Downers Grove Attractions

Top Things to Do in Downers Grove, IL

Things to Do in Downers Grove

Tours near Downers Grove

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Top Attractions in Downers Grove

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • JackofPBFL
    Palm Bay, FL1,270 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The American Theater Organ Society annual convention brought us to the Tivoli. It is a gorgeous little jewel of a movie palace and has been well taken care of. It still has its original Wurlitzer Theater pipe organ and it is a beautiful instrument. The theater is used for movies, concerts and other cultural events. Even just a look inside is worth your time.
    Written 4 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BartlettDan
    Bartlett, IL955 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I hosted a surprise retirement party for my wife. This was an intimate gathering of 20 of her BFF’s. I reserved the Loft.

    The evening turned out very well. The Loft looks like it can hold 35-40 people, maybe more. Alter Brewing allows plenty of time to set up decorations, using tape only.

    We had food catered in from Alter Brewing in Oak Brook, although you may use anyone you want. All I can say is, their Meatballs and Sliders were fantastic.

    Our server, Garrett did an amazing job for us. He was very attentive and didn’t seem to mind running up and down the stairs. Easy for me to say.
    Written 2 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Voyager18301278454
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    WOW! My family greatly enjoyed this museum. Located in a beautiful Victorian house, the exhibits and atmosphere really made it a special day. There are actually two houses and the older one has ties to the underground railroad. Check it out...it's FREE!!
    Written 24 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emily C
    Las Vegas, NV3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visiting Downers Grove from out-of-state, while on a bike ride on a weekday in August, I rode around the charming Barth Pond. Very slowly, of course, since there were other people strolling around, including seniors, little kids, and dogs. There were even some people fishing. It's surprisingly beautiful and peaceful, considering it's in a Chicago suburb, and near a fairly busy street. The only downside is the goose poop in some areas, but it's a lot less than in many other parks I've seen.
    Written 8 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TERRAvelista
    London, UK17,555 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    OK, coming compared to Regent's park and Hyde park in London where I always used to have all the wild ringneck parakeets, robins, magpies, starlings, grey geese or Canada geese and Egyptian geese, plus coots, moorhen and all type of ducks and squirrels - all my friends who used to run to me when they used to hear my noises knowing I was bringing their favourite food etc - you do not get the same in this forrest preserve but is nevertheless a great walk where at this time of the year there are only some squirrels and a few scared birds not used to the friendly faces like in the 2 above mentioned London parks.

    You have the hidden lake, surrounded by trees and an open lake where people apparently fish in summer time, so surely will come back for more and to work out a few heavier lunches.

    A car park which apparently gets very busy in summer time and notices here and there mentioning anything from coyotes to work being done there, proof that the 'park' staff care about this location.

    Although I was surprised to see so many dog poos almost everywhere.
    Written 26 December 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Previa1994
    Chicago, IL6,377 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited McCollum Park in Downers Grove one recent August afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The asphalt paved trail circumscribing the park is a 1.2 winding mile. The trail is pretty flat, asphalt paved and easy. McCollum Park is a prime park for a variety of sports. There are fields for Soccer and Softball, and courts for Tennis, Volleyball and Basketball. Interspersed in between are children’s playgrounds. There is also a Putt-Putt golf course and a snack shop (closed currently). There are several picnic spots and shelters. The neat feature of the paved path is that signs direct walkers to go clockwise and bikers to go anti-clockwise. The loop is undisturbed and continuous except for one road crossing at the parking lot.

    McCollum Park is an awesome community park providing a numerous sports/recreational opportunities. Ample parking is available.
    Written 31 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Previa1994
    Chicago, IL6,377 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Patriots Park in Downers Grove is a relatively small park but still very enjoyable. The park is centered by a lake (called Barth Pond) which is surrounded by a blacktop paved path that is about a half mile loop. Barth Pond has convenient places for recreational fishing. Ducks seem to love this pond. There is a large picnic shelter and open grass area on the east side of the park, and a well-furnished children’s playground on the west end of the park. A cute little prairie garden was full of flowers on a visit in August.

    Patriots Park is a nice little park with a variety of options for family enjoyment.
    Written 11 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mamaw58
    Lombard, IL275 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Tuesday night concerts in Fishel Park this July. It is a large park, but I must say get there by 5:30 p.m. to secure a spot in the lawn. The entertain is fantastic! We do have issues with hearing at times with the speakers used, not sure if they are not loud enough for the space of the park or is it the families attending are so loud with conversation and children playing adding to the distorted sound. Being very popular among families it appears everyone is there to socialize instead of listening to the music. Last week we even observed not many people even clap, which means they are not paying attention to the performers. It is truly a lovely event to attend and thank the DG Park District for providing this weekly summer entertainment.
    Written 3 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 20karenvp
    La Grange, IL22 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I walked with a friend. The paths are wide, but the walking path was made from mixed material. Part paved, part grass, part mud. The bridges were new and nicely maintained.
    Written 25 October 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Previa1994
    Chicago, IL6,377 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Maple Grove Forest Preserve in Downers Grove is a relatively small forest preserve in residential area. The main trail running through the preserve serves as a path between two community parks, Veterans Park on the south end and Gilbert Park on the north end. This trail is made of crushed limestone and is good for hikers and bikers. The loop trail on the east side is best suited for hiking. The total length of the trails is about 1.5 mile. There is shade from trees (native maple trees being primary) all the way on the trails. A beautiful long and sleek wooden bridge crosses St. Joseph’s Creek near the north end of the main trail.

    Maple Grove Forest Preserve is a neat relaxing and enjoyable peaceful place for hiking.
    Written 30 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lgareiss
    Chicago, IL4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good selections and lots of large print books....they reciprocate library cards from other libraries
    Written 29 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jogger827
    Downers Grove, IL79 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Its only a 9 hole course , which is perfect for someone like me, who doesn't have a lot of spare time. Course is very well maintained and I like the distances, not easy but not overly hard. I have enjoyed it several times this year.
    Written 5 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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