Attractions and Places To See around Des Plaines - Top 20

Des Plaines offers numerous trails for hiking and biking. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) features almost 13 miles of paved trails, making it ideal for cycling. For a mix of paved and unpaved options, Harms Woods Preserve links into the North Branch Trail, offering great routes for walking and running. The extensive Des Plaines River Trail also provides opportunities for long walks through oak-hickory forests. You can find various routes, including easy hiking trails, in the Hiking around Des Plaines and Cycling around Des Plaines guides.

For nature and wildlife, visit Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), known for its elk pasture and ancient trees. Harms Woods Preserve is a great spot to observe spring wildflowers, butterflies, and birds due to dedicated restoration efforts. The Des Plaines Riverway Nature Preserve boasts a diverse ecosystem with many mature trees and 292 native plant species, while the Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing across its farmland, woodland, and prairie.

Yes, Des Plaines has several easy walking trails. The paved trails within Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) are generally flat and accessible. Harms Woods Preserve offers unpaved trails suitable for walking. Additionally, the Hiking around Des Plaines guide lists several easy routes, such as the Catherine Chevalier Woods River Loop and the Des Plaines River Trail sections.

Des Plaines is rich in history. You can explore the Des Plaines History Center, which combines the historic 1907 Kinder House with a modern visitor center showcasing local heritage. The McDonald's First Store Museum offers a glimpse into the early days of the fast-food giant. Downtown Des Plaines also features iconic buildings like the Des Plaines Theatre and the Masonic Temple, reflecting the area's past.

Beyond historical sites, Des Plaines offers cultural enrichment. The Koehnline Museum of Art provides diverse art exhibits. The Des Plaines History Center also functions as a cultural institution, preserving and sharing the region's heritage. For those interested in local archives, Des Plaines Memory is an online resource curated by the History Center and Public Library.

Families visiting Des Plaines have many options. The Busse Lake — North and Main Pools is great for boating and scenic views. Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center is one of Northern Illinois' largest outdoor water parks, featuring pools, a lazy river, and a spray park. Mountain View Adventure Center at Prairie Lakes Park offers an 18-hole mini-golf course, a skate park, and batting cages. Prairie Lakes Park itself also has a vibrant playground.

Yes, boating and fishing are popular activities. Busse Lake — North and Main Pools is a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails, where you can rent rowboats, canoes, or kayaks. Lake Park, situated on Lake Opeka, is another popular spot for sailing, boating, and fishing for crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, and pike. Prairie Lakes Park also offers free fishing opportunities in its picturesque retention ponds.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. Highlights like Busse Lake — North and Main Pools are loved for their scenic views and water activities. The extensive trail networks in places like Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) and Harms Woods Preserve are highly rated for hiking, biking, and observing local wildlife.

Yes, many of the natural areas in Des Plaines are dog-friendly. Harms Woods Preserve is noted as dog-friendly, offering unpaved trails for you and your pet. The extensive Des Plaines River Trail is also a popular choice for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. Always check specific preserve rules regarding pets before your visit.

Beyond the main highlights, Des Plaines has some unique spots. The Square Deal Shoe Store houses a museum with a shoe-sizing X-ray machine and shoes belonging to the world's tallest man. The elegant Library Clock and the multi-lingual Peace Pole at the Des Plaines Library offer interesting photo opportunities. For a natural hidden gem, consider the Des Plaines Riverway Nature Preserve with its diverse ecosystem and rare plant species.

The best time to visit outdoor attractions in Des Plaines is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months. Spring brings blooming wildflowers to preserves like Harms Woods Preserve. Summer is ideal for water activities at Busse Lake and enjoying parks. Fall offers beautiful foliage along the trails. While some activities are available year-round, these seasons provide the most comfortable weather for exploring.

Absolutely. Busse Lake — North and Main Pools is a prime location for canoeing and kayaking, with rentals often available nearby. The Des Plaines River Trail also offers six launch sites along the river, providing access for canoeing or kayaking through scenic natural areas.

Many of the forest preserves offer designated picnic areas. Dam Number 1 Woods is an excellent spot along the Des Plaines River Trail with two sheltered picnic groves, perfect for a lunch break. Caldwell Woods also features picnic groves and activity spaces, providing convenient resting spots for visitors.