Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Oswego, IL

The rapidly expanding village of Oswego, located approximately 45 miles west of downtown Chicago, has experienced significant growth since 2000, doubling its population.

Situated along the picturesque banks of the Fox River, Oswego features several scenic waterfront parks ideal for relaxation, canoeing, kayaking, or traversing the extensive Fox River Trail.

As the village has evolved, its downtown area has undergone a comprehensive revitalization, transforming it into a charming district filled with unique shopping and dining options, characterized by its attractive brick architecture.

Oswego is conveniently located near a variety of excellent family attractions, including the largest waterpark in Illinois and Keller’s Farmstand, which provides seasonal entertainment in the fall.

1. Downtown Oswego

While Oswego’s population has surged in the last two decades, the village boasts a rich history spanning over 170 years, with its deep-rooted past most evident in the downtown area.

Significant efforts have been directed towards enhancing the streetscape, preserving historical architecture, and fostering the growth of independent businesses within this vibrant district.

Downtown serves as a hub for lively community events, including Oswego Beats & Eats, the Country Market, Brew at the Bridge, Wine on the Fox, and the cherished Christmas Walk.

Within just a few blocks, one can find specialty stores offering designer homeware, health food, collectibles, bicycle gear, floral arrangements, and prom rentals, as well as a craft brewery, a donut shop, and a variety of eateries serving Mexican, contemporary American, and pub-style food.

2. Hudson Crossing Park

Originally known as Hudson, this area served as a significant crossing point of the Fox River for generations of Native Americans and subsequent early Euro-American settlers.

The arch at the main entrance, supported by locally sourced limestone pillars, pays homage to those historical times. Hudson Crossing Park is one of several local parks situated along the Fox River Trail, which features a pedestrian bridge that was once part of the Aurora, Elgin, and Chicago interurban trolley line, supported by limestone piers dating back to 1867.

Within Hudson Crossing Park, visitors can enjoy lighted walking paths, an inclusive children’s playground, a sandy play area, canoe and kayak launches, a picnic space equipped with grills, and a sculpture garden designed for concerts.

3. Raging Waves Waterpark

Located just over 15 minutes from downtown Oswego, Raging Waves Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Illinois. While many towns in the Chicago suburbs have waterparks, Raging Waves offers a unique Australian theme that sets it apart.

Spanning 45 acres and surrounded by lush greenery, this expansive waterpark features a massive wave pool, a lazy river exceeding a quarter mile, and an impressive selection of more than 20 water slides.

Among the standout attractions is the Aussie Mat Dash, a six-lane “rallyRACER,” one of only three such rides globally. Another highlight is the Wonambi, a thrilling four-person raft ride that plunges from a height of 68 feet, culminating in a 720° downward spiral.

Raging Waves also provides multiple kiddie areas, including the four-story water playground, Kangaroo Falls, and toddler-friendly Koala Kove, which features a shallow pool and safe slides.

4. Little White School Museum

Oswego’s historical museum is located in a building that was originally a church transformed into a schoolhouse in 1850, predating Oswego’s incorporation by two years, making it Kendall County’s oldest public building still in use.

The church was converted into a school in 1915 and, after its closure in 1964, was saved from demolition in the 1970s and subsequently transferred to the local park district in 2010.

The museum showcases the area’s rich history through an extensive collection of thousands of artifacts.

This venue hosts numerous engaging programs, such as historical walks and children’s storytime, along with activities that keep younger visitors entertained, including a scavenger hunt.

5. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center

It is accurate to state that this family entertainment center, located near Raging Waves in Sugar Grove, caters to a diverse audience. The primary highlight is the dual go-kart tracks, both featuring smooth concrete surfaces.

Sugar Grove Speedway offers a ¼ mile circuit accommodating up to 16 karts, including two-seater options for children to enjoy alongside their parents.

On the other hand, the adult-only Wrangler track features turns designed specifically for drifting. Additional attractions at the center include bumper boats, a designated water fight area, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and a driving range.

6. Keller’s Farmstand

Located in the agricultural area south of Oswego, Keller’s Farmstand is a quintessential farmstand operating late April through May and again from mid-July until late October.

During the spring season, visitors can purchase planters, hanging baskets, and a wide assortment of perennials, bedding flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

A varied selection of fresh produce is available throughout the summer months, ranging from tomatoes to zucchini, hot and sweet peppers, onions, and regional favorites such as watermelon and peaches. In the fall, visitors can pick a diverse array of apples and pumpkins.

On weekends in September and October, the farm offers numerous activities, including an animal barn, a 10-acre corn maze, wagon rides, and delightful food options such as kettle corn, apple cider donuts, and homemade fudge.

7. Phillips Park Zoo

Located approximately ten minutes away in neighboring Aurora, Phillips Park Zoo boasts a history dating back to 1915 and uniquely remains open every day of the year.

Visitors can observe various wild species native to the Midwest, some of which, like the mountain lion and gray wolf, are now extinct in the wild or exist only in limited numbers.

The zoo is home to North American river otters, American elk, a range of turtles and snakes within the Reptile House, and birds of prey, including the red-tailed hawk, bald eagle, Harris hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and peregrine falcon.

8. Prairie Point Community Park

The principal public park for active recreation in Oswego spans 66 acres and encircles the Oswegoland Park District headquarters.

In summary, Prairie Point Community Park features 18 acres dedicated to soccer fields, a large concrete skate park, two full basketball courts, and four illuminated baseball/softball fields. During winter, families enjoy the sledding hill and outdoor skating rink, depending on weather conditions.

This park is situated in a natural wet prairie basin and hosts Oswego’s community pantry garden, which produces over 1,000 pounds of fresh produce annually for families in need.

One of the park’s prime attractions is the splash pad located on the south side, which is cherished by families during summer.

9. Fox Valley Winery

In the preparation of this list, it was noted that this multi-award-winning boutique winery plans to relocate its tasting room to the center of downtown Oswego.

Fox Valley Winery has earned a stellar reputation for its wines, many of which are crafted from single-vineyard grapes sourced from Illinois.

The winery’s offerings encompass a wide range of varieties from red to white, including both sweet and dry options. Guests can sample and purchase varietals such as Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a selection of meticulously crafted blends.

The tasting room operates seven days a week, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, showcasing the talent of local artists through its displays.

10. Oswego Brewing Company

Led by a skilled brewing team, including a former chemistry teacher, the Oswego Brewing Company is an emerging local craft brewery.

The brewery offers a variety of creatively themed seasonal beers alongside five staple beers that are consistently available in the taproom.

These include Station 1 (IPA), Oswego Lager (Vienna-style lager), Stone Skipper (Hefeweizen), Old Firehouse (Cream Ale), and Hay’z for Horsez (New England IPA).

The welcoming taproom and beer garden are conveniently located in downtown Oswego and remain open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, the local restaurant, 113 on Main, provides food options directly to the taproom, complemented by a food truck stationed outside on weekends.

11. Saw Wee Kee Park

This expansive 135-acre park, more rugged than the riverside parks in Oswego, has been part of the Oswegoland Park District for fifty years.

This area, formerly a mined gravel pit, has been beautifully restored and acts as a natural habitat for deer and bald eagles.

Color-coded trails wind through the wooded landscapes, suitable for hiking, horseback riding, BMX biking, and cross-country skiing. In the summer, visitors can launch canoes or kayaks or fish from the riverbank (with a catch and release policy).

12. Violet Patch Park

Another delightful spot along the Fox River, Violet Patch Park is located on the east side of the Violet Patch Bridge, designated for pedestrians and cyclists.

This area offers opportunities to launch canoes or kayaks, while picnic tables, grills, and shelters provide ample space for relaxation amidst the mature trees lining the riverbank.

Adjacent to Violet Patch Park, across IL 25, lies Eagle Ridge Park, renowned for its 18-hole disc golf course, accessible via the 3.2-mile Waubonsie Trail, which meanders through quiet residential neighborhoods leading to Jaycee Park in Boulder Hill.

13. Fox Bend Golf Course

This stunning public golf course in Oswego welcomes visitors and offers very competitive rates. The course is set along the banks of Waubonsie Creek, which poses a water hazard on multiple holes.

Though enjoyable, Fox Bend presents a challenging layout characterized by hilly terrain, narrow, dogleg fairways edged with dense woodlands, and strategically placed bunkers.

The greens are firm and quick, requiring precision throughout the game. For those seeking to practice, the course features an excellent driving range along with two putting greens, a short game area, and practice bunker.

14. Altitude Trampoline Park

Ideal for energetic children and adults eager for an engaging workout, Altitude Trampoline Park features a wide array of attractions within its 30,000-square-foot facility.

The main court boasts wall-to-wall trampolines, along with additional attractions such as a battle beam, a giant stunt bag, extra-large “super trampolines,” dedicated performance trampolines, a dodgeball court, wipeout zone, foam pit, rock wall, and much more.

A separate area is designated for younger jumpers at the Kids Court, featuring trampolines and a foam pit. Visitors can purchase all-access passes ranging from 60 to 120 minutes, perfect for children’s birthday celebrations from toddlers to teens.

15. Movies in the Park

Each summer, the Oswego Entertainment Venue, located at 1010 Station Drive, hosts a well-attended series of outdoor movie screenings.

Commencing in early June and running through the end of August, Movies in the Park offers attendees the option to enjoy a drive-in experience from their vehicles or unpack a picnic blanket or lawn chair for outdoor viewing.

While there are no food trucks available, guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments. Films scheduled included popular titles such as The Greatest Showman, Trolls World Tour, Raya and the Last Dragon, and The Croods: A New Age.