Oak Brook, Illinois is an affluent suburb of Chicago. In Oak Brook, you can immerse yourself in sophisticated culture. It’s home to First Folio Theatre, a premiere Shakespeare theatre and Drury Lane Children’s Theatre. Oak Brook has a stunning golf course ready to challenge any player at each skill level, and Sophisticated Pinstripes gets the competition going between players. After some friendly competition at Pinstripes, incredible shopping is right next door at the Oakbrook Center. Oak Brook may only be a village of about 7,000 people, but it has many refined entertainment options. Learn about the best things to do in Oak Brook!
1. 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
2. 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
3. First Folio Theatre
Posted by First Folio Theatre on Saturday, 29 June 2013
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
4. Drury Lane Children's Theatre
The cast of Bye Bye Birdie during “The Telephone Hour.”
Posted by Drury Lane on Friday, 22 January 2016
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
5. Willow Crest Golf Club
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
6. Pinstripes
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
7. Oakbrook Center
Posted by Oakbrook Center on Thursday, 14 June 2012
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
8. Lake View Nature Center
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, Oak Brook is an incredible delight for any visitor ready to unwrap these surprises.
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