Attractions and Places To See around Clarendon Hills - Top 20

Clarendon Hills and its surroundings offer a variety of natural landscapes. You can explore the serene Brookfield Woods with its winding trails, diverse flora, and wildlife. The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is another highlight, featuring a main trail that forms an awesome gravel loop, and the charming Sawmill Creek Bridge where you might spot damselflies. Additionally, the Salt Creek Woods & Greenway Trail offers opportunities to explore prairies, marshlands, and wooded areas.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Waterfall Glen Main Trail is a multi-use path perfect for families with children, whether biking or walking. Prospect Park in Clarendon Hills features expansive green spaces, a playground, and courts for various sports. The Lions Park Pool is also a popular spot with a lap pool, splash pad, and water slides. Nearby, The Morton Arboretum offers 1,700 acres of gardens and woodlands for exploration.

While Clarendon Hills itself has the architecturally significant Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Clarendon Hills Historical Society working to preserve local history, several notable sites are a short drive away. These include the Clarendon Hills Historical Society which aims to establish a community museum. You can visit the Graue Mill & Museum in Oak Brook, a preserved 19th-century gristmill, or the Mayslake Peabody Estate, a stunning Tudor Revival mansion that now serves as a cultural center.

The area around Clarendon Hills is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Brookfield Woods – Salt Creek loop' or the 'Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop'. For running, options include the 'Burlington Avenue Pond loop' or trails within Maple Grove Forest Preserve. Many of these activities can be found in the guides for Cycling around Clarendon Hills, Running Trails around Clarendon Hills, and Road Cycling Routes around Clarendon Hills.

Yes, the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is noted for being wheelchair accessible. This multi-user path follows Salt Creek and is built to national bike path standards, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

For hiking and biking, the Waterfall Glen Main Trail offers an awesome gravel loop, suitable for gravel bikers, mountain bike newbies, and families. The Illinois Prairie Path, a historic rail trail, also provides extensive paths. The Salt Creek Greenway Trail is another excellent option, linking into a larger trail network.

The region offers outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant for hiking and biking due to milder temperatures and scenic foliage. Summer is great for water activities at Lions Park Pool. While specific seasonal events vary, the natural areas like Waterfall Glen and Brookfield Woods are beautiful in any season, offering diverse experiences.

Many of the natural areas and trails around Clarendon Hills are dog-friendly, though specific rules regarding leashes and waste disposal should always be observed. The extensive paths at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve and the Illinois Prairie Path are popular choices for walks with pets. Always check local regulations for specific parks or preserves.

Parking is generally available at key access points for popular trails. For Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, there are designated parking lots around the preserve. Similarly, sections of the Illinois Prairie Path often have parking areas where trails intersect with roads or at nearby parks. Prospect Park in Clarendon Hills also offers parking for visitors.

Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful and natural escapes offered by the area. Highlights like the Brookfield Woods are praised for their serenity and wildlife. The Sawmill Creek Bridge at Waterfall Glen is noted as a charming and peaceful spot. The multi-use trails, such as the Waterfall Glen Main Trail, are popular for their suitability for various activities and family enjoyment.

While popular spots like Waterfall Glen can see visitors, areas like Brookfield Woods offer a serene nature reserve with winding trails, providing a peaceful escape. Exploring the various local parks within the Clarendon Hills Park District, such as Blackhawk Park or Hosek Park, can also offer quieter natural experiences.