Things To Do
in Downers Grove
Downers Grove is a suburban village located in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. It is known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and excellent schools. The community has a strong sense of hometown pride and a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops and restaurants.
Downers Grove offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, from historic homes to modern developments, providing a diverse range of housing options.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Downers Grove Museum to learn about local history. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Lyman Woods Nature Preserve afterward.
Head to Main Street for lunch at a local café, followed by some shopping at unique boutiques. Explore the picturesque downtown area, checking out the various shops.
Finish the day with dinner at a nearby restaurant that offers outdoor seating. Enjoy the local atmosphere and perhaps catch some live music.
Begin your morning with a visit to the beautiful Belmont Prairie Nature Preserve. Enjoy some bird watching and take in the natural surroundings.
After lunch, head to the Downers Grove Golf Club for a round of golf or to enjoy the scenic views. If golfing isn't your thing, try a hike at a nearby trail.
Return to the town for a cozy dinner at a family-run Italian restaurant. Enjoy some traditional dishes and relax with friends or family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong community spirit with various local events and festivals
- Well-rated schools and educational programs
- Proximity to Chicago offers easy access to urban amenities
- Rich in parks and recreational areas, promoting outdoor activities
- Diverse dining and shopping options
- Higher cost of living compared to some surrounding areas
- Traffic congestion during peak hours due to proximity to Chicago
- Cold winters can be challenging for some residents
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Occasional flooding in certain areas during heavy rain
Best Activities in Downers Grove
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore beautiful gardens, wooded trails, and stunning landscapes at the Morton Arboretum. Enjoy hiking, biking, and seasonal activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at the picturesque Downers Grove Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole course surrounded by scenic views.
Visit Whalon Lake for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and nature walks. The lake offers a serene environment for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Downers Grove with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Downers Grove
Visit one of these nice places.
Barth Pond offers a peaceful setting with scenic views, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Lyman Woods is a nature preserve with beautiful trails and diverse wildlife, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The charming Main Street in Downers Grove offers a mix of historical and modern architecture, ideal for capturing unique urban scenes.
Food in Downers Grove
Downers Grove Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local specialty, the Chicago-style hot dog features an all-beef hot dog in a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, chopped onions, neon green relish, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
Must-Try!
This iconic sandwich consists of thinly sliced seasoned roast beef, dripping with meat juices, on a dense, long Italian-style roll, often topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
Deep-dish pizza, with its buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and ample layers of cheese, is a Chicago classic and a must-have in Downers Grove.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Downers Grove better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market showcases an array of fresh produce, artisanal bread, local honey, cheese, and other specialty foods. It's a great spot to sample delicious street foods and engage with the local community.
Every Friday, food trucks gather to offer a wide range of cuisines, from tacos and BBQ to gourmet grilled cheese. It's a fantastic opportunity to savor diverse street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Americans, including those in Downers Grove, value personal space and may feel uncomfortable with close physical contact unless they are well acquainted with the person.
It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants in Downers Grove as part of the dining etiquette.
Punctuality is appreciated in Downers Grove as it is in most parts of the United States. Arriving on time for appointments or social gatherings is a sign of respect for others' time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Downers Grove with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Downers Grove
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is commonly practiced in Downers Grove, United States, especially in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other service industries. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment in Downers Grove, United States, is primarily done using credit or debit cards, although cash is also widely accepted. Mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular. Contactless payments and online transactions are also commonly used for convenience and security.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Downers Grove.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit Downers Grove, with blooming flowers, pleasant temperatures, and outdoor events like the Annual Fine Arts Festival.
Summer offers warm weather, outdoor concerts, and activities like the Downers Grove Heritage Festival and car shows.
Fall presents beautiful foliage, pumpkin patches, and the Indian Summer Festival with live music and food vendors.
Winter brings holiday events, festive decorations, and activities like ice skating at the outdoor ice arena.
Downers Grove at Night
Hiking in Downers Grove
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination featuring beautiful trails, scenic views, and a waterfall within a forested area.
Located nearby, this preserve offers trails through wooded areas and along the Salt Creek, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.
A long trail that stretches through several suburbs, this path is great for hiking, biking, and experiencing nature.
A scenic trail that offers a pleasant hiking experience with views of local wildlife and easy access from various points.
Features a variety of trails for hiking and connecting nature enthusiasts to the beautiful landscapes of the area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Downers Grove through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Downers Grove by plane.
Located about 27 miles northeast of Downers Grove, ORD is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Situated approximately 21 miles northeast of Downers Grove, MDW is another key airport serving the Chicago area with a strong focus on domestic flights.
About 35 miles southeast of Downers Grove, GYY offers limited commercial flight services and is used primarily for general aviation and cargo.
Located around 75 miles north of Downers Grove, MKE serves the Milwaukee area and offers a range of domestic and some international flights.
Approximately 75 miles northwest of Downers Grove, RFD mainly offers domestic flights and is a regional airport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority racial group in Downers Grove, encompassing individuals of European descent.
A significant demographic group including individuals of East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian descent.
Individuals with origins from Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Latin America.
A demographic group that includes individuals of African descent.
Individuals who identify with more than one racial category.
Individuals of indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Includes individuals from various racial or ethnic backgrounds not categorized above.
The Soul of Downers Grove
Discover the essence of Downers Grove through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport for both youth and adults, played on various fields throughout Downers Grove, with organizations offering leagues and tournaments.
Widely played in schools and local gyms, basketball is a favored activity among youth and adults alike in the community.
A traditional American pastime that has numerous youth leagues and recreational teams in Downers Grove, often played in local parks.
A popular individual sport, with many locals participating in races and training on the numerous trails and parks in and around Downers Grove.
Played recreationally in parks and through local clubs, volleyball is a popular social and competitive sport in the area.
Swimming is popular both as a recreational activity and in competitive formats, with local pools and swim teams available for residents.
American football is played at various youth, high school, and recreational league levels within the community.
Tennis is enjoyed by many local residents, with public courts available and leagues organized by the community.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Downers Grove.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries offer an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. In addition, several restaurants provide plant-based versions of traditional favorites, ensuring that those with dietary restrictions have ample choices.
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find numerous restaurants and bakeries that offer dedicated gluten-free menus. These establishments prioritize providing delicious options that cater to gluten-free dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Downers Grove with these cultural adventures.
