Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Downers Grove

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Downers Grove from other articles such as Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Condé Nast Traveler, Chicago 2 days itinerary.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Downers Grove

Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
4.6 (25232 ratings)4 (9031 ratings)
State-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its variety of habitats & views of Lake Michigan.
1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
AquariumZoos & AquariumsHistorical landmarkLearning center
Mentioned by MommyPoppins
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids
"Museum Campus/South Loop, Chicago—10 minutes from the Loop More than 32,000 aquatic animals are on display at this lakefront museum, giving visitors the chance to see fish, sharks, whales, and more from all over the world. The centerpiece of the Shedd Aquarium is the Caribbean Reef, a 90,000-gallon circular aquarium with 360-degree views of sharks, parrotfish, sea turtles, and rays. Around the reef, several hallways extend where visitors can explore sea life from different regions, from nearby rivers and lakes to the Amazon to polar areas."
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
11 Must-See Museums Near Downtown Chicago
"Watch sharks feed, sea otters swim, stingray glide, and dolphins play at Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Although not strictly a museum, Shedd Aquarium is part of Chicago’s Museum Campus, along with the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium — so think of it more as a living museum filled with exotic aquatic life. The views are spectacular, stretching across Lake Michigan."
Millennium Park
Millennium Park
4.8 (58155 ratings)4.5 (22489 ratings)
24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Navy Pier
Navy Pier
4.6 (50660 ratings)4 (13593 ratings)
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Sights & LandmarksAmusement centerCultural centerEvent venuePiers & BoardwalksTheme Parks
Mentioned by citypass.com
Things to do with Kids in Chicago | CityPASS Scrapbook
"Navy Pier is a Chicago landmark and the perfect place to spend a day with a family—no matter what you're looking to do. Be sure to check out the "today's events" section of the Navy Pier website for a complete listing of the many unique current and upcoming events at the Pier. Kids will enjoy: Riding the 1920s style carousel at Navy Pier Park or a visit to the Chicago Children's Museum."
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
The Perfect Itinerary for 3 Days in Chicago
"Before you start your exploration of Chicago in earnest, fuel up with a pastry and caffeinated beverage at this third-wave coffee shop, conveniently located near Navy Pier. The almond croissants are the perfect compliment to your morning pick-me-up. There’s no better way to kick off your 3 days in Chicago itinerary."
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
Chicago – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel, or check out the Navy Pier event calendar for the latest and greatest of what’s going on. Although I haven’t experienced this myself, I just saw that Navy Pier shows outdoor films during the summer months, which would be a really fun thing to do while visiting Chicago."
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory
4.8 (6118 ratings)4.5 (719 ratings)
184-acre park with a swimming pool, fishing lagoon, athletic fields, tennis courts & more.
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksBotanical gardenHistoric SitesGardens
Grant Park
Grant Park
4.7 (16394 ratings)4.5 (854 ratings)
319-acre centerpiece of Downtown housing some of the city's busiest attractions.
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
City parkNature & ParksPark
Chicago Loop Synagogue
Chicago Loop Synagogue
4.8 (41 ratings)5 (10 ratings)
16 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
SynagogueSights & LandmarksSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by Curbed Chicago
The best churches, temples, synagogues to see at Open House Chicago
"The current building was designed by Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett in 1957, although the Chicago Loop Synagogue was founded in 1929 for Jewish workers downtown and visitors. A must-see here is a wall of stained glass crafted by Abraham Rattner. Open Sunday, October 20, from noon to 5 p.m."
Winnemac Park
Winnemac Park
4.7 (1140 ratings)
School park with a prairie garden, playground, trails, softball fields, soccer field, track & gym.
5100 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
Park
Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile
4.5 (14711 ratings)
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier commercial district. The vibrant, bustling area is home to upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, cool restaurants and posh hotels. Landmarks include the historic Chicago Water Tower, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the terracotta Wrigley Building skyscraper and the 100-story John Hancock Center, which has a rooftop observation deck with fine dining and panoramic city views.
Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Sights & LandmarksNeighborhoodsPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Chicago 2 days itinerary
The perfect two day Chicago itinerary to hit the best photography spots
"Day 1: Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Chicago Athletic Club, Riverwalk, Flamingo Rum Club, Signature Room at the 95th Kick off your Chicago trip in the heart of the action, by wandering past the glittering storefronts lining North Michigan Avenue, AKA the Magnificent Mile. This 13-block stretch in the Loop area hosts more than 460 stores including luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry and Louis Vuitton, nearly 300 restaurants, and some of the city’s top hotels. Art aficionados will want to pop into LIK Fine Art Chicago, which displays incredible pieces from famed photographer Peter Lik."
Mentioned by Chicago 4 days itinerary
Chicago 4 Day Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Chicago, Illinois, USA
"Michigan Ave. also referred to as the “Magnificent Mile” is the major shopping district of downtown Chicago. It has all sorts of stores such as UGG, Forever 21, Nike, H&M, Addidas, Marshalls, Zara, and more. The area surrounding the magnificent mile is filled with every restaurant under the sun, Italian restaurants, pizza shops, steakhouses, and any other type of restaurant you can think of."
Tribune Tower
Tribune Tower
4.6 (463 ratings)4.5 (593 ratings)
Neo-Gothic skyscraper influenced by Rouen Cathedral & decorated with rocks from world landmarks.
435 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago Riverwalk
4.8 (9928 ratings)4.5 (2541 ratings)
Riverside pedestrian path featuring city views & dining, plus bridges, fishing piers & boat docks.
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas

Historic Sites in Downers Grove

Marquette Building
Marquette Building
4.6 (142 ratings)4.5 (48 ratings)
Steel-framed skyscraper completed in 1895 & considered a masterpiece of Chicago School architecture.
140 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksCorporate officeArchitectural BuildingsHistoric SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Rookery Building
Rookery Building
4.6 (804 ratings)4.5 (333 ratings)
Chicago's oldest high-rise, this 1885 Romanesque structure has a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby.
209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Event venueSights & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsHistoric SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Thrillist
The Most Beautiful Buildings in Chicago, According to an Architecture Expert
"Architect/Firm: ​​​​​​​Burnham & Root, 1888 and Frank Lloyd Wright, 1907The Loop The architectural masterpiece originally designed by Burnham & Root in 1888 is one of the most-recognized buildings in the city. Frank Lloyd Wright later re-envisioned its two-story mezzanine with an oriel staircase and glass ceiling to illuminate white marble with gold geometric patterning, which now covers darker, copper-plated ironwork. The commercial office's facade experiments with late Roman, Venetian, Moorish, and medieval-European elements."
Mentioned by TripSavvy
Chicago's Most Impressive Architecture
"The Rookery is an iconic building, positioned in heart of downtown Chicago's financial district. The building, a mashup of modern building techniques (elevators and fireproofing) and traditional design (ornamental brick facades), was completed in 1888 by Burnham and Root. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the lobby with white marble and Persian-style ornamentation."
Mentioned by Trip101
15 Famous Buildings In Chicago, Illinois, The USA - Updated 2021
"Source: Photo by user Esther Westerveld used under CC BY 2.0. One of the finest building in the United States, the Rookery Building is an absolute architectural treat. The interior light court maximizes the natural light entering the building."
Glessner House
Glessner House
4.6 (178 ratings)4.5 (80 ratings)
Docent-led tours of a landmark 19th-century house & Chicago's oldest building.
1800 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistoric SitesSpecialty Museums

Top Best Chinese Restaurants in Downers Grove

Golden Chef Chinese Kitchen
Golden Chef Chinese Kitchen
4 (109 ratings)
This bare-bones counter-serve spot for Chinese favorites also provides delivery.
3262 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Chinese restaurantAsian restaurantChinese takeawayDelivery Chinese restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Do312
The Best Asian Restaurants in Chicago
"Nestled in the heart of Humboldt Park is Golden Chef Chinese Kitchen. The affordable lunch and dinner specials contain a variety of meals for a person or group. Call 773- 772-6719 or place an order online!"
Duck Duck Goat
Duck Duck Goat
4.5 (1618 ratings)
Creative Chinese fare from celeb chef Stephanie Izard served in buzzy, ornately decorated surrounds.
857 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Chinese restaurantRestaurant
Big Bowl
Big Bowl
4.3 (1145 ratings)
Restaurant serving Chinese & Thai dishes, cocktails & craft beers in a relaxed, stylish space.
60 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Chinese restaurantAsian restaurantRestaurantThai restaurant
Mentioned by OpenTable
The Best Chinese Food in Chicago
"Big Bowl, a mid-sized regional chain with three restaurants in Illinois, builds upon the concept of generously portioned bowls of Chinese and Thai cuisine. The downtown Chicago ven..."

Must See Sights and Landmarks in Downers Grove Area

Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
4.8 (46 ratings)5 (16 ratings)
1121 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Eastern Orthodox ChurchSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkOrthodox churchPoints of Interest & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
Mentioned by Curbed Chicago
The best churches, temples, synagogues to see at Open House Chicago
"Holy Trinity is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Chicago Landmark and is the oldest Orthodox parish in Chicago. Its unique style is typical of Slavic provincial architecture. Designed by Louis Sullivan, it is the famous architect’s only remaining church in Chicago and one of just two in the world."
Saint Clement Church
Saint Clement Church
4.6 (174 ratings)4.5 (8 ratings)
642 W Deming Pl, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Catholic churchSights & LandmarksSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by Your Day by MK
Chicago Wedding Guide: Catholic Churches
"Address: 642 W Deming PlSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:30pmA/C: YesCost: $1,900.00, includes organist and cantorParishioner?. Yes, at least one of youTime for photos after: 15 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. YesOther info to note:If there are 3 weddings already scheduled on a particular day, a visiting priest must preside at the 4th wedding."
Mentioned by usatales.com
10 Best Churches in Chicago
"The St. Clement Catholic Church of Lincoln Park- is a stunning example of the byzantine style that features greek geometrics. The inspiration behind the structure is the mosque of Istanbul- Hagia Sophia. You can find 12th and 13th-century fashioned mosaics on the apse of the dome."
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
4.5 (3616 ratings)4.5 (21 ratings)
Swanky lodging in a 1920s tower, offering a spa, a bar & a rooftop restaurant with river views.
85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
HotelSights & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
Mentioned by 10Best
The best in the Midwest: Chicago's luxury hotels
"LondonHouse Chicago easily owns some of the most impressive views of the Chicago River and the city's lovely architecture from guest rooms and especially from its breathtaking rooftop terrace - LH Rooftop, the city's only tri-level restaurant and rooftop venue (reservations recommended). The former London Guarantee Building's lovely spaces include the Juliette Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago River, the Golden Rotunda, and the intimate beaux-arts Cupola at the apex of the hotel.(Couples should look into a luxe, customizable dinner in LH Cupola). Vista Suites have a separate living area and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can awaken to the beauty of Chicago's skyline."
Mentioned by Secret Chicago
An Essential List Of Chicago's Most Instagrammable Spots
"London House Chicago is another spot that offers terrific panoramic views of Chicago. Though this time the elegant tri-level rooftop bar of the lavish hotel looks out over the Chicago River and the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. There is often something special going on up on the London House rooftop but at any time the few down the river is astounding."
Mentioned by Dymabroad
53 Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago: Photo spots in Chicago
"The rooftop of LondonHouse Chicago is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Chicago. From here, you have a wonderful view of the buildings and the water in Chicago. What's great about this spot is that there is a glass railing that you can stand in front of."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Downers Grove

Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center
Hotel
$157 /night
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Extended Stay America Suites Chicago Burr Ridge
Hotel
$135 /night
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4.1 (431 reviews)
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Naperville
Hotel
$110 /night
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