Landmarks and Tourist Attractions in Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove, IL, is rich in history. It is a beautiful suburb on the western side of Chicago. The city was founded in 1832 and had a population of about 40,000.
The following are landmarks and tourist attractions that will satisfy history buffs:
1) Benjamin Franklin Hinshaw's House - The house was built in 1838 by David Patton, a Yankee explorer. Later, in 1852 the home was sold to Gurdon Hubbard, America's first millionaire of foreign birth.
2) The Tivoli Theatre - It is one of the oldest movie-theater buildings in the area, built-in 1921. It still serves as a theater today, and it is hosting various local productions.
3) Hinshaw's General Store - This shop has been in business for 150 years, but it is now used as an artist's studio.
4) Ezra Cornell Homestead was the first home of American entrepreneur and philanthropist Ezra Cornell (founder of Cornell University). His father built the house in 1825.
5) Center Street Promenade - As the name implies, it is the center of town, and it offers magnificent views of the Chicago skyline. There are also parks, shops, restaurants and other businesses situated along this street.
6) The Old Presbyterian Church - This building was built in 1864, but its history goes back to the 1830s.
7) The Scott Arboretum - It is a 12-acre public garden that boasts more than 100 different species of plants that are all labeled for visitors.
8) Downers Grove North High School Historic District - 13 buildings were built in 1917, 1922, and 1929. It also features an auditorium built-in 1938. This school is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
9) The Butterworth House - It was built between 1865 and 1867 by Eliza Butterworth.
10) The DuPage Children's Museum - It is a museum that aims to establish an interactive environment where children can explore, discover and learn through play.
11) The Headquarters House - It is a historic building that was built in 1835. Today, it houses the Downers Grove Park District's administrative offices.
12) Industrial Street Historic District - This district includes ten buildings built between 1860 and 1930. These are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
13) The Shoppes on 71 - This shopping center features a variety of stores and restaurants.
14) The Thomas Kilpatrick House - It was built in 1856, and it has been listed on the NRHP since 1978.
15) The Stephen Scott Young House - This house, also known as Tanglewood Manor, is a mansion that was built in 1913.
16) Meadowdale Park - It is a 73-acre park that offers various amenities such as bike trails, horse stables, picnic shelters, and more.
17) The Stone Bridge - This bridge was built in 1905. It is 75 feet long, and every spring, it is decorated with Easter eggs painted by children in the community.
18) Historic Downtown Downers Grove - This area is now a historic district added to the NRHP in 1991.
19) Illinois Prairie Path - The trail runs north to south for more than 20 miles, and it is one of the most used trails among bicyclists, runners, and walkers. It goes through various towns, and it ends at the Illinois River.
20) Bachelors Grove Cemetery - This cemetery was established during the mid-1800s, and it is considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in America.
21) The Gardens on Butterfield Road is a privately owned garden that features over 20,000 tulips and daffodils during the spring.
22) The Park District of Downers Grove - The Park District offers various recreational programs and services to all residents of the city.
23) 83rd Street Beach - This beach is situated along Salt Creek, and it has one of the most beautiful views in town. It's also known for hosting the annual Butterfly Walk.
24) The Battle of Muddy Run - This reenactment features a skirmish between local settlers and the Black Hawk War veterans. This event is held annually at Cress Creek Park.
25) Glen Oak Park Historic District - This district includes nine buildings built in 1905, 1917, and 1921.