DuPage County has a population of nearly one million residents. The staff at Albrite Building wanted to put together a list of things to do for residents and businesses who reside in and around the county. DuPage has something for everyone from museums, theatres and an Arboretum to national laboratories, historical sites and zoo.
DuPage County Museums and Historical Sites
DuPage County is home to the Naper Settlement and DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville; Cantigny Park is located in Wheaton; Elmhurst hosts the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art; Mayslake Peabody Estate and the Graue Mill and Museum both reside in Oakbrook.
Naper Settlement is a family-friendly outdoor history museum featuring 12 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Visitors are immersed in history, from pioneer times to today. They offer special events and programs and activities year-round.
DuPage Children’s Museum ignites the potential of all children to learn through hands-on exploration by integrating art, math, and science. They provide a safe, accepting environment with unique learning opportunities for all children and families who visit the Museum.
Cantigny Park offers events for children of all ages throughout the year. You can check out the cool map under glass at the Visitors Center or take a stroll through the children’s area in the Idea Garden. Tour the Robert R. McCormick Museum and learn about the man who made the Chicago Tribune a world-class paper or play a round of golf on their award-winning 27-hole golf course.
The Lizzadro Museum of Lipidary Art displays gemstone treasures, antiques to modern, with a blending of earth science exhibits. Visit their calendar of events page for all their special events.
Mayslake Peabody Estate provides cultural and educational opportunities in a historic setting. They offer tours, art exhibits, concerts and theatre productions, educational courses and much more.
The Graue Mill and Museum is an operating waterwheel grist mill and homestead, dedicated to maintaining a bridge between past and present generations. Tour the mill, check out the underground railroad, or visit the Graue House. They have special events planned throughout the year. The Graue Mill also offers programs for children.
Parks, Arboretum and More!
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. More than 4 million visitors each year enjoy 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, and five education centers. The Morton Arboretum…..Centennial Beach is aquatic park located in Naperville
The Morton Arboretum sits on 1,700 acres in Lisle and has more than 222,000 live plants from around the world. It’s a great place to hike, bike or walk. Fall is a beautiful time to drive through the Arboretum and experience the leaves changing colors. Enjoy lunch in the Ginkgo Restaurant and Cafe overlooking a stunning panoramic view of Meadow Lake. The Arboretum holds several events throughout the year for children and adults. They offer arts & entertainment events, active & recreational events, culinary events, gardening & horticultural events and music events.
Lilacia Park in Lombard is an 8.5-acre horticultural showcase featuring 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips! All ages will enjoy a stroll through the park or one of their many special events. From
tastings to tours and concerts to coronation, there is something for everyone. Lilacia Park is open daily from dawn to dusk
Cosley Zoo in Wheaton gives visitors up-close interactions with nature right in the heart of the suburbs. Nestled on 5 acres, Cosley Zoo is home to farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. Visitors will discover exhibits that immerse them in natural habitats for White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Blanding’s Turtles, bobcats, a coyote, a Black-crowned Night Heron, and more.
Centennial Beach in Naperville is not a swimming pool, it’s not a lake, but a swimming experience like no other! The beach is an historic quarry that holds an amazing 6.2 million gallons of water that starts with zero depth and goes as deep as 15 feet.
Music and Theatre in DuPage County
DuPage County plays host to the local music and theatre scene. Movie-goers enjoy the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove and if you enjoy live theatre, the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook has award-winning musicals and plays as well as an on-site restaurant to dine in before a show.
The Tivoli Theatre is not your traditional movie theatre. It consists of the movie theatre, a bowling center and game room, a residential hotel, stores and offices. In addition they have concerts, book signings, performing arts groups and several other events.
Drury Lane Theatre presents 5 shows every season and have won numerous awards for their productions! They offer single tickets, season subscriptions and group rates. Their Lucille Restaurant offers dining onsite before or after your show, both a la carte and pre-theatre menus. On Saturdays indulge in Lucille’s afternoon high tea or enjoy a champagne brunch on Sundays.
National Laboratories
DuPage County is home to two National Laboratories. Fermilab, the world’s second-highest-energy particle accelerator in Batavia and Argonne National Laboratory, one of the government’s oldest and largest science and engineering research laboratories.
Fermilab just recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. They offer public tours to their facility every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Fermilab also has an Arts and Lecture Series offering a diverse array of performing arts performances and lectures that celebrate the artistic and intellectual vision of the lab.
Argonne National Laboratory is one of the top scientific destinations in the world. Argonne occupies 1,500 wooded acres in Lemont. They offer a wide range of educational programs and activities. Argonne offers guided tours to ages 16 or older of their scientific and engineering facilities and grounds. Tours last about two and a half hours and are by reservation only.
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