Why You Should Visit Elmhurst, Illinois

Few tourists make a special trip to see Elmhurst, IL, but there's plenty to do. And with green space and interesting sights within walking distance of the train station, Elmhurst offers many interesting options for Dupage County residents, as well as city families and urbanites looking to escape Chicago for a day. A town on the eastern edge of DuPage County and just 25 minutes on the express train from downtown Chicago (or 35 minutes on a local), Elmhurst features sights, museums, shopping, and activities for kids an easy walk from the train station.

Just a block or two south of the Metra station is Elmhurst's Wilder Park. There, you'll find the town's library (which has a coffee bar), several small museums, tennis courts, and green space that includes a playground.

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, at 220 S.Cottage Hill Road, displays more than 200 pieces of jade and hard stone carvings from around the world, including several internationally known pieces. The collection includes a nephrite jade imperial altar set completed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and a cinnabar screen encrusted with carved gemstones. A lower-level exhibit displays information on earth science, minerals, mineral specimens, and fossils. Admission is $4 for adults, and less for children aged 7-12 and seniors. Children under 7 and active members of the armed forces are free, and the museum is free on Fridays.

The Elmhurst Art Museum, also in Wilder Park, specializes in late 20^th-century American Art. One of the most interesting parts of the collection is the building itself, one of only three Mies Van der Rohe-designed residences built in the United States. Known as the McCormick House, the building was constructed of glass and steel and completed in 1952. In the 1990's it was saved from destruction when it was relocated to Wilder Park to house the museum.

For families with children, Wilder Park features a large playground with swings and climbing equipment. My kids will happily spend an hour or more climbing over the play equipment there. Near the playground, there are benches and shade trees for parents to relax with a book or newspaper.

A large green lawn in Wilder Park is popular with students from nearby Elmhurst College, who often use it to throw Frisbees. There is also a basketball court, softball diamond, soccer fields and volleyball. In winter Wilder Park offers an unsupervised ice skating rink, weather permitting. Picnic areas, with grills, are also available.

If you'd like to have a picnic at one of the tables in Wilder Park but don't want to make (or carry) your own lunch, stop for takeout at one of the restaurants near Elmhurst's Metra station. Chow, which is directly across from the Metra station, offers gourmet cheeses and specialty foods, sandwiches, and pre-made dishes. It's a popular carry-out option for commuters stopping for dinner on the way home, and accepts pre-orders via the internet. Chinese takeout is available at Red Dragon, also across from the Metra station, and the restaurant offers a lunch buffet on Saturdays. Try their home-made and pan-fried noodles. For Italian, Two Brothers from Italy offers family-friendly food in a casual environment. If you eat in, ask for a seat near the window, so the kids can watch the trains pass.

The Frank B Henderson House, at 301 S. Kenilworth, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1901. It is one of only a few built during Wright's brief partnership with Webster Tomlinson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home has one large space divided into library, living room, and dining room, all in-line. A large veranda off the living room overlooks the over one-half acre of landscaped grounds. It is a private residence.

Elmhurst's downtown area does not have any chain stores (such as the Gap), but there are lots of interesting specialty shops. On-trend women's clothing is sold at redE, Camden, and Enzee boutiques, at prices lower than those found downtown. Runner's Soul specializes in equipment for runners. It's Good to Be King sells games, toy soldiers, and clothes that fit American Girl Dolls. My Favorite Toy Store sells educational items and unusual, high-quality toys. Al's Hobby Shop has an interesting and unusual assortment of toy trains, including realistic copies of the Metra trains. There is also Gem Comics, a magic shop, and a shop that specializes in teas and things for brewing tea.

If time allows, take in a movie at York Theatre, about a block north of the tracks on York Road. Movies tend towards popular favorites for families and young people, but the real attraction is the interesting old-school movie environment. On Saturday nights, an organist plays before some shows in one of the largest screens, which has a vintage organ.