Landmarks and Tourist Attractions in Downers Grove, IL

Downers Grove, Illinois, is a historical town. It's a lovely suburb on Chicago's western border. The city was established in 1832 and now has around 40,000 inhabitants.

The following are renowned historic sites and tourist attractions for history buffs:

1) David Patton, a Yankee explorer, built Benjamin Franklin Hinshaw's House in 1838. Gurdon Hubbard, America's first millionaire of foreign birth, purchased the home in 1852.

2) The Tivoli Theatre, erected in 1921, is one of the oldest movie theaters in the community. It is still used as a theater today and features local productions.

3) Hinshaw's General Store has been in operation for 150 years, but it is now used as an artists' workspace.

4) The Ezra Cornell Homestead was the first home of American entrepreneur and benefactor Ezra Cornell (founder of Cornell University). His father constructed the house in 1825.

5) Center Street Promenade is the heart of downtown Chicago. It boasts panoramic views that include rooftops and parks, shops, and restaurants along this amazing urban thoroughfare.

6)The Scott Arboretum is a public garden of 12 acres containing more than 100 distinct plant species labeled for visitors.

7) The Industrial Street Historic District contains ten buildings built between 1860 and 1930. These are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making them some very important structures to our past!

8) The Thomas Kilpatrick House was constructed in 1856 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978.

9) The Historic Downtown Downers Grove - This area was added to the NRHP in 1991 as a historic district.

10) The Illinois Prairie Path is a popular route for bicyclists, runners, and walkers covering nearly 20 kilometers north to south. It goes through many communities before reaching the Illinois River.

11) The 83rd Street Beach is a hidden gem that most people don't know about. Set on Salt Creek, it's one of the most beautiful views in town and hosts an annual Butterfly Walk every summer!