Want to complement the electric energy of Chicago with a breath of oxygen and heritage? Less than 25 minutes by train from the Loop and about thirty kilometers from the skyscrapers, DuPage unfolds tall grass prairies, preserved forests, living museums, legendary golf courses, and even a delicious stop on Route 66. This article takes you to discover why this discreet neighbor, a visionary in terms of preservation and sustainability, immensely enriches the experience of the Windy City.
Faced with deep-dish pizzas, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier, many think they have seen all of Chicago. And yet. Just beyond the last skyscrapers, DuPage County offers a delightful nature and culture counterpoint: a backdrop reminiscent of Attenborough, where prairies, wetlands, and forests coexist with exceptional museums and iconic eateries.
The journey is a breeze: in about 25 minutes by train from downtown Chicago, you transition from urban jungle to the tall grasses of the tallgrass prairies, winding trails, and sparkling lakes. In short, a “city break within a city break” that breathes the authenticity of the Midwest.
Large-scale nature just steps from the skyscrapers
The best-kept secret of DuPage? A network of 60 natural areas covering nearly 26,000 acres (about 10,500 hectares) and connected by over 145 miles of trails (nearly 230 km). It boasts 30 lakes, 45 miles of rivers and streams, as well as a mosaic of prairies, wetlands, and forests where thousands of native species thrive—from the curious deer to the American bullfrog croaking at dusk.
If these environments seem so vibrant, it’s because DuPage has been waging a strategic battle against invasives for years (goodbye, buckthorn!) and undertaking targeted restorations. The result: a living, accessible nature that welcomes you year-round for hiking, birdwatching, biking, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying a stroll.
Trails, seasons, sensations
Flowering spring, dazzling summer, fiery autumn, graphic winter: DuPage changes its face with each passing month. The trails wind between golden prairies and woodlands, suitable for both contemplative strolls and athletic outings. Whether you are an early-morning photographer, a stroller-friendly parent, or a twilight jogger, you will find your playground.
A century of ecological avant-garde
Long before the word “sustainable” became trendy, the community rang the alarm. In 1915, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County was born, with a clear mission: to protect forests, prairies, wetlands, and waterways from rampant urbanization. More than a century later, DuPage ranks among the most progressive counties in the Midwest: restoring hundreds of acres each year, stabilizing rivers, finely mapping ecosystems to guide future improvements.
Policies that turn words into actions
Commitments do not remain on paper: electrification of equipment, energy-efficient technologies, planning toward net-zero emissions. Here, the management of natural spaces harmonizes with science, education, and the joy of visiting.
Museums, living history, and American memories
Cantigny Park and the memory of the First Division
In Wheaton, Cantigny Park combines gardens, art of living, and memory. Its cultural beacon, the First Division Museum, recounts the history of the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army through immersive exhibits and iconic pieces. Amidst pristine flower beds, lawns perfect for picnics, and historical tanks, one travels both in time and greenery.
Naper Settlement: 13 acres of living history
In Naperville, Naper Settlement brings the 19th-century daily life to life on 13 acres. About thirty historic buildings—including a one-room schoolhouse and a log cabin—narrate the lives of the pioneers of Chicago’s suburbs. The site reflects the modern momentum of the county: education, energy efficiency, and long-term vision.
Graue Mill & Fullersburg Woods: through water and history
In Oak Brook, the Graue Mill powered by water (one of the last two mills of its kind in Illinois) still operates on the banks of Salt Creek. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was an authenticated stop on the Underground Railroad, a network of shelters helping fleeing slaves. Demonstrations of milling, spinning, and weaving immerse visitors in the America of the great transformation.
Trees, mazes, and outdoor artworks
The Morton Arboretum: the world forest of Lisle
In Lisle, The Morton Arboretum unveils 1,700 acres of tree collections from around the globe, crossed by over 16 miles of trails (about 26 km) and scenic roads. Between art exhibitions, seasonal events, and educational programs, it provides a total immersion in the beauty and science of forests—with a plant maze that delights both young and old.
The swing side of the prairie
With over 50 courses, DuPage offers easy fairways. The Belmont Golf Club (often cited as the first 18-hole course in the country) paved the way, while The Preserve at Oak Meadows rakes in accolades for its design and eco-friendly approach, in addition to an 18-hole layout that attracts major events.
The county also pulses to the rhythm of legendary competitions: the 2012 Ryder Cup—infamously dubbed “Miracle at Medinah”—made history just a stone’s throw away, and the Presidents Cup 2026 is already anticipated to be memorable in the region. In this part of the Midwest, golf is played on perfectly maintained grass… and on a solid heritage.
Route 66, legendary chicken, and pop heritage
In Willowbrook, Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket has been serving a finger-licking fried chicken recipe since the 1940s, located just steps from an authentic segment of Route 66. Inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame and the National Register of Historic Places, this establishment remains a culinary pilgrimage where the plate also tells the grand story of America’s “Main Street.”
Practical: how to get there and when to come
From downtown Chicago, reach DuPage in about 25 minutes via the regional train network, or by car (about 20 miles / 32 km, depending on your starting point). Spring and autumn offer sensational colors, summer showcases the full palette of outdoor activities, and winter reveals another charm, crystalline and quiet—perfect for rediscovering the landscapes at a different pace.
Want to get away?
Bon Voyage Holidays offers trips in the region. Tel: 0800 980 7093.
