Bartlett is a northwest suburb of Chicago, but you may find it hard to believe that this cozy community is just a short distance away from the busy city. Entering this village is almost akin to venturing into a forest, owing to the number of forest reserves and parks in the areas. Because of this, there are a number of outdoor activities that visitors can do here, including but not limited to camping and hiking. This also makes Bartlett a good option to visit for those who want to enjoy a quiet nature retreat away from the busy urban life offered by Chicago. Learn about the top things to do in Bartlett, Illinois, in this article.
1. Go for a stroll in the James "Pate" Philip State Park
Originally a farm, this piece of land was converted into a park to help preserve local biodiversity. The park comes with a number of walking, biking, and skiing trails. Dogs are welcome here as long as they’re kept on their leashes. There are natural history displays and environmental education programs offered here for those who want to learn something new during their visit.
James "Pate" Philip State Park
Address: 2054 W Stearns Road, Bartlett, IL
Website: James “Pate” Philip State Park
2. Visit the Bartlett Depot Museum
Located in the original train station of the village, which was built in 1873, the Bartlett Depot Museum, together with the Bartlett History Museum, provide guests with glimpses of what life was like in the area in the days gone past. Train enthusiasts will appreciate how this museum provides an overview of how the railway played a critical role in Bartlett’s past.
Bartlett Depot Museum
Address: 100 W. Railroad Avenue, Bartlett, IL
Website: Bartlett Depot Museum
Price: Free entry
3. Read a book at Bartlett Public Library
Bookworms, rejoice! Even if you left your favorite book at home, there’s no need to fret because you can borrow a tome from the Bartlett Public Library. Besides books, there are also magazines, DVDs, magazines, and computers for use here. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to check the library’s website because there are special events and programs held throughout the year that they can enjoy.
Bartlett Public Library
Address: 4663, 800 S Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL
Website: Bartlett Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
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4. Take a bike trail running through Bartlett Parks
f you’re a cycling enthusiast, there are plenty of bike trails that you can explore in Bartlett, including those that traverse its parks. While pedaling, you can enjoy the beautiful, verdant surroundings. Once you’ve had your fill of cycling, you can enjoy the other amenities and activities in these parks, which include but are not limited to swimming pools, golf courses, nature centers, and dedicated spaces for sports.
Bartlett Park District
Address: 700 S Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL
Website: Bartlett Park District
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 8:30am - 7pm; Tue & Thu: 8:30am - 6pm; Sat: 9:30am - 1 pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free entry
5. Check out the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
You don’t need to travel all the way to India to marvel at one of its Hindu temples. The mandir of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is made of marble and constructed following the standards indicated in ancient Hindu literature. There are souvenirs sold on site. Be aware, though, that this temple is actively used for religious worship. As such, be sure to observe proper decorum during your visit. Similarly, do avoid revealing clothing, as well as shorts and skirts. Photography is also not allowed inside.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Address: 4N739 Il, Rte 59, Bartlett, IL
Website: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
6. Discover nature at Bartlett Nature Center
If you’re traveling with children, do consider visiting Bartlett Nature Center. This features different specimens of animals, including reptiles, amphibians, and insects, as well as some bones as pelts, that you can peruse during your visit. There are also programs and activities that are geared for children here. The area surrounding it features trails where you can enjoy hiking and cycling, as well as skiing and snowshoeing during winter.
Bartlett Nature Center
Address: 2054 W Stearns Rd, Bartlett, IL
Website: Bartlett Nature Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free entry
7. Play disc golf with friends at Sunrise Park
If you want to try a new sport with your friends while you’re holidaying in Bartlett, why not try out disc golf? Sunrise Park features an 18-hole course. The terrain is relatively flat, which makes this a good field even for beginners. However, the wind will still add a challenge for advanced players.
Sunrise Park
Address: 1144 Appletree Ln, Bartlett, IL
Opening hours: 6:30am - 5pm (daily)
8. Play with your furry friend at the Hawk Hollow Dog Park
If you’re a pet lover planning to bring your furry friend to Bartlett, you can have fun with your dog at Hawk Hollow, which has designated areas for big and small dogs to romp around. Do make sure to bring a bowl and water for your pet. While your dog is having fun, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hawk Hollow.
Hawk Hollow Dog Park
Address: Bittersweet Dr and Stearns Rd, Bartlett, IL, US, 60103
Website: Hawk Hollow Dog Park
9. Enjoy water activities at Bartlett Aquatic Center
The Bartlett Aquatic Center features more than just a swimming pool. Among its amenities are an eight-lane lap pool, a tube slide, a lazy river, a zip line drop slide, slides for both adults and children, and a spray playground. For dryer activities, there’s a sand play area. There’s a snack bar on site, but you can also bring their own food and drinks if you want to pack a picnic.
Bartlett Aquatic Center
Address: 692 W Stearns Rd, Bartlett, IL
Website: Bartlett Aquatic Center
Opening hours: 11:30am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD onwards
10. Shop at Bartlett Plaza Shopping Center
If you want to do some shopping while in the village, you can do so at Bartlett Plaza Shopping Center, a single-story building. It is located right at the heart of the community, putting you close to commercial establishments in the area as well. There’s a post office on site as well if you need to drop off some postcards or packages.
Bartlett Plaza Shopping Center
Address: 399 Bartlett Plaza, Bartlett, IL 60103, USA
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
11. Have lunch at JC's Mexican Restaurant
This restaurant is cozy and comfortable, with a variety of dishes offered for those who have a hankering for Mexican food. Servings are large, so you won’t find yourself going hungry for several hours after you eat here. Must-tries are the enchiladas and the chimichangas. If you like enjoying a cocktail with your lunch, you’re in luck, because margaritas are offered here as well.
JC's Mexican Restaurant
Address: 130 W Bartlett Ave, between Main St & Oak Ave, Bartlett, IL
Website: JC’s Mexican Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11:30am - 8pm
Price: 11 - 30 USD
12. Visit the Lucky Star night club
Bartlett may be a small village, but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have nightlife. Lucky Star features a spacious dance floor, so you don’t need to worry about stepping on somebody’s toes or accidentally elbowing someone while you’re shaking it up. There are also several bars there so you don’t have to worry about waiting a long time before you get your drink. If you’re a country fan, line dancing lessons are offered here.
Lucky Star
Address: 1175 W Lake St, Bartlett, IL
Website: Lucky Star
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7pm - 3am (closed from Sun - Thu)
Price: 5 USD cover charge
13. Take a lesson at the Apple Orchard Golf Course
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play golf, this is your chance. Lessons are offered at the Apple Orchard Golf Course, a nine-hole golf course that is beginner-friendly. There’s a clubhouse on site where you can purchase snacks and beverages. Want to play a round of golf but left your equipment at home? Don’t worry, because you can rent clubs here for a fee.
Apple Orchard Golf Course
Address: 696 W Stearns Rd, Bartlett, IL
Website: Apple Orchard Golf Course
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30am - 9pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 9 USD onwards
14. Have a few drinks at Bracht's Place
If you’re looking for a place where you can get cheap drinks, this is the place for you. Beers, in particular, are inexpensive here. For those who prefer mixed drinks, cocktails are offered here as well. If you like listening to music while enjoying a few drinks, there’s a DJ who churns out beats. If you want to belt out a few tunes, there’s karaoke here as well.
Bracht's Place
Address: 363 S Prospect Ave, Bartlett, IL
Website: Bracht’s Place
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 2pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 4pm
15. Tee off at the Villa Olivia Golf Course
Golf enthusiasts should not miss out on dropping by Villa Olivia for a round of golf. This 18-hole regulation course features enough challenges and some easy holes for the enjoyment of casual and serious players. If you’re hungry, there’s an in-house restaurant in the area, and there’s also a lounge where you can kick back and relax. The golf course follows an “Open To Public” guest policy, so you don’t have to worry about getting a membership card here in order to play a game. If you visit during winter, you can also enjoy a number of winter activities in Villa Olivia, including but not limited to skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.
Villa Olivia
Address: 1401 W Lake St, Bartlett, IL
Website: Villa Olivia
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD onwards
Verdant retreat within the city
Much has been said about the hustle and bustle of Chicago, so Bartlett provides guests a respite from the fast-paced urban lifestyle in the city. Not only does it bring them closer to nature, but it also allows them to enjoy some activities that they can experience in cities. Talk about having the best of both worlds!
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