Northwest Suburbs Illinois Map
If you’re planning to visit the Northwest Suburbs of Illinois, you’re in for a treat! This region is full of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and exciting adventures. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, there’s something here for everyone.
Top Attractions
The Northwest Suburbs are home to many fantastic attractions that are definitely worth a visit. Here are some of the top ones:
The Chicago Botanic Garden
This beautiful garden spans over 385 acres and features 27 gardens and four natural areas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events and exhibits, including concerts, art shows, and educational programs.
The Legoland Discovery Center
This indoor attraction is perfect for families with young children. With over 3 million LEGO bricks, visitors can enjoy rides, play areas, and even a LEGO factory tour.
The Arlington Park Racetrack
This historic racetrack has been around since 1927 and is home to some of the most exciting horse races in the country. Visitors can enjoy a day at the races and even bet on their favorite horses.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are well-known, the Northwest Suburbs also have many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Here are some of the best:
The Deer Grove Forest Preserve
This beautiful natural area features over 1,800 acres of stunning forests, prairies, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and even horseback riding on the many trails.
The Pirate’s Cove Children’s Theme Park
This pirate-themed park is perfect for families with young children. With rides, games, and attractions, it’s a fun and exciting place to spend a day.
The Lambs Farm
This unique farm is home to a variety of animals, including llamas, horses, and pigs. Visitors can enjoy a petting zoo, a restaurant, and even shop for handmade items created by people with developmental disabilities.
Food Scene
The Northwest Suburbs are known for their diverse food scene, with many great restaurants and eateries to choose from. Here are some of the best:
The Purple Sprout Cafe
This vegan and organic restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious and healthy dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
The Ramen House Shinchan
This cozy and casual restaurant serves up some of the best ramen in the area. With a variety of broth options and toppings, there’s something for everyone.
The Beelow’s Steakhouse
This upscale steakhouse offers high-quality beef and other delicious dishes, including seafood and pasta. With a cozy and elegant atmosphere, it’s perfect for a special occasion.
Budget-Friendly Tips
While the Northwest Suburbs can be expensive, there are still many ways to enjoy the area without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips:
Visit the Free Attractions
Many of the top attractions in the Northwest Suburbs are free, including the Deer Grove Forest Preserve and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Eat at Local Markets
There are many great local markets in the area that offer delicious and affordable food options, including the Evanston Farmers Market and the Geneva French Market.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Many restaurants in the area offer happy hour specials on food and drinks, making it a great time to enjoy some of the best local cuisine.
Outdoor Adventures
The Northwest Suburbs are home to many great outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and camping. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures:
The Fox River Trail
This scenic trail spans over 40 miles and is perfect for biking, hiking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter.
The Moraine Hills State Park
This beautiful park features over 2,000 acres of rolling hills, lakes, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and even camping.
The Illinois Prairie Path
This historic path spans over 60 miles and is perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. With stunning views of the surrounding countryside, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.
Historical Landmarks
The Northwest Suburbs are rich in history, with many fascinating landmarks to explore. Here are some of the best:
The Baha’i House of Worship
This stunning temple is one of only seven Baha’i temples in the world and features beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere.
The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden
This historic mansion and garden are open for tours and offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the early 1900s.
The Durant House Museum
This historic home dates back to 1843 and offers a fascinating look at life in the early days of Illinois.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Northwest Suburbs are a great place for families to visit, with many fun and exciting activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best:
The Enchanted Castle
This indoor amusement park features rides, games, and attractions, including laser tag and mini-golf.
The Woodfield Mall
This massive shopping mall features over 300 stores and restaurants, as well as a movie theater and indoor play area for kids.
The Schaumburg Boomers Stadium
This minor league baseball stadium is a fun and affordable place to catch a game with the family.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, the Northwest Suburbs have plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. Here are some of the best:
The Volo Auto Museum
This museum features over 33 exhibits, including classic cars, military vehicles, and even a Batmobile.
The American Science and Surplus Store
This quirky store offers a wide variety of science-related items, including lab equipment, telescopes, and even astronaut ice cream.
The Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
This dinner theater offers a unique and exciting experience, with knights jousting and sword-fighting while guests enjoy a medieval feast.
Natural Wonders
The Northwest Suburbs are home to many beautiful natural wonders, including lakes, rivers, and forests. Here are some of the best:
The Chain O’Lakes State Park
This beautiful park features over 6,000 acres of stunning lakes and wetlands, with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
The Illinois Beach State Park
This park features over 4,000 acres of beautiful sand dunes, forests, and wetlands, as well as a stunning beach on Lake Michigan.
The Morton Arboretum
This beautiful arboretum features over 1,700 acres of stunning trees and gardens, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Northwest Suburbs have a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene, with many great bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Here are some of the best:
The Improv Comedy Club
This popular comedy club features some of the best stand-up comedians in the country, as well as a full bar and restaurant.
The Durty Nellie’s Pub and Music Venue
This lively pub features live music and events, as well as a wide variety of beers and cocktails.
The Bigby’s Pour House
This cozy bar features a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as live music and events.
Local Markets
The Northwest Suburbs are home to many great local markets, where visitors can find fresh produce, handmade items, and more. Here are some of the best:
The Evanston Farmers Market
This popular market features over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items.
The Geneva French Market
This charming market features a variety of French-inspired foods and goods, including fresh bread, pastries, and artisanal cheeses.
The Wheaton French Market
This lively market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items, as well as live music and events.
Beaches and Mountains
While the Northwest Suburbs are mostly flat, there are still some great beaches and mountains to explore. Here are some of the best:
The Illinois Beach State Park
This park