Within a 1-hour drive from Chicago, the Western Suburbs offer varied appeal, from an arboretum to a zoo. Visit these friendly cities to enjoy laid-back living and family attractions away from the big city.
Starting in Chicago’s near western suburbs, see thoroughbred racing at Hawthorne Racecourse in Cicero. The largest zoo in the area is the Brookfield Zoo, with animals from around the world, special events and live bands on summer weekend evenings.
In Oak Park’s Wright District, see the former residence of Frank Lloyd Wright and a dozen other historic architectural treasures. Attend the home tour program in May. The village of Riverside also has a distinguished architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape designer of Central Park. The entire Olmsted-designed village is a National Historic Landmark with curved streets, green parks and exceptional architecture.
Play golf or watch polo in Oak Brook in the central western suburbs. Visit the Graue Mill and Museum, which was once part of the Underground Railroad. Elmhurst features several museums, including the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, displaying gemstones and earth science exhibits.
The far western suburbs include the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Walk around the 1,700 acres (690 hectares) to learn about more than 4,000 species of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials and grasses and the important conservation efforts to sustain their beauty and functionality. Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago provides experiences of life on an Illinois farm in the 1890s.
Naperville has the beautiful Riverwalk Park along the DuPage River. Stroll along the pleasant trails through the middle of the city past the tall Millennium Carillon. With the DuPage Children’s Museum, historic Naper Settlement and other kid-focused attractions, the town is frequently identified as one of the country’s most family-friendly cities.
These areas offer the positive feature of easy access to the big city. Play golf in the morning in one of the Western Suburbs and travel to Chicago for an afternoon of shopping or evening of entertainment.
