Top things to do in La Grange (Illinois)

La Grange, Illinois: A Hidden Gem in the Midwest

Nestled in the western suburbs of Chicago, La Grange, Illinois offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a variety of parks, historical sites, and family-friendly attractions, this small town has something for everyone.

Parks and Nature Preserves

La Grange boasts a plethora of parks and nature preserves, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top spots to explore:

  • Gordon Park (URL: pdlg.org/locations/18-gordo...): Gordon Park is a community staple with plenty of sports courts and fields. The park also features a playground, making it a great spot for families.
  • Brezina Woods (URL: fpdcc.com/places/locations/...): Brezina Woods is a beautiful forest preserve with various trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
  • Possum Hollow Woods (URL: fpdcc.com/places/locations/...): This forested nature preserve is a great spot for a picnic, with plenty of picnic areas and shelters available.
  • Spears Woods (URL: fpdcc.com/spears-woods/): Spears Woods features scenic trails through wetlands and woods, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
  • Swallow Cliff Woods-South (URL: fpdcc.com/places/locations/...): Swallow Cliff Woods-South is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Historical Sites

La Grange is also home to a rich history, with several sites dedicated to preserving the town's past. Check out these historical sites:

  • La Grange Area Historical Society (URL: www.lagrangehistory.org/): The La Grange Area Historical Society is a great place to learn about the town's history, with exhibits and events throughout the year.
  • Spring Rock Park (URL: www.wsparks.org/index.asp?S...): Spring Rock Park is a beautifully landscaped space with flower gardens and athletic fields. The park is also home to a historic water tower, which is a must-see for history buffs.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Whether you're traveling with kids or looking for a fun outing, La Grange has plenty of family-friendly attractions to explore. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Brookfield Zoo (URL: www.czs.org/Brookfield-ZOO/...): The Brookfield Zoo is a sprawling wildlife park with thousands of animals, including lions, tigers, and dolphins.
  • Rotary Centennial Park (URL: pdlg.org/locations/10-rotar...): Rotary Centennial Park is a great spot for a family outing, with a playground and plenty of open space for picnicking and playing.
  • Western Springs Park District (URL: www.wsparks.org/): The Western Springs Park District hosts a variety of activities and events for kids and families throughout the year, including sports programs, summer camps, and more.

Other Attractions

In addition to the above, La Grange has plenty of other attractions to explore. Here are a few more worth checking out:

  • Denning Park (URL: pdlg.org/locations/24-denni...): Denning Park is a quaint community park with a playground and plenty of green space for playing and relaxing.
  • Waiola Park (URL: pdlg.org/locations/22-waiol...): Waiola Park is a quiet greenspace with beautiful trees and walking paths.
  • Kiwanis Park (URL: Park 133 South La Grange Road): Kiwanis Park is a small community park with a playground and picnic areas.
  • Hanesworth Park: Hanesworth Park is a peaceful spot with walking paths and natural scenery.
  • Hodgkins Park District (URL: www.hodgkinspark.org/): The Hodgkins Park District hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including fitness classes, summer camps, and more.
  • Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West (URL: fpdcc.com/): Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West is a nature preserve with trails for hiking and birdwatching.

Conclusion

Overall, La Grange, Illinois is a hidden gem in the Midwest with plenty of attractions to explore. From parks and nature preserves to historical sites and family-friendly activities, this small town has something for everyone. So whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, be sure to add La Grange to your travel itinerary.