Sycamore is a commercial city, located in the county of DeKalb, Illinois. The city enjoys its close proximity to Chicago and it is located just 60 miles (96.6 km) west. All four seasons are great fun here, filled with a host of recreational activities, along with great options for entertainment and art. The historic downtown of the city provides sophistication mingled with warm hospitality.
Stay in Sycamore for a few days and discover the unique treasures the city has to offer, along with the opportunity to shop for souvenirs in the local shops. You can pamper yourself thoroughly, at one of the city’s spas and salons, enjoy great family events and cherish a delectable culinary experience, during your stay here. Check out some of the best things to do in Sycamore, Illinois.
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1. Sycamore Park District
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have fun under the sun with your family in one of the beautiful parks managed by the Sycamore Park District. Established way back in 1923, the Sycamore Park District continues to manage hundreds of acres of open lands, developing and maintaining community parks, woodlands, wetlands, and athletic fields.
These beautiful open areas offer tons of fun activities including strolling, biking, running, picnicking, fishing, skating, swimming, and a whole lot of other Sycamore activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Sycamore Park District
Address: 480 Airport Rd, Sycamore, IL 60178, United States
Website: Sycamore Park District
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 9pm; Sat: 8am - 3pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm
2. Syco Escape Rooms
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Thinking about what to do in Sycamore, IL, with the whole gang? Check out Syco Escape Rooms—an immersive game that lets you experience different situations and scenarios in real life! The place features four themed escape rooms called Prison Break, Quest for the Throne, Operation: Rogue Agent, and Kids Adventure.
As the names suggest, these rooms all have different scenarios like breaking out of prison and hunting down an international super spy. To win a game, you have to escape the rooms by finding clues and solving puzzles within an hour.
Syco Escape Rooms
Address: 1170 Dekalb Ave Ste 107, Sycamore, IL 60178, United States
Website: Syco Escape Rooms
Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10:30pm; Sat: 1pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 9pm (closed on Mon, Tue, & Wed)
3. Midwest Museum of Natural History
This truly unique museum boasts a spectacular collection of a variety of mounted animals, from various countries of the world, displayed in the permanent exhibit hall. The vision of the Midwest Museum of Natural History is to establish a connection between the community and the natural world. The museum first opened to the public in 2005 and has seen more than 113,000 visitors, who come to learn more about the natural universe, through subjects like anthropology, geology, and biology.
Midwest Museum of Natural History
Address: 425 W State St, Sycamore, IL 60178, USA
Website: Midwest Museum of Natural History
4. PJ's Courthouse Tavern
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This is one of the finest New American restaurants, in the city of Sycamore. PJ’s Courthouse Tavern is famous for its delicious dishes, pleasant service and great collection of beer. Some of the favourite items here include their fried pickles, onion rings, and chilled beer. Enjoy your food and beverage, as you marvel at the superb view of Main Street and the courthouse, through its large corner window.
PJ's Courthouse Tavern
Address: 202 W State St, Sycamore, IL 60178, USA
Website: PJ’s Courthouse Tavern
5. Plank Road Orchard
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for places to go outside near you on your trip to Sycamore, consider visiting Plank Road Orchard. This is a family operated and owned apple orchard, that grows more than 16 different varieties of the fruit. Plank Road Orchard was established in 1990 and it goes without saying that the place has something to offer everyone.
Have a great time with your family, as you pick apples in the orchard, or opt for a faster pickup, with their ready picked fruit. You can also visit this orchard over a weekend, to enjoy their unpasteurized apple cider and freshly baked goodies.
Plank Road Orchard
Address: 50W737 Plank Rd, Sycamore, IL 60178, United States
Website: Plank Road Orchard
6. Ski's All American Pub
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Irrespective of whether you want to spend some memorable time with your close friends, want to relish some great food, or simply want to hang around to unwind in an exciting ambiance, Ski’s All American Pub is the right place to drop in. The place is not only famous for its culinary delights, but also for its exciting nightlife and good fun.
Savor some of the finest comfort food in Sycamore, like the fried steak, Mexican fare and pizzas, as you swing to the foot tapping music or enjoy the casual digs, accompanied by darts. You will be in for a pleasant surprise when you find the interesting deals offered in this pub. Some of the favorite dishes here include their light flaky fish, side salads, coleslaw and their great bar fries. Enjoy the hospitality of good people, excellent food, and their Bloody Mary, all at a great value.
Ski's All American Pub
Address: 1001 W State St, Sycamore, IL 60178, USA
Website: Ski’s All American Pub
7. Four Seasons Sports
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Four Seasons Sports is another fun place to be if you are visiting Sycamore. This place has an amazing selection of beer and the prices are quite pocket-friendly. It features two pool tables, some excellent video gaming, with live poker, internet jukebox, darts and bowling. Most importantly, the staff here are extremely warm and treat you like their family.
Four Seasons Sports
Address: 1745 Dekalb Ave, Sycamore, IL 60178, USA
Website: Four Seasons Sports
8. Pub 64
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you feeling thirsty after a long day of sightseeing? It is time to drop in at Pub 64, to quench your thirst. Both the food and beer here are reasonably priced and won’t cause a big dent in your pocket. With a great selection of beers and friendly bartenders, you will definitely want to come back here, for a second visit.
Pub 64
Address: 332 W State St, Sycamore, IL 60178, USA
9. Donley’s Wild West Town
Welcome to Donley’s Wild West Town, a museum, themed amusement park and much more, in the city of Sycamore, Illinois. The amusement park has been offering great family fun, ever since 1974. Your admission price to the park is inclusive of all attractions and rides. It is the ideal spot for kids, from 3-12 years of age, with their families. Even grandparents, fathers and mothers can have some memorable times here.
Enjoy a fun-filled time here, as your child shoots slingshots, or watch the action packed and thrilling Wild West Stunt Show. There is an on-site museum, packed with a collection of artifacts from the Old West, along with technology and inventions from the late 1800’s. Drop in and enjoy your stroll through the roads of yesteryear. You will create memories after spending a day at this theme park, which will be with you for your entire lifetime.
Donley’s Wild West Town
Address: 8512 S Union Rd, Union, IL 60180, USA
Website: Donley’s Wild West Town
10. Blackberry Farm Historical Village
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
While getting bored in a hotel, you’re probably thinking, “What outdoor activities near me can I enjoy?” Well, this is it! This is a museum exhibiting living history, where the recreation of pioneer life is done through hands-on fun and educational demonstrations. The entry fee of Blackberry Farm Historical Village is inclusive of unlimited rides on ponies, the carousel, paddle boats, pedal tractors, the hay wagon, and train. The farm features an adventure playground, where a large network of catwalk-style bridges, ropes, slides and climbing decks connect a group of playhouses, at different levels. You can visit the pottery shop and peruse the different aspects of pottery making, as it was done in the 19th century.
Pioneer Cabin is a venue where you can experience Dutch oven cooking, soap making, butter making, heirloom gardens, and candle dipping. You can also visit the Discovery Barn, to look at baby goats, piglets, sheep, chickens and much more.
Blackberry Farm Historical Village
Address: 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora, IL 60506, USA
Facebook: Blackberry Farm Historical Village
Explore Sycamore
Do all these activities sound exciting? Explore Sycamore and make the most out of your holiday, by visiting the museums, parks, bars, and restaurants in the city and shop for your friends back home.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Sycamore, Illinois
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