Morton Arboretum
Route 53, north of I-88Lisle, Illinois
Phone: 630-968-0074
Web: http://www.mortonarb.org
Come to your senses at The Morton Arboretum
Connect with nature in this 1,700-acre outdoor museum of spectacular woodlands, wetlands and colorful gardens. The Morton Arboretum is the perfect place to walk; hike; run; take a guided tour; see an art exhibit; hear music; capture the beauty of nature on canvas or on camera; look for birds; and have some year-round, outdoor fun.
The Arboretum's Visitor Center houses the Ginkgo Room and Restaurant, overlooking scenic Meadow Lake and the Arboretum Store, which offers unique, nature-inspired gifts. During your visit, have lunch, do some shopping and book a narrated tram tour on the Acorn Express. Don't forget to ask about special seasonal exhibits and events, get a map of the grounds and inquire about not-to-be-missed gardens and collections.
The Arboretum is open 365 days a year, and there is always something of interest to see or do. Special attractions include the four-acre interactive Children's Garden, a one-acre Maze Garden, the Schulenberg Prairie and the Fragrance Garden. Enjoy a free, guided walking tour and participate in a number of free activities offered daily. The Arboretum also offers Theatre-Hikes and family events throughout the summer.
The Children's Garden is a magical place where children ages 2 through 10 can play and learn at their own pace. Children can enjoy unstructured play or take part in a 'drop in' program to learn about nature. Comprised of two sections, The Backyard Discovery Gardens and Adventure Woods, this garden is engaging, interactive and just plain fun.
Every season has its own beauty, so visit the Arboretum often to participate in seasonal activities and observe seasonal beauty. The AutumnFest runs special activities in September and every weekend in October! Hand-dipped taffy apples with a large assortment of toppings, tasty grill selections and pumpkin decorating. Wait until you see the colors of the spectacular oaks, maples and birches.
The Morton Arboretum is located just a few minutes from downtown Lisle, The Arboretum Village. The grounds are open from 7am to sunset. Please call 630-968-0074 for information on fees, activities and membership or visit www.mortonarb.org.
Museums & Attractions |
The Museums at Lisle Station Park
921 School Street, Lisle
630-968-0499
The Museums at Lisle Station Park provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the heritage and culture of 19th century Northern Illinois. Five structures are located on the museum campus, including a blacksmith shop and an 1880s era caboose. The museums feature a ticket office, waiting room, stationmaster’s living quarters and exhibits tracing Lisle’s history since 1832.
Jurica Nature Museum
Benedictine University
5700 College Road, Lisle
630-829-6546
www.ben.edu
The Jurica Nature Museum is a small natural history museum located on the second floor of the Michael and Kay Birck Hall of Science at Benedictine University. It houses one of the largest bird collections in the Midwest. The museum has a collection of almost 10,000 specimens ranging from a tiny aphid to a roqual skeleton.
Billy Graham Center
500 College Avenue, Wheaton
630-752-5909
www.bgc.gospelcom.net/museum/index.htm
The Museum offers an inviting, informative and inspiring experience for the general public on the story of evangelism in North America, especially in the ministry of Billy Graham.
Cantigny
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
630-260-8161
www.cantignypark.com
Cantigny Park was the estate of the late Colonel Robert McCormick, former publisher and editor of the Chicago Tribune. The mansion overlooks 10 acres of formally landscaped gardens, while the Park encompasses approximately 500 acres of open and wooded lands and includes a Visitors Center, Gardens, the Robert R. McCormick Museum, the First Division Museum and Cantigny Golf Course.
The First Division Museum is self-guided and uses life-size dioramas, audiovisuals and traditional exhibits to tell the story of the First Infantry Division of the US Army.
1356 North Gary Ave.
Wheaton
630-665-5534
http://www.cosleyzoo.org/
Cosley Zoo offers visitors of all ages a unique chance to see, touch and learn about farm animals and native wildlife in a comfortable natural setting.
DuPage Children’s Museum
301 North Washington Street, Naperville
630-637-8700
www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org
The DuPage Children’s Museum is a place where children and adults learn and play together. You will find exhibits, workshops and materials that stretch the imagination, stimulate creativity and provide a challenging environment for exploration and discovery.
DuPage County Historical Museum
102 E. Wesley Street, Wheaton
630-665-4710
www.dupagemuseum.org
The museum features historic artifacts, photos and a large HO gauge model railroad exhibit along with many hands-on activities.
523 S. Webster Street, Naperville
630-420-6010
www.napersettlement.org
Feel history come to life at this Chicago-area historic museum village, where the past is explored from pioneer days to Victorian times. This charming 13-acre site features costumed villagers, historic buildings, interactive exhibits and changing galleries. Year-round special events, programs and activities are highlighted.
Parks, Forest Preserves and Recreation |
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
630-968-0074
www.mortonarb.org
Explore 1,700 acres of beautiful gardens, world-renowned plant collections and rare and unique natural areas from your car via 9 miles of paved roads and on foot over 14 miles of trails. Enjoy special events year-round, perfect for kids and adults. The visitors’ center, restaurant, walking and tram tours, hiking, bird walks and natural prairies are open daily.
The grounds are open every day of the year, 7am to 7pm, daylight savings time and 7am to 5pm, Central Standard Time.
Sea Lion Aquatic Park
1825 Short Street, Lisle
630-964-3410
www.lisleparkdistrict.org
Sea Lion Aquatic Park is an award-winning outdoor facility offering a full day of inexpensive fun for everyone. Park amenities include a fenced off zero-depth pool, lap pool, leisure pool, drop slide, waterworks play pool, bathhouse with family changing areas, concessions with party rental lawn, dry/wet sand play area, steeper and faster flume slides, raised spectator deck next to lap pool, larger lawn area featuring a sun hill and a centralized adult spa.
Lisle Community Park
1825 Short Street, Lisle
630-964-3410
www.lisleparkdistrict.org
The 110 acres of parkland serve as a focal point for outdoor sports and special events in Lisle, including the annual "Eyes to the Skies" hot-air balloon festival. Other features include: a new skate and BMX bike ramp park, an outdoor amphitheater, sled hills, baseball fields, basketball courts, football fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, trails with nature walk, picnic shelters, fishing ponds, a band shell, an ice skating rink and playground.
Danada Forest Preserve
Naperville Road (1/2 mile north of I-88), Wheaton
630-933-7200
www.dupageforest.com
Danada Forest Preserve offers a peaceful respite, interrupted only by the occasional whinny of a horse. Once a private estate owned by Dan and Ada Rice, the 753-acre preserve is home to the esteemed Danada Equestrian Center, which offers an array of equestrian programs, from riding classes to horsemanship clinics. Multi-purpose trails totaling nearly three miles wind through prairie, woodland and marsh, providing a scenic backdrop for hikers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians and, in winter, cross-country skiers.
Cantigny
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
630-260-8161
www.cantignypark.com
Cantigny Park was the estate of the late Colonel Robert McCormick, former publisher and editor of the Chicago Tribune. The mansion overlooks 10 acres of formally landscaped gardens, while the Park encompasses approximately 500 acres of open and wooded lands and includes a Visitors Center, Gardens, the Robert R. McCormick Museum, the First Division Museum and Cantigny Golf Course.
The First Division Museum is self-guided and uses life-size dioramas, audiovisuals and traditional exhibits to tell the story of the First Infantry Division of the U. S. Army. The Park, Gardens and Museums are closed in January.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Over 25,000 acres and nearly 140 miles of trails at 60 preserves with six educational facilities. Enjoy exploring the forests, lakes, prairies and open spaces. For more information visit www.dupageforest.com or call 630-933-7200.
Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy
6200 River Bend Drive, Lisle
630-752-9225
The Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy is America’s most sophisticated youth player development facility, featuring the same high-tech training equipment and advanced coaching techniques used by the Chicago Bulls and White Sox. The 57,000-square-foot facility offers instruction in baseball, basketball and fastpitch softball.
6005 Forest View Rd, Lisle
630-963-3422
Four Lakes is Chicagoland’s most convenient place to ski and snowboard. Their facility has modern snowmaking and grooming equipment available and they provide skiing and snowboarding daily during the season. They offer full service rental and a warm lodge facility as well as professional instruction for all levels.
Lisle Lanes
4920 Lincoln Avenue, Lisle
630-968-1300
Bowling alley featuring 32 lanes, adult and youth leagues, pro shop, billiards, lounge and food service.
PrairieWalk Pond/Dragonfly Landing
Intersection of Rt 53 & Burlington Ave., Lisle
630-271-4100
PrairieWalk Pond is a 4.5 acre recreational area in Downtown Lisle containing: a two acre pond with curving shoreline, scenic overlooks, lighted walking trails, fountains that turn color at night, a gazebo, seating areas, a preserved wetland, colorful native plantings, educational signage and a children's play area called Dragonfly Landing.
Intersection of Rt 53 & Burlington Ave., Lisle
630-271-4100
To activate splash pad features, step on the red sidewalk button in the middle of the splash pad. This activates multiple splash pad features at once, but they go on and off in timed 4 minute intervals to conserve water. Step on the button again to reactivate.
Raging Waves
4000 N Bridge St (Hwy 47), Yorkville
630-882-6575
Chicagoland's largest water park, the Australian-themed Raging Waves offers a huge assortment of watery diversions including the Boomerang funnel ride, the Cyclone bowl ride, a family tube ride, and a great collection of body slides, tube slides and speed slides. The younger set will enjoy an interactive water play structure featuring several smaller slides, a dumping bucket and plenty of opportunities for water-spraying fun.
Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex
5700 College Road, Lisle
630-829-6300
The premier sports complex, located on the campus of Benedictine University can host major sporting and outdoor exhibition events. The complex includes a stadium with an Olympic-sized competition track and a baseball and softball field.
Walker Athletics & Sports Performance Complex
4925 Indiana Avenue, Lisle
630-324-7800
This unique 100,00 square foot facility offer multiple courts, basketball, volleyball, physical fitness club, personal trainers, speed & agility and weight training for the individual, team, group and family.
Area Golf |
River Bend Golf Club & The Wheatstack
5900 South Route 53, Lisle
630-968-1920
www.lisleparkdistrict.org/riverbend.htm
River Bend Golf Course features nine holes of bent grass tees, greens and fairways. A links style layout features scenic wetland areas with water coming into play on eight out of nine holes. The Par 36 design plays up to 3,500 yards and has three sets of tees to accommodate all ability levels. Enjoy a spectacular view with fabulous food at The View, a full-service restaurant and lounge area, with a delightful menu and a large deck overlooking the course.
Seven Bridges Golf Club
One Mulligan Drive
Woodridge
630-964-7777
Seven Bridges Golf Club has a reputation for being one of the most innovative golf courses in the market. A scenic, perfectly-groomed course, this Dick Nugent design has matured and grown into its well deserved reputation as a challenging, yet rewarding test of your game.
2220 W 83rd Street
Naperville
630-848-5060
The 35-year old facility features a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, a 28-stall natural turf driving range, two practice putting greens and a short game practice green with bunkers. Its beautiful, mature and lush foliage and trees complement the manicured greens, tees and fairways. Combined with its exceptional course design, golfers of all skill levels return time and again to play.
Cantigny Golf
27W071 Mack Road
Wheaton
630-668-3323
Comprised of three nine-hole courses, Cantigny’s 27-hole layout is a challenging yet fair test of golf that can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. Novice and scratch golfers alike will appreciate the bent grass tees, greens and fairways, as well as the 12 lakes, 2 creeks, over 70 sand bunkers, thousands of oak, ash and hardwood trees and more than 100,000 flowers.
Riedy’s Tee Time
1400 Maple Avenue, Lisle
630-852-5759
Driving range with grass and mat tees. Instructors and equipment services available.
Shopping |
The Lisle area offers limitless shopping opportunities, including neighborhood shopping as well as indoor and outdoor malls. When you stay in Lisle you will be centrally located near a variety of shopping venues.
One-of-a-Kind Shopping in Lisle
Lisle offers a variety of eclectic shopping in and around the downtown area, including Tina's Closet, The Nook, Russian Shop, Peaceful Hearts Fabric & Quilts, B. Gunther and Harley Davidson. There are many other shopping options available in Lisle if you’re looking for bakeries, hair and nails products/services, flowers, banking, insurance, eye care, printing and copying, dry cleaning, upholstery, jewelry and fitness.
Local Area Shopping Centers
Chicago Premium Outlets
Farnsworth at I-88, Aurora
630-585-2200
This shopping attraction features 120 designer and name brand outlet stores such as Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers, Gap Outlet, Giorgio Armani, Guess, Kenneth Cole, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.
College Square Shopping Center
College Road and Green Trails Dr, Lisle
815-741-8700
College Square is a unique and conveniently located neighborhood shopping center that serves the needs of the entire community. College Square offers shopping, food and family and business services as well as unusual shopping, such as Bicycles, Etc. and Zano Salons.
Downtown Naperville
630-355-4141
Beautiful, historic downtown Naperville offers the best of both worlds: unique specialty stores such as Anderson’s Bookshop, Canterbury Shoppe, Sur La Table, as well as fine anchor stores like Ann Taylor, Talbot’s, Barnes & Noble, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and The Gap.
Oakbrook Center
Rt 83 and 22nd St, Oak Brook
630-573-0250
Oakbrook Center, with more than 160 prestigious stores, is an upscale, outdoor shopping center featuring Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s Home Store and Sears. Colorful gardens, sparkling fountains, elegant seasonal displays and elite retail establishments create a magical atmosphere.
The Promenade Bolingbrook
631 East Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook
630-296-8340
The Promenade Bolingbrook is an open air shopping district featuring specialty shops and restaurants including Macy's, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Barnes & Noble and many other fine retailers. Located in Bolingbrook, Illinois and minutes from downtown Chicago, The Promenade Bolingbrook is a pedestrian-friendly gathering place for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Town Square Wheaton
199 Town Square, Wheaton
630-260-8800
Town Square Wheaton offers unique and convenient in-town retail options for the sophisticated shopper. The mall’s beautiful outdoor setting includes such stores as Ann Taylor, Talbots, Nine West, Victoria's Secret, The Gap and Banana Republic. as well as Starbucks. Town Square Wheaton is easily accessible from I-88, Naperville and Warrenville Roads and is close to Lisle Hotels.
Yorktown Center
Highland Ave and Butterfield Rd, Lombard
630-629-7330
Yorktown offers 160 shops including Carson Pirie Scott, Von Maur, JC Penney and The Plaza Food Court, surrounded by the comfort and beauty of an indoor garden, trees and ambient fountains and skylights. Yorktown is easily accessible from I-88 and I-355.
Downtown Chicago |
Transportation to and around Chicago:
Driving
Directly from Lisle, on I-88 at IL-53 go East to I-290 East, following signs to Chicago. Continue through downtown Chicago until you find your desired intersection. Congress Parkway intersects major streets such as Michigan Avenue and State Street.
Metra
The Burlington Northern Metra line runs from Lisle to Chicago's Union Station daily. The commuter parking lot is located in downtown Lisle, or check with complimentary hotel shuttle for transportation to the station. Union Station is a short walk to Sears Tower and is close to CTA buses and a Chicago Trolley Stop. Visit www.metrarail.com for current schedules and fares.
Moving in and around Chicago
Chicago Trolley Tours
Red and green, San Francisco style trolley buses with narrated tours of Chicago by knowledgeable and entertaining drivers are readily available. Hop on and off at any of 10 popular attractions, such as Sears Tower, Navy Pier, Museum Campus and historic Water Tower. For more information, visit www.chicagotrolley.com or call 312-663-0260.
Chicago Transit Authority
The Downtown Transit Sightseeing Guide lists all routes to popular Chicago attractions. Call 312-836-7000 for regional transit information or visit www.rtachicago.com.
The Chicago Shopping Experiences
The immense history and diversity of Downtown Chicago offers visitors a multi-faceted shopping experience in fashion, beauty, art and much more.
State Street, located in the "Loop," a distinct area of downtown Chicago surrounded by elevated train tracks, is known for its hustle and bustle and one of the world's most famous shopping districts. Macy’s and many other renowned specialty shops call State Street home, including art galleries, jewelers, shoe stores, leather stores, museum stores and novelty shops.
North Michigan Avenue is truly a "Magnificent Mile," boasting the very latest in fashion and accessories. From the Water Tower Place Mall and Bloomingdale’s (at the 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops) to Saks Fifth Avenue (at Chicago Place Mall) and hundreds of shops and boutiques in between, world-class shopping awaits! This up-scale shopping district continues to grow. Famous stores include Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Mark Shale, Timberland, Bally of Switzerland, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari and countless other distinguished shops.
The River North neighborhood is a mecca of art, design and fashion. Located on the north bank of the Chicago River, just west of Michigan Avenue, River North features loft buildings housing art galleries, auction houses, antique dealers, jewelers and clothing boutiques.
The Chicago Museum Campus
See the treasures of the world, starting with the Chicago Museum Campus, located on the south end of scenic Lake Shore Drive, where a short walk groups 3 of the 9 museums in the park.
Field Museum of Natural History
312-922-9410
www.fmnh.org
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
312-922-STAR
www.adlerplanetarium.org
John G. Shedd Aquarium
312-939-2438
www.sheddnet.org
If your time and energy haven’t run out, why not see Chicago's top visitor attraction and famous landmark, Navy Pier, 312-595-PIER, or visit www.navypier.com. If you are taking the Trolley, hop back on and head to the Pier, or enjoy the tour and ride back to Union Station. Give yourself about an hour to take the tour and make your train in time.
Click here to request a full packet and more information about hotel accommodations.
Art & Entertainment |
Cinemark IMAX Theatre
6500 Route 53, Woodridge
630-434-2629
www.cinemark.com
The Cinemark IMAX allows you to experience educational and recreational films in both 2-D and 3-D on a five-story tall, seven-story wide screen.
Drury Lane Theater
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
630-530-8300
www.drurylaneoakbrook.com
Be a part of the sparkling lights and glamour of Broadway at the award winning Drury Lane Theatre. Every season you can experience breathtaking Broadway classics, top-rated musicals, hilarious comedies and unforgettable concert events in our spacious proscenium style theatre with plush seating for nearly a thousand patrons.
The McAninch Arts Center/Gahlberg Gallery
At College of DuPage
425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn
630-942-4000
www.atthemac.org
The McAninch Arts Center houses three theaters: the 793-seat Mainstage, where no seat is more than 16 rows, or 75 feet, from the stage; Theatre 2, a 195-seat hall featuring a "soft thrust" stage; and the Studio Theatre, a versatile, black-box performance space.
Adjacent to the Mainstage lobby is the William E. Gahlberg Gallery, a glass-enclosed space for the exhibition of visual arts media. It is free and open to the public.
North Central Theatre - Pheiffer Hall
310 East Benton Avenue, Naperville
630-637-5400
The 1055-seat Barbara Pheiffer Hall is home to the main stage productions of the North Central Theatre Department.
Paramount Arts Centre and Copley Theatre
8 E. Galena Boulevard, Suite 230, Aurora
630-723-2461
www.paramountarts.com
This historic landmark theatre offers affordable live entertainment, comedy, concerts, dance and family shows. Group discounts available.
Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center
30 North Brainard Street, Naperville
Wentz Concert Hall, Madden Theatre and the Theatre of Meiley-Swallow Hall are the new performance venues at North Central College. The 57,000-square-foot facility includes a 605-seat Concert Hall with world-class acoustics; a 150-seat Bartley and Maricela Madden Theatre, a versatile 150-seat black box theatre; a 240-seat thrust-stage theatre at Meiley-Swallow; other features include the spacious Schoenherr Art Gallery and gathering spaces.
Casinos |
Several area casinos are open year-round with gaming sessions daily. Call the Lisle Convention & Visitors Bureau for additional information: 800-733-9811.
Hollywood Casino, Aurora
630-801-1234
www.pngaming.com
Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin
888-508-1900
www.grandvictoria-elgin.com
Hollywood Casino, Joliet
888-436-7737
www.hollywoodcasinojoliet.com
Harrah's Joliet Casino
1-800-HARRAHS
www.harrahsjoliet.com
Rivers Casino, Des Plaines
888.307.0777
www.playrivers.com
