Public And Private Schools
Home buyers will discover that the greater Downers Grove and DuPage County area features schools at all levels and ages. The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 operates numerous public schools in the area, many of which are known for active parent-teacher organizations and extracurricular programs. Then theres the progressive Avery Coonley School, billed as an independent, coeducational day school serving academically gifted students. In addition to public schools, the area serves those seeking a private education.
A Thriving Downtown Dining Scene
With a large workforce and residential population comes a litany of local dining and entertainment options. From Sunday brunch, to romantic dinner spots, to late night eats, and even the classic Chicago-style steakhouse, theres something for every mood and occasion. Theres even highly rated seafood establishments somewhat of a rarity for a small to mid-sized midwestern locale.
Enjoy The Lush Oak Forest At Lyman Woods Forest Preserve
A post shared by Downers Grove Museum on Aug 29, 2018 at 12:58pm PDT
150 stunning acres of marsh habitats, prairie, and oak woods with more than 300 species of plants – thats the stunning Lyman Woods for you. The stunning 19-acre oak wood forest has been undisturbed since it was purchased in the early 19th century. The lush forest is one of the few pre-settlement landscapes in the area, and it also features three rare kames which support and preserve the oak woods. You can also visit the Interpretive Center where youll find rain gardens, a butterfly garden, and native landscaping, as well as changing activities and exhibits.
Lyman Woods Forest Preserve
Opening hours: June 1 – August 31: Mon – Sat: 9am – 4pm Sun: 1pm – 4pm
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Seasonal Tree Pruning Underway
The Village’s parkway trees are pruned on a five year cycle to improve tree structure, enhance tree vigor, increase a tree’s aesthetic appeal, and maintain safe conditions for all motorists and pedestrians as they move through the Village. This work also reduces storm damage and the cost for clean up when storms occur. Read more…
Relax At O’brien Park
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The large neighbourhood 17.5-acre OâBrien Park is the perfect place to spend a day picnicking with your tiny tots in Downers Grove. The park is a hotbed for all sorts of sports and games, containing a sledding hill, a basketball court, two separate play areas complete with play equipment, a nin-hole disc golf course, and even an irrigated soccer field. The playground at O’Brien Park has swings, multiple rides, track ride and an Omni spinner for kids to play to their hearts content. Grab a green spot nearby and spread out on a mat to enjoy a relaxing day at O’Brien Park.
O’Brien Park
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Downers Grove Park District
The Downers Grove Park District provides residents with a multitude of ways to get out and get active, perhaps most notably with the nine-hole, par-36 Downers Grove Golf Course. For tiny tikes , the Miner Mikes mini-golf course scores high on the fun scale. Also available in the park district and its seven parks are activities such as paddling in Barths Pond and breaking a sweat at 4500 Fitness.
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room
Downers Plaza Shopping Center is home to a much-loved escape room attraction that opened in 2018.
Fuzzy Logic moves away from the horror themes that youll normally find at escape rooms for lighter, more family-friendly experience.
When we wrote this article there were five rooms to choose from, with challenges as varied as discovering an invaluable relic in an Egyptian tomb or searching for the cute animals that have gone missing at a vet office.
If youre visiting with younger members of the family you can request an easy mode on any of the rooms.
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Best Things To Do In Downers Grove Illinois
Have you ever visited a new place and felt wow about it? For many visitors, it happens at Downers Grove.
Downers Grove may not be as popular as other cities in United States, but dont let that fool you. Downers Grove is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Downers Grove.
If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if Downers Grove should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Downers Grove and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
Kayak At Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
The 390-acre Hidden Lake Forest Preserve is a real Downers Grove treasure and the perfect place to picnic, paddle, fish, and even kayak. The Forest Preserve features a river and two lakes perfect for boating, fishing, and even kayaking, but will need the Forest Preserve District permit. The Forest Preserve also has a new picnic shelter, picnic areas, and trail. It is one of the few places to hear spring peepers in the wooded ponds and is also home to Kingâs Grove, a remnant woodland of bur, white, and red oaks.
Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
A post shared by Sausage Thor of House Lopez on Sep 8, 2019 at 4:59pm PDT
In April 1976, the beautiful community park on the south side of 55th Street was named Patriots Park to honour men and women who won freedom for the Americans, with the 5.8-acre pond within the park being named as Barth Pond. The pond is a popular fishing and boating spot and even features a 0.45-mile long paved loop pathway encircling it. The park is a great way to view native vegetation and to do a spot of boating at Barth Pond as well.
Patriots Park
A post shared by Matt Bucher on Aug 5, 2018 at 6:02pm PDT
Belmont Prairie
A post shared by Jason DeFillippo on Nov 14, 2017 at 8:40am PST
Ebersold Park
A post shared by DeLynn Johnson Unema on Jul 7, 2019 at 3:56pm PDT
Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 1am Fri: 11am – 2am Sat: 11am – 12am Sun: 11am – 10pm
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Things To Do In Downers Grove
Looking for things to do in Downers Grove? You wont be disappointed. During the three years I lived downtown in this western Chicago suburb, I loved walking to the farmers market, checking out the parks, and catching shows at the Tivoli. So whether you live here or are hopping on a train to visit, check out our round-up of the best things to do in Downers Grove, IL.
Things We Love About Downers Grove
It may be unfair to describe Downers Grove as simply a suburb. With a location just about 20 miles due west of downtown Chicago, this village of 50,000 residents boasts a thriving local economy, highly ranked schools, and some of the top natural attractions in the metro area. And its certainly not flyover country, being the corporate headquarters to some massive publicly traded companies while also having direct access into Chicago via the expressway system and commuter rail.
Theres a delicate balance that makes Downers Grove so attractive: think themes such as reasonable housing prices and an activated downtown. Theres a reason why this Chicago burb has been ranked one of the best places to live in the country for three years in a row by Livability.com. Home shoppers would do well to give this western suburb serious consideration, as theres a tremendous amount of variety, activity, and value.
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Downers Grove Golf Club
The very first 18-hole golf course in the United States was established on this site in 1893.
After a couple of years The Chicago Golf Club relocated to near Wheaton, where it remains today, while several holes at Downers Grove Golf Club are exactly as they were in the late 19th century.
Another remarkable thing about this public course is that its an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, integrating natural spaces and beautiful mature trees.
The sharp elevation changes and water hazards offer an engaging challenge for all players while theres a partially sheltered driving range and a putting green to help you find your touch.
Baked Apple Breakfast Co
Baked Apple Breakfast Co. in Downers Grove may look like just another cute café, but once inside, youll see its a serious foodie stronghold. This popular breakfast spot has the necessary morning staples eggs, bacon, French toast and pancakes but where it differentiates itself is with unique breakfast items like cookies-and-cream pancakes, an omelet with apples and cheddar and a taco-egg skillet that comes with ground beef, jalapeños and other fixings. Even though its not in their name, Baked Apple Breakfast Co. doesnt leave out lunch lovers and offers wraps, sandwiches and burgers like the bacon-and-barbecue-decked cowboy burger.
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Catch A Performance At Tivoli Theater
A post shared by Robert Klaus on Feb 27, 2018 at 10:03pm PST
Howd you like to catch a performance at a nearly 100-year-old theatre? The 1928-built Tivoli Theater is iconic for being the countrys second theatre to open with sound movies. Today, this rare, large-screen theatre has been remodelled French Renaissance-style and plays both first and second-run movies, apart from also featuring live performances throughout the year. The structure might be old, but the equipment is new so you are assured of first-rate viewing in an authentic structure of the old.
Tivoli Theater
A post shared by princessquelly on Mar 15, 2014 at 9:37am PDT
Who says trains are just for kids? Hop on to the All Aboard Diner, a nostalgic, train-themed restaurant where a model train circles the elongated bar, carrying baskets of delicious food. Mainstays include the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and the Chop Salad, along with vegetarian options, and the menu also includes homemade wraps, salads, soups, and even barbecued pork. Choose from the black bean and three-grain veggie burgers, the more than 20 sandwich options – which include Reuben and Caribbean Mango Chicken – and a host of side dishes including popcorn shrimp, mini tacos, onion rings, and cheese chilli fries. Whats more, it also has a dessert menu, as well as wine and beer.
All Aboard Diner
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 8pm Sun: 11am – 7pm
Tivoli Theatre Downers Grove
5.0 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By 82mickiem – Downers Grove, United States
This place is so cool. A vintage theater that has been modernized with sound and other modern amenities, but retains the beautiful charm of the old world theater including amazing light up ceiling. Live Oregon on the weekends. They also sell alcohol which is a nice plus. Prices are reasonable and its truly an experience
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What To Do In Downers Grove This Weekend
Sitting on Sundays or being a couch potato on Saturdays is definitely a boring plan. Move out and make memories. Discover the best things to do this weekend in Downers Grove, foodie things, artistic love or just aimlessly cycling!Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Downers Grove.
- Chinese New Year Party 2022 at Amalgam is hosted at “Amalgam Martial Academy”.
- Snapshot Rocks Ballydoyle – Downers Grove is hosted at “Ballydoyle – Downers Grove”.
We’ll recommend events that you would not want to miss!
in Your Inbox
Don’t miss your favorite Events this Weekend again.
Rt 66 Car Show Art Crawl Children’s Theatre Open House Dog Days Wine Tasting And Blessing Of The Backpacks Aug 27 And Aug 28
Berwyn Rt. 66 Car Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Aug. 27
The 26th annual WeatherTech Berwyn Rt. 66 Car Show sponsored by Paisans Pizzeria & Bar will be held on Ogden Avenue in Berwyn. Soak up car culture with over 550 custom cars, trucks and motorcycles. The show a parade to the World War I Memorial and a presentation by the Color Guard during the National Anthem. Live entertainment includes Elvis tribute artist Rick Saucedo and Tony Pellegrino performing a Frank Sinatra showcase of classic pop and standards. Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top cars.
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Lyman Woods & William F Sherman Jr Interpretive Center
In the care of the Downers Grove Park District is 150 gorgeous acres of oak woodland, prairie and marshland.
These habitats support some 300 different species of native plants, as well as a rich array of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Some species to look out for are great horned owls, Coopers hawks, deer, foxes and coyotes. Particularly important is a 19-acre parcel of oak woodland untouched since it was purchased by the Lyman family in 1839.
Your first port of call should be the interpretive center, which has ever-changing exhibits about the woods and their wildlife, as well as a butterfly garden, rain gardens and native landscaping outside.
A Thriving Local Economy
According to numbers from the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, the top five employers within the city limits provide over 7,000 jobs to the area. Even more, Downers Grove is the global headquarters of two publicly traded companies: Dover Corporation and Univar. While other suburbs have seen a number of major corporations move back to Chicago, Downers Grove can boast a robust and resilient economic base.
Photo from Enjoy Illinois
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Downers Grove Illinois Things To Do
Downers Grove, Ill. is located about 30 miles from Chicago and offers residents a wide range of activities, from shopping and dining to hiking and camping. With its cute small-town vibe, picturesque views of the Chicago River and easy-to-get-away Chicago lifestyle, it is the perfect place to spend a relaxing American vacation.
Other fun museums include the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium, located on the Chicago River in Downers Grove, about 30 miles from Chicago. The park is a good way to see the native vegetation and also to take boat trips on the Barth pond. At Ty Warner Park, a spray park, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy, and there are a number of parks in the area, from hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking.
In the park district itself there is the 4500 Fitness, where you can skate, jog, run and sweat. Kayaking on the Barther Teich, canoeing on the Barther Teich, paddling, kayaking or even a bike ride.
The playground in O’Brien Park has an omni-spinner, with which children can play to their hearts “content. The park has a playground with basketball court, basketball court, volleyball court and even tennis court.
There are some pretty picnic spots and there are plenty of opportunities to spend some time exploring the great Downers Grove Chicagoland area. Think about this list of good things you can do and enjoy a wonderful time in Downes Grove.
Top Restaurants In Downers Grove
Downers Grove is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1832 by Pierce Downer, whose surname serves as the eponym for the village. It is a south-western suburb of Chicago in the I-55 Corridor. Along with its neighbor Woodridge, the villages are commonly referred to as Downers-Woodridge.
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Play Mini Golf At Mccollum Park
If youve kids and are looking for a fun activity for them in Downers Grove, then Miner Mikes Adventure Golf in McCollum Park is perfect for your little ones. Welcoming putt-putters of all ages onto the mini golf, the place makes each game more fun by using mischief spinners telling players to perform acts such as putting behind their backs or putting with their eyes closed! The snack shack has some amazing treats for after the game.
Miner Mike’s Adventure Golf
Opening hours: June 8 – August 18: Mon – Fri: 10:30am – 7:30pm Sat: 11am – 9pm Sun: 11am – 8pm
Myths And Legends Brewing Company
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Suero20 – Frankfort, Illinois
When I first started teaching, we went on field trips to the mill every year. However, our numbers became high and they could no longer accommodate such a large group. Definitely take your kids here, there is so much history and it is such an intimate setting. The bottom floor where you see the inner workings of the gristmill is a documented stop on the underground railroad. Powerful pictures are hung on the walls and the mill’s significance as this spot is explained. The floor above is the charming shop and where the kids get to see the corn ground into grist. All the kids love this floor, especially because they can get a souvenir! Pick up a bag of the ground corn meal and make cornbread together! Above that is a floor devoted to machinery and above that is a floor with toys and a child’s bedroom and lots of hands on things for the kids to see and touch. It’s a great day especially in the Fall!
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