Visit The Friendliest Town In Illinois The Next Time You Need A Pick-Me-Up
Downers Grove is where you should go whenever you need a pick-me-up or a change of scenery. The Prairie State is full of towns, villages, and cities that are just waiting for you to explore! But if you want to visit a town known for its friendliness and hospitality, Downers Grove is where you should go. It’s considered the friendliest town in Illinois!
Located a mere 20 miles southwest of Chicago and home to a population of 50,000, Downers Grove is full of historical sites, museums, culture, parks, excellent schools, a thriving downtown, and a wonderful sense of community. And it's a good place to be whether you're single or have a family.
Those who live in Downers Grove consider it one of the best places to live in Illinois, and those who visit end up falling in love with it. With all it has going for it, it's no wonder this Chicagoland community is considered the friendliest in the state! Even Forbes magazine has dubbed the town one of the "Top 10 Friendliest Towns in America" in past years.
(Pictured here is the property of the Downers Grove Museum which contains the 1846 Blodgett House. This house was a stop along the Underground Railroad. A visit to this historically significant site is a must when visiting Downers Grove. You can learn more on the website.)
831 Maple Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
The historic Tivoli Theatre is what this town is probably most famous for. Built in 1928, it was only the second theatre in the country to accommodate movies with sound at the time. It is also home to a Wurlitzer organ which is played before movie showtimes on Friday evenings.
Today the theatre has been modernized and shows current movies on its two screens. Visit the Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre website for more information and showtimes.
5021 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
Downtown is where you'll find a variety of restaurants, a microbrewery, several boutiques and gift shops, cafes, and a whole lot more. Exploring all that downtown has to offer is the perfect way to spend an afternoon!
The historic Downers Grove Golf Course was established in 1892 as the Chicago Golf Club and became the very first 18-hole golf course in America. Today, it only has nine holes but that doesn't make it any less of an amazing course to play. Playing a round of golf on this one-of-a-kind course is sure to make you feel relaxed.
Visit the Downers Grove Golf Course website for more information.
2420 Haddow Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
One fun fact about Downers Grove is that it has the largest collection of Sears catalog kit homes. These homes were ordered straight out of the catalog and shipped to buyers who would assemble the house themselves.
The Sears homes in Downers Grove were built between 1910 and the 1940s, and visitors can take a self-driving or walking tour around town to see them. You can find out more on the Village of Downers Grove website.
During the summer, the community gathers at Fishel Park for its summer concert series. Held on Tuesdays throughout the season, the concerts are free and food and beverages are available for purchase. This is just one of many community events held in the town throughout the year that make this one of the best places to live in Illinois for young adults.
Pictured here is the 390-acre Hidden Lake Forest Preserve where you can find peace and quiet out in nature, go fishing or kayaking on the lake, and take in the scenery and wildlife. Visit the Hidden Lake web page for more information.
With nature, culture, historical sites, a thriving downtown, and a wonderfully welcoming community, Downers Grove is one of the best places to go in Illinois. If you want to get a sneak peek of what you’ll see when you visit check out this video.
Have you visited Downers Grove, the friendliest town in Illinois? If you have, tell us about your experience in the comments.
If you’re ever in need of an escape in Illinois, check out some of the state’s small towns that are always worth a visit.
Address: Downers Grove, IL, USA
Address: 5021 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
Address: 831 Maple Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
Address: 2420 Haddow Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Downers Grove
January 22, 2023
Libby Monson
Where should I eat in Downers Grove, Illinois?
You won’t have a hard time finding great food in Downers Grove! After all, trying out new restaurants is one of the best parts of a day trip or weekend getaway. So give these yummy spots a try when you’re in town.
Where else should I go on a road trip in Illinois?
There are so many incredible road trips to take in Illinois! You don’t need to leave the state to experience a fun adventure full of new experiences. So pack up the car and check out some of these fabulous itineraries.
Waterfall Road Trip – Enjoy seven spectacular waterfalls during this relaxing trip.
Pie Shop Road Trip – What could be better than discovering five new pie shops?
Fairytale Road Trip – You’ll be transported to a time long ago at these six fairytale spots.
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
