Darien, Illinois, has a long history, dating back to 1835. Originally established along the stagecoach line, the first small town established here was known as Cass. In the beginning, it was just an inn for the stagecoach to stop at. But, over the years more settlers arrived in the area and the small town began to grow. By 1890, the area had been renamed to the village of Lace. The small town had a number of residents, one school, two churches and a cheese factory. In 1969, the smaller towns in the area were all incorporated into one subdivision and given the name of Darien.
Now a suburb of Chicago, with a population of just over 22,000, the town’s motto is that it is “a nice place to live”. Darien is also a nice place to visit. While in the area, here are six of the best outdoor activities for your family to enjoy.
1. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Waterfall Glen was created by a geological event, the Wisconsin Glacier. The large wooded area contains mostly oak trees, bitternut hickories and some of the oldest black walnut trees in the country. Woodpeckers, broad-wing hawks and barred owls are just some of the bird species you will see among the stately trees.
The park has four mapped trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and, weather permitting, cross country skiing. Several old quarries on the site are available for fishing. True adventurers should check out the Orienteering Course, a challenge, where you can find your way through the park with only a map and compass.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Address: Northgate Road, Darien, IL 60439
Phone Number: +1 (630) 933-7248
Website: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
2. National Shrine Museum of St. Therese
If you love history and beautiful religious relics, then you must see the Shrine Museum of St. Therese. St. Therese was born in France, in 1873. She was the youngest of nine children and quite spoiled as a child. It was not until she was healed, at the age of 11, by a Carmelite nun, that she began to seek out a religious life.
Her story is quite interesting and is depicted in the large wood carving in front of the shrine. You will also find a spiritual center, meditation garden and gift shop located on the property. The museum offers a number of tours, including one hour, evening and overnight tours. Tours longer than one hour include either lunch or dinner in the ticket price.
National Shrine Museum of St. Therese
Address: 8501 Bailey Rd, Darien, IL 60561
Phone Number: +1 (800) 621-2806
Hours of Operation: Daily 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ticket Price: Admission to Museum free, tours start at 10 USD
3. Sagawau Environment Learning Center
When you can’t get enough of the outdoors, head over to Sagawau Environment Learning Center, located only a 10-minute drive from Darien to Lemont. Sagawau has both a visitor and classroom center, offering up programs for nature lovers. Here you can learn about geology, history and habitat management.
Located on the property are over 100 species of birds and unusual plant and rock formations. Guided tours are available as well, spring through fall. During the winter months, Sagawau is open for Nordic skiing. They offer lessons, ski rentals and have a selection of groomed trails, for beginners to intermediate skiers.
Sagawau Environment Learning Center
Address: 12545 111th St, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone Number: +1 (630) 257-2045
Hours of Operation: Daily 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Website: Sagawau Environment Learning Center
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. McCollum Park
Looking for some competitive family fun? Head north of Darien to Downers Grove and visit McCollum Park, one of the largest recreational parks in the area. Open year round, the park offers something for every sports lover in the family. The park has two baseball and softball fields, plus four soccer fields. You will also find basketball, tennis, horseshoe and sand volleyball courts here. All of these are lighted, so feel free to play after dark.
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park on the provided track. Located at the north end is a playground, mini golf course and concession stand. During the winter, an ice rink can be found at the north end parking lot.
McCollum Park
Address: 6801 Main St, Downers Grove, IL 60516
Phone Number: +1 (630) 960-7500
Hours of Operation: Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Website: McCollum Park
5. Theodore Stone Forest
East of Darien, about a 12-minute drive, is Hodgkins and home of the Theodore Stone Forest. The nature preserve is made up of a unique dolomite prairie, alongside oak savannas and forest. The volunteers and staff work continuously to remove invasive plants, so that the native plants will continue to prosper.
Visitors can explore the park’s nature trails. Make sure to wear close toed shoes, when hiking through the park. Alongside the parking area are two large groves with picnic tables. While visiting the reserve, you will see over 180 plant species, a variety of small mammals and maybe even a coyote.
Theodore Stone Forest
Address: 536 North Harlem Ave. River Forest, IL 60305
Phone Number: +1 (800) 870-3666
Website: Theodore Stone Forest
6. Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park
Driving west from Darien you will come across the town of Woodridge, about 5 miles (8 km) away. Here you will find the Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park. The bayou themed water park is the perfect way to burn off that excess energy and enjoy the outdoors, while you do so. Enjoy eight areas of attractions, for kids of all ages. Cattail Bay is the perfect place to cool off in the zero depth pool. The pool has a kiddie slide in the shallow end and diving board in the deep end.
Grab an inner tube and head down Tobasco Falls, as it makes its way to Cajun Creek, a 600 foot (183 meter) lazy river. The park has two snack stands, as well as bathroom facilities, with lockers and showers.
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park
Address: 8301 Janes Ave, Woodridge, IL 60517
Phone Number: +1 (630) 353-3350
Hours of Operation: Daily 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Ticket Prices: 15.50 USD
Website: Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park
Fun in the suburbs
Darien is a suburb, south of Chicago. Millions of tourists visit the windy city every year. But a lot of folks prefer something smaller and quieter, for a more peaceful vacation. This makes Darien a great town to visit. You will find many great activities for the family to enjoy, all within a few minutes drive. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or just soak up some sun, you can do so in Darien, Illinois.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
Top 10 Historic Hotels In Chicago, Illinois - Updated 2024Alyssandra Raiza -
-
-
-
Create an account to