Just 15 miles northwest from the Chicago Loop is the quaint town of Glenview, Illinois. Started off as a peaceful farm-town, Glenview has exponentially grown into a suburban landscape worth visiting.
With its roots deep in the development of Illinois, this town has so much to celebrate. There is so much to do here, from visiting famous historical landmarks to reliving Illinois history. Read our travel guide for the 11 best places to visit in Glenview.
1. Kohl Children’s Museum
The Kohl Children’s Museum is an interactive learning laboratory for infants and children up to 8-years old. Unlike any playground you’ve seen before, their 15 permanent exhibits were created to inspire creativity and education within its visitors. This museum has a wide array of hands-on exhibits, programs, and events to give your child a once-in-a lifetime educational experience.
2. Glen Tower Center
Located at the heart of the town is the Glen Tower Center. This is your one-stop-shop for anything you might possibly need or want during your time in Glenview. With 52 select stores, restaurants, and fun attractions like Funtopia and axe throwing, It’s hard not to spend the whole day here.
3. Funtopia
After you’ve visited the Kohl Children’s Museum, it is definitely worth it to check out Funtopia in the Glen Tower Center. From rope courses to rock climbing to exploring cave systems, Funtopia provides an extremely active and fun experience for the whole family. This is also a great place for booking birthday parties and team building sessions.
4. The Grove
If you want to dip your toes into the history and nature of Glenview, The Grove should be next on your list. Maintained by the Glenview Park district, The Grove is home to 145 acres of ecologically diverse prairie grove land.
Settled in 1836 by visionary horticulturist, Dr. John Kennicott, The Grove is known for being a symbolic landmark in both Illinois and US history. In 1976, The Grove was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior.
5. Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie
The Grove isn’t the only natural landmark that has made its home in Glenview. This town is actually part of the Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie, a 32-acre portion of historic prairie land that stretched for millions of acres across the country. Talk about US history!
Not only is this prairie home to rich history and nature, but here you can also find The Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center. The good people at this facility are pioneers in their field, promoting the benefits of sustainable living. Come experience the future of sustainable living and environmentally-sound architecture.
6. Farmhouse Museum
During your trip down memory lane, one of your stops should be to visit the Hutching’s farmhouse at the Farmhouse Museum. Built in 1864, the Hutching family built up this historic landmark, which they called home for over 100 years. This Hutchings farmhouse is one of the oldest homes in the village of Glenview. With artifacts, antiques, and textiles dating back to the Civil War, it doesn’t get any more authentic than this.
7. Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Just a couple miles out, you can find the Illinois Holocaust Museum. With modernly curated exhibits, this museum serves as a source of education and honorary tribute to those who were lost in this tragic event. With such precious historical artifacts and exhibits, this is a great place to learn and pay respect.
8. Wagner Farm
Wagner Farm is 16-acres of historic farmland, once owned by the Wagner family, who first arrived in Illinois back in the 1850’s. The sole heir, Rose Wagner, passed away in 1997. Since then, the Glenview Park District has purchased this land and maintains it as a source of education for locals and tourists. This historic farm is open all-year round, providing a unique experience into farmlife back in the 1800’s.
9. Flick Park
For a nice day in the sun, Flick Park is the place to be. This park is home to a wide array of activities for all family members to enjoy. A tropical garden, swimming pools, mini arboretum, picnic tables, and a variety of different sports facilities just to name a few.
10. Gallery Park
Illinois is known for its beautiful lakeside parks with Gallery Park being no exception. Home to Lake Glenview and vast open natural spaces, this park brings a sense of calm and serenity. It is the perfect place to sit and read a book. Or if you are feeling a bit more daring, paddle around the lake with a kayak or canoe. Boat season starts May 1st and ends October 1st.
11. Oil Lamp Theater
The Oil Lamp Theater was originally founded as an invitation-only theater group back in 2005. It has since grown into a boutique nonprofit venue that can seat up to 60 guests. They provide fresh baked cookies at each performance and have meet-and-mingles at the end with the actors.
CJ Plumbing & Heating is Glenview’s Premier Plumbing Company in Glenview, Illinois
With its rich history, diverse culture, and abundance of parks and recreational facilities, there is something for everyone in this vibrant community. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous outdoor experience or an educational day at the museum, Glenview has something to offer. If you’re exploring more of Chicago, be sure to read our blog for more neighborhood travel guides.
Here at CJ Plumbing & Heating, we’re Glenview’s go-to plumbing experts. We pride ourselves for being an award-winning, family-owned and operated plumbing company with over 30 years of experience throughout Chicagoland – Deerfield, Evanston, Lake Forest, Mundelein, Riverwoods, Schaumburg, Skokie, Wilmette, and much more.
Call 847-491-9828 or fill out our online contact form to request a free service quote.
