12 Best Things To Do In Oak Brook, Illinois

1. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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For some dose of arts, culture, and history during your visit to Oak Brook, Illinois, drop by the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. For those who are not familiar with the term, lapidary is basically the art of cutting and polishings gemstones. That said, this museum is all about such artform—although it’s more than just highlighting the fine and intricate collection of gemstones. It also provides you a glimpse of lapidary, which is considered an art in many cultures all over the world, and its roots from prehistoric times.

Check out the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and learn more about this fascinating artform!

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Address: 1220 Kensington Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, United States

Website: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 10 USD

2. Dean Nature Sanctuary - Oak Brook Park District

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Fully enjoy the natural beauty of Oak Brook, Illinois, by visiting the Dean Nature Sanctuary - Oak Brook Park District. Known as a “passive park”, Dean Nature Sanctuary is a true wildlife and wild plant sanctuary as it features untouched natural beauty that won’t be ruined by “developments” such as athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreational facilities.

What you can expect here is a combination of various ecosystems such as ponds, wetlands, savannas, and prairies with a healthy population of wildlife and a wide array of vegetation. It’s certainly a beautiful location where you and your family can truly appreciate the wonders of nature.

Dean Nature Sanctuary - Oak Brook Park District

Address: 115 Canterberry Ln, Oak Brook, IL 60523, United States

Website: Dean Nature Sanctuary - Oak Brook Park District

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

3. Escape the Room

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Oak Brook with your friends, check this out! Escape the Room is a one-of-a-kind immersive game that lets you and your friends engage in a fun and thrilling adventure while in different fantastic scenarios. Of course, as the name suggests, the goal of the game is to escape the room by finding clues and solving various puzzles and mysteries.

One of the scenarios featured here is set in a submarine with a captain that went insane and oxygen running low—so you can just imagine the suspense and excitement this game will bring!

Escape the Room

Address: 60 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523, United States

Website: Escape the Room

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri: 1pm - 10pm

4. Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

From the name alone, you can easily surmise what this Oak Brook attraction is all about—yes, the center provides guests with an interactive and engaging introduction to the local environment. Educational programs, which are helmed by expert naturalists, include a field trip to the sanctuary where visitors can track and name various indigenous and migrating wildlife, identify various wildflowers, and even tap maple trees.

If, however, you’re not interested in joining these educational programs, you can always visit the nature center and engage in many outdoor activities including hiking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, biking, cross-country skiing, and many more.

Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center

Address: 3609 Spring Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, United States

Website: Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

5. Graue Mill and Museum

The Graue Mill and Museum is an operating water mill grist head and homestead. It is dedicated to teaching the present about the past and what it was like in the Oak Brook area from 1850-1890. The museum gives programs in milling, sewing, weaving, and living history presentations. On the grounds, there is the Frederick Gruel House built during 1858-1859. The house is available for event rental. The floors of the home hold historical artifacts and museum offices.

The mill tour includes rooms with various themes from the 19th-century, a general store, and a grinding area. There also is a special section on the Underground Railroad, a way for escaped slaves from the Southern US States to make their way to freedom in the Northern States. Oak Brook had stations in the underground railroad. The Graue Mill and Museum is open from April 15th-November 9th. Children under three are free, children ages 4-12 are 2 USD, Adults are 4.50 USD, and Seniors are 4.00 USD. The Graue Mill is also on the US Registry of Historic Places.

Graue Mill and Museum

Address: 3800 York Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Website: Graue Mill and Museum

6. Mayslake Peabody Estate

The Mayslake Peabody Estate was constructed by Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, a businessman in the coal industry and affluent member of the Democratic National Party, between 1919-1922. The estate features a facade in the Tudor Revival Architectural Revival. The estate includes Mayslake Hall, built in the Tudor Revival Style, a retreat wing, a Chapel, a replica of St. Francis of Assisi’s Chapel, in Assisi Italy, and wetlands, lakes, and restored prairies. The estate is also available for rent.

Docent guided tours are on Wednesdays 11am/12:30pm and Saturdays 9:30am/10am/11am/11:30am. Tours are 8 USD per person. The Mayslake Peabody Estate is also on the US Register of Historic Places.

Mayslake Peabody Estate

Address: 1717 31st St, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Website: Mayslake Peabody Estate

7. First Folio Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

First Folio Theatre is a non-profit professional theater for the Chicago Western suburbs. First Folio Theatre began 23 years ago and puts on plays in the Shakespeare canon and other classical works. First Folio Theatre makes its home at the Mayslake Peabody Estate. Seating is limited to 120 guests. First Folio Theatre has won five Jeff Awards and has been nominated for thirty-one Jeff nominations for excellence in Chicago Theatre. First Folio Theatre is listed in the Shakespeare Book of Lists as one of the 150 best places to see a Shakespeare play.

First Folio Theatre

Address: 1717 31st St, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Website: First Folio Theatre

8. Drury Lane Children's Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Drury Lane Children’s Theatre is committed to providing educational and entertaining productions for young audiences. The theater puts on productions of classical, kid-friendly productions and modern new works. Guests can purchase single tickets, season passes, group rates, and gift certificates. The theatre dining options include the Lounge at Drury Lane and Lucille Restaurant, and guests can purchase dining and theatre packages. Information on productions and tickets can be found on the website.

Drury Lane Children's Theatre

Address: 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Website: Drury Lane Children’s Theatre

9. Willow Crest Golf Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of the most popular Oak Brook activities is definitely playing golf. Willow Crest Golf Club is an 18 hole course. The club includes two putting greens and practice nets, a PGA certified golf shop and two on-site restaurants serving American cuisine. The club offers summer golf program for youth, and there are golf/hotel packages to stay at the nearby Hilton hotel and enjoy a golf outing. The Willow Crest Golf Club has won numerous regional and national awards.

Willow Crest Golf Club

Address: 3500 Midwest Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Website: Willow Crest Golf Club

10. Pinstripes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have some fun in Pinstripes, a refined venue for bowling and bocce ball. Pinstripes charges hourly rates per person to bowl or play bocce ball. To participate in bowling, players must rent shoes. Pinstripes has delicious places to eat on site offering dessert, dinner, lunch, Sunday brunch, happy hour, late-night, kids, and gluten free options. Guests can make a dining reservation online on their website, and the venue can be rented for events. Pinstripes is open Monday-Friday 10am-11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-1am.

Pinstripes

Address: 7 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Website: Pinstripes

11. Oakbrook Center

Oakbrook Center is a shopping mall that was built in 1962. It is the second largest shopping center in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Current larger stores include Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Sears. It is open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. A complete list of stores can be found online.

Oakbrook Center

Address: 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Website: Oakbrook Center

12. Lake View Nature Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Lake View Nature Center is a special place dedicated to providing educational programs for all ages. The facility can be rented out for parties and events, for something a little different for those nature lovers out there. Check out their website for programs and more information.

Lake View Nature Center

Address: 17W063 Hodges Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Website: Lake View Nature Center

Surprises of Oak Brook

Oak Brook, Illinois is a treasure trove of cultivated surprises. From world-class museums and premiere theaters, to incredible shopping, So the next time you’re thinking about what to do in Oak Brook, IL, know that this amazing Chicago suburb is an incredible delight for any visitor ready to unwrap these surprises.