Things To Do In Downers Grove IL

Residents of Downers Grove, IL benefit from the ample recreational opportunities available within the village of Downers Grove and the surrounding area.

Downers Grove, IL Sports & Recreation

The Downers Grove Park District has won the National Gold Medal award for quality and diversity of recreational activities presented to the Downers Grove residents. The Downers Grove Park District provides a wide array of year-round recreation programs, facilities, parks, open space and natural areas.

The village of Downers Grove prides itself with maintaining its natural environment. The Downers Grove Park District manages over 500 acres of natural lands within the village. Two natural areas, Belmont Prairie and Lyman Woods, are popular sites for recreation and educational purposes.

One of the last original prairies in Illinois is the Belmont Prairie in Downers Grove, IL. The 25-acre Belmont Prairie was formed by a glacier more than 10,000 years ago. The prairie includes 135 species of native plants and wildlife, similar to what would have been found in Illinois in the 1800’s.

Lyman Woods is another natural prairie in Downers Grove. Hiking trails are a popular destination within this 135 acre natural area of oak savannah, prairie and marshland.

The oldest golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains is the Downers Grove Golf Course, founded in 1892. Downers Grove Golf course offers a nine hole, par 35 course that has recently undergone major renovation.

Another popular sporting event is the annual United State Pro Criterium Bicycle Race held each August. Amateurs and professionals from all over the country head to Downers Grove, IL. Bicyclist head out on a 62 mile course throughout the streets of Downers Grove, IL, maintaining speeds of 30 miles per hour.

Downers Grove, IL Art & Theater

Visitors and Downers Grove residents enjoy the year round festivals offered by the village of Downers Grove. From an Ice Sculpture Festival, to a summertime Heritage Festival, art fairs and children’s activities, these Downers Grove, IL festivals provide entertainment for all ages to enjoy. The three day Heritage festival, held at the end of June, was recently awarded the Governor’s trophy for the best hometown festival in Illinois. Other events include the Farmers Market and Concerts in the Park series. North Beach Downers Grove is also a popular location, providing a restaurant, lounge, volleyball, bowling and billiards.

Downers Grove, IL is home to the Tivoli Theater. Open since 1928, Tivoli Theater Downers Grove was the second theater built to show sound motion pictures, and contains an original Wurlitzer organ.

Another long time tradition of Downers Grove, the Grove Players have been performing community theater since 1936. This high quality professional theater is volunteer based and participation is open to anyone with an interest in theater.

Downers Grove, IL Museums

Experience the history of Downers Grove, IL at the Downers Grove Park District Museum. The Downers Grove Park District Museum showcases exhibits and artifacts original to Downers Grove, IL, bringing the town's colorful past to life. This Victorian house museum was built in 1892, and contains eight rooms full of period furnishings, antiques, artifacts and frequently changing exhibits.

Recreational activities are not limited to the village of Downers Grove. With downtown Chicago only 19 miles away, an endless supply of entertainment is available to those interested in purchasing Downers Grove, IL real estate. The city of Chicago offers numerous sites and attractions including nationally known museums, excellent theater and music performances, professional sporting events, as well as some of the world’s best shopping and dining experiences.