Warrenville is a small but perfectly formed city in the state of Illinois in the United States of America. Warrenville is a short half an hour drive from the Illinois state capital of Chicago. For those spending a good deal of time in Chicago, a day trip to Warrenville may be a welcome respite from the frenetic streets of Chicago! That said, Warrenville is a destination in its own right, certainly worthy of your visit.
Home to just over 13,000 people, the city of Warrenville has a great community ethos and readily welcomes visitors and tourists alike. Found in DuPage Country, Warrenville is most well known for being home to Robert R. McCormick. Robert R. McCormick was a British Royal Navy ship’s medical surgeon as well as being an intrepid explorer and diligent naturalist.
Warrenville may be small but this little-known city is a joy to visit any time of the year! If you time your visit in winter, be sure to bring your coat, your hat and most importantly, your gloves! Winters in Illinois are chilly and the blustery breeze can chill you to the bone!
1. Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park is Warrenville’s most popular destination for travelers and tourists, rated as the number one activity to partake in while in the city. Spreading over 500 acres (202 hectares) Cantigny Park has an interesting history. It is the former home and grounds of Joseph Medill and his grandson, Robert R. McCormick.
Cantigny Park is now a much loved 27-hole golf course that you can play on even as a guest. The park is also home to a museum dedicated to Robert R. McCormick’s life as well as immaculately kept gardens open for all to enjoy. For children there is also a wonderful playground to enjoy and hiking trails that are a fun activity for all the family.
Cantigny Park
Address: 1s151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189
Website: Cantigny Park
2. Robert R. McCormick's house
The home of the great, late Robert R. McCormick is open for the public to observe and enjoy and learn about the life and times of this impressive Englishman. Robert R. McCormick was a surgeon on British Naval Ships throughout his expansive career. His talents did not stop there however; Robert R. McCormick was also an explorer and avid naturalists too.
Robert R. McCormick’s house has been turned into a museum and guided tours are offered on a daily basis. The museum features some of Mr McCormick’s most loved possessions and work material. The museum’s mission is to educate people about Robert R. McCormick’s great work through an interactive and interesting medium.
Robert R. McCormick's house
Address: 1s151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL, 60189
Website: Robert R. McCormick’s house
3. Danada Forest Preserve
The Danada Forest Preserve is one of Warrenville’s best kept secrets. The Forestry Department has made concerted efforts to preserve the natural landscapes around Warrenville, and the Danada Forest Preserve is a great example of this. Come rain or shine the Danada Forest Preserve is a lovely environment to explore.
The Danada Forest Preserve offers over 8 miles (12 km) of hiking and walking trials. These trials are well signposted and the walkways well kept. Birds who inhabit that grasslands, as well as waterfowl and heron rookery, can all be sighted here!
Danada Forest Preserve
Address: Wheaton, IL 60189
Website: Danada Forest Preserve
4. Morton Arboretum
Morton Arboretum is another fine example of the abundant nature that surrounds Warrenville. The Morton Arboretum aims to ‘plant and protect trees for a greener future’. The Morton Arboretum is over 1,700 acres (687 hectares) in size and is often referred to as a living museum.
Morton Arboretum offers great family friendly activities including origami classes in the garden! In the summer months visitors are invited to their Unwind on Wednesday events to enjoy wine and relaxed company in the Arboretum grounds. The gift shop sells some wonderful gifts and souvenirs inspired by nature.
Morton Arboretum
Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
Website: Morton Arboretum
5. Warrenville Grove
Warrenville Grove just like the Danada Forest Preserve is managed under the juristiction of the Foresty Department. Warrenville Grove boasts beautifully varied terrain. The grove features floodplains, as well as uplands, woodland areas and a fast flowing river.
The hiking and walking trail around Warrenville Grove is a short 1 mile (1.6 km) circuit. The pathway is open to cyclists too! Warrenville Grove is a popular picnic spot and offers benches and shade for you to enjoy. There is even a fresh water drinking station too!
Warrenville Grove
Address: Warrenville Grove, 3S481 Batavia Rd, IL
Website: Warrenville Grove
6. McDowell Grove
When we said there was a multitude of natural spaces on Warrenville’s doorstep, we weren’t joking! McDowell Grove is another perfect example of Illinois’s great countryside! McDowell Grove is open for visitors to visit for free during daylight hours, the whole year through.
McDowell Grove is 465 acres (188 hectares) in size, made up of ultra-mature woodland areas and floodplain forests. For wildlife lovers and birdwatchers, McDowell Grove is a must visit. The Cooper’s Hawks and Eastern Bluebirds make for wonderful viewing.
McDowell Grove
Address: Naperville, IL 60563
Website: McDowell Grove
7. St. James Farm Forest Preserve
In case you needed anymore persuading that Warrenville is a wildlife lover’s paradise, we present you with St. James Farm Forest Preserve! St. James Farm Forest Preserve is home to over 300 different plant species, as well as countless wildlife and birdlife too. Birds regulalry sighted at St. James Farm Forest Preserve include bellied woodpeckers, great blue herons and white-breasted nuthatches to name but a few.
White-tailed deer, coyotes and fox squirrels are also a joy to observe at St. James Farm Forest Preserve. Get your camera at the ready! The trail around this preserve is just 1.6 miles (2.5 km) but is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
St. James Farm Forest Preserve
Address: 2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555
Website: St. James Farm Forest Preserve
8. Main Event Entertainment
Main Event Entertainment is the community hub of Warrenville. Away from the wonderful nature that surrounds the city, Main Event Entertainment is at the very heart of Warrenville city centre. This is a great rainy day activity or if you are traveling with children.
Main Event Entertainment is open until late, seven days a week. Offering customers their expansive arcade game collection, you could easily lose a day here! They also offer 10-pin bowling and laser tag! The onsite restaurant La Bella serves some classic American dishes.
Main Event Entertainment
Address: 28248 W Diehl Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555
Website: Main Event Entertainment
Wonderful Warrenville
Warrenville is a great destination for those wishing to get some fresh natural air, having spent time in the busy city of Chicago! Take this chance to reconnect with nature, we know you won’t regret it!