About West Chicago Illinois
West Chicago, Illinois is a small city with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. It is located in DuPage County and is easily accessible to Chicago via Metro.
The city is home to a number of cultural attractions as well as outdoor activities and parks. West Chicago offers a number of inviting places to stay for a visit or homes to put down roots!
Top Places to Visit
West Chicago is a great place to go for an exciting trip filled with plenty of activities. The city is full of museums, art galleries and historic landmarks.
The city also has plenty of sports and entertainment, too. It is home to the Chicago Bears (football), Bulls (basketball) and Cubs (baseball).
Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park is the 500-acre estate of the esteemed Colonel Robert R. McCormick, who was a prominent editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The park was named after a small village in France, where the colonel commanded an artillery battalion as part of the U.S. Army First Division during World War I. This battle is famous for being America’s first victory on the European front during WWI and remains a revered symbol of our nation’s pride and triumph over oppression.
Turtle Splash Water Park
The Turtle Splash Water Park is a five-acre recreational area located within the Red-Kepler Park in Chicago, maintained by the West Chicago Park District. With four water slides, a large playground area with sand, a zero-depth pool and a 12 feet tall waterfall, this park has something to offer fun seekers of all ages.
The four water slides include a Body Slide, Tot Slide, Tube Slide and Corkscrew Slide which are sure to provide endless amounts of excitement for visitors. The zero-depth entry pool also features a wonderful water bucket drop for extra thrills. Not only does this park serve as an individual day trip destination but it also offers many groups and private pool parties as special events.
Blackwell Forest Preserve
Hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 6 miles of turf and limestone trails at the McKee Marsh area. The Blackwell Forest Preserve trails feature two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the history and ecological significance of the marsh. Additionally, there is a convenient route to the Illinois Prairie Path.
First Division Museum at Cantigny
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton has recently undergone a 10-month renovation and is now open to the public. The museum features an all-new gallery “Duty First” which focuses on the modern history of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, as well as an updated “First In War” gallery which immerses visitors into WWI trenches, Omaha Beach, and through jungles of Vietnam.
Outside, visitors can get a unique experience by taking advantage of 11 U.S. Army tanks from different eras which are available for climbing! The museum is open daily (except Mondays) and admission is free, with parking at Cantigny costing $5 per car.
Historic Facts about West Chicago
Located in western DuPage County, West Chicago was established around the first railroad junction point in Illinois. This made it a popular place for the industry to move to, as well as a destination for travelers.
The railroads brought a diverse mix of people into the area, including immigrants from Puerto Rico and Mexico. Campbell’s mushroom farm, which opened in 1947, provided employment opportunities for many migrant families.
Downtown West Chicago is a bustling arts hub with a ten-person Cultural Arts Commission, which provides public art programs, workshops and art exhibits. Gallery 200, a private art cooperative, fills a creative niche in the community and has contributed to West Chicago’s reputation as an artistic destination.
Aside from its vibrant community and cultural activities, West Chicago also has several historic sites to explore, such as the Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve, an area that’s among the best-preserved prairie areas in the midwest. The city is also home to Kline Creek Farm, the 1890s living history farm operated by the DuPage County Forest Preserve.
Romantic Getaways in West Chicago
West Chicago is home to a number of hotels and resorts perfect for a romantic getaway. These properties offer a variety of amenities such as onsite spas and romantic suites.
The city is also surrounded by many other attractions that are ideal for creating unforgettable memories. Book a hotel that has convenient access to these sites so you can enjoy a hassle-free stay.
Alternatively, consider spending your getaway in one of the beautiful bed and breakfasts in West Chicago. These hotels have a number of features that are ideal for couples, including private bathrooms and cozy fireplaces.
For an even more intimate experience, consider a trip to Galena, which makes national lists of the best small towns. This charming town is easily accessible by train and offers a host of quaint shops, elegant dining and romantic bed-and-breakfasts.