, omelettes, eggs cooked to perfection, French toast, Belgian waffles, as well as an extensive selection of platters and sandwiches.

12. Laugh Out Loud Theater

Chicago is celebrated for its rich tradition of comedy, having nurtured the careers of many beloved American comedians, such as John Belushi, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey.

Nearby in Schaumburg, visitors can experience the next generation of comedic talent at Laugh Out Loud Theater.

This venue primarily focuses on improvisational comedy, offering performances for both adults and family-friendly shows suitable for younger audiences.

Moreover, participants can enroll in improv classes open to everyone, from novices to those seeking to refine their short-form improv skills.

13. Arlington Lakes Golf Club

Situated in the southern area of Arlington Heights, near Busse Woods, this award-winning golf course is accessible to the general public.

The course has an intriguing history, as it occupies land that was once a Nike Missile Base following World War II.

Conceived in the late 1970s, the course underwent significant renovation in 2016, overseen by esteemed architect Mike Benkusky.

This 18-hole, par 68 course maximizes a 90-acre site adjacent to an army base. With an open layout, water hazards present on 13 holes, and lightning-fast greens, players can engage from virtually anywhere.

14. Topgolf Schaumburg

Due to Chicago’s climate, golfing is predominantly a seasonal pastime, with exceptions made for this unique attraction in Schaumburg.

Topgolf locations have proliferated across the nation, featuring a format that combines a driving range with a bowling alley atmosphere, enhanced by a lively social vibe.

The individual hitting bays, available for hourly rental, are climate-controlled, and the facility utilizes ball tracking technology and HDTV displays, enabling friendly competitions among participants across various challenges.

As of the most recent evaluations, patrons could even interact with a special Angry Birds game triggered by their drives. The experience is complemented by a fully licensed bar and a menu resembling that of a fast-casual restaurant.

15. Arlington Park

This historic racetrack in Arlington Heights features its own train station and dates back to 1927, earning its reputation as one of the most esteemed venues in American horse racing.

While this esteemed track is the final entry on this list, it is worth noting that during the time of composition, its future was uncertain.

The track boasts a massive six-story grandstand that accommodates up to 35,000 spectators, along with a clubhouse that can host 12,000 attendees.

Early August sees full capacity for the International Festival of Racing, featuring three top-tier races held on turf.

These include the Arlington Million, the Beverly D. Stakes, and the Secretariat Stakes, offering purses of $1,000,000, $600,000, and $500,000 respectively. Notably, at the time of this writing, the course was listed for potential redevelopment.