Places to Go and Things to Do Near Wheaton College

Blackwell Forest Preserve: Warrenville Rd. off of Butterfield, Warrenville. Year round sports activities, including swimming in a man-made lake, boating, camping, picnicking and some winter sports. Entrance fee. .

Cantigny Park: 1S-151 Winfield Rd. south of Roosevelt Rd. 668-5185. Picnic grounds, First Division Military Museum, Freedom Museum, Robert R. McCormick Museum and formal gardens of Colonel McCormick open to the public from 7 A.M. until dark. Mansion tours Tues.- Sun. 10-5. Concerts Sunday afternoons. $7 parking fee.

Centennial Beach: Located in downtown Naperville. Large sand beach and unique swimming area/waterslide. Almost 6 acres of fence-enclosed area.

College of DuPage: 22nd St. and Lambert Rd., Glen Ellyn. 630-942-2800. In addition to a variety of courses available, the McAninch Arts Center presents a complete calendar of events, including concerts by the New Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. DuPage County residents have library privileges.

Coral Cove Water Park: 849. W. Lies Rd. Carol Stream, (630) 784-6100. This facility boasts two awesome tube waterslides – the tallest in DuPage County, a deep-water plunge pool with a drop-slide and diving board, a large walk-in swimming pool, an interactive water playground, a sand play village, a spray-n-playground for tots, a grassy sun hill and large patio deck with chairs for relaxing, Five Star Lifeguard Safety Rating, poolside cafe operated by RoccoVinos Restuarant (menu items include pizza, salads, drinks and ice cream.) Coral Cove does not allow outside food to be brought into the facility. Season passes available for purchase or pay per day.

Cosley Zoo: 1356 Gary Ave. just south of Jewell Rd. Wheaton 630-665-5534. A small park/zoo with animals, nature and wildlife areas, museum and picnic area. Open in the summer 9-9, in the winter 9-4. Free!

Coyote Crossing Miniature Golf: Located in West Chicago, ages three and up golf for $5

Danada Equestrian Center: Naperville Rd just south of Butterfield. Horse farm including hay-rides in the summer and fall, and sleigh rides in the winter.

DuPage Historical Museum: Corner of Wesley and Main Sts., Wheaton. 630-682-7343. Has many local historical artifacts displayed in settings typical of the times. The building itself has an interesting history. Ask for information about the model railroaders club that has a set-up in the basement. Self-guided tours are free.

FrenchMarket: Runs Saturday from April through October from 8:00am-2:00pm. Located near downtown Wheaton at Main and Liberty. Highly recommended. Numerous vendors sell baked goods, jewelry, fruit and vegetables, and flowers.

Herrick Lake: Butterfield and Herrick Rds., Warrenville. Canoe and row boat rental, as well as beautiful picnicking and hiking.

Hoffman Park: 599 N Prospect St, Wheaton. Ball field, soccer field, grass fields, tot lot, playground.

The Illinois Prairie Path: Lovely walking and biking trail running from Elmhurst through Wheaton and then branching off in two directions, one toward Elgin and one toward Aurora. Pick it up alongside the Chicago and Northwestern tracks.

Klein Creek Farm: County Farm Rd. in Winfield. An 1890’s living history museum featuring many seasonal special events. Open Thurs.-Mon. 9-5.

MemorialPark: Hale St. and Seminary Ave. (downtown), Wheaton. Small park with bandshell where the WheatonMunicipal Band plays every Thursday night throughout the summer.

Morton Arboretum: Rt. 53 S. Lisle (almost to the East-West toll-way – I88). 630- 19-2400. A 1700 acre park with 14 miles of trails to enjoy. Offers a wide variety of trees and shrubs in beautiful settings. Springtime blossoms and brilliant autumn colors are worth seeing. No biking. Lovely arboretum gift shop, café and restaurant open 11-3. A new children’s garden is also a must-see for anyone with young kids – very informative and fun, complete with playgrounds, water play, interpretive centers, and more.

Northside Park: North end of West St., Wheaton. Swimming pool open from June until September, with season passes available to residents at reduced prices. Picnic tables (reserve for large groups at the Park District office), tennis courts, baseball diamonds and a sledding hill. The lagoon is also used for ice skating in the winter.

Rice Pool and Water Park: 1777 S. Blanchard Rd. 653-8884. This facility boasts a large, “zero-depth” pool with separate diving area and lap lanes. Three large water slides, volleyball and sand play area as well as baby pool with fountains and a waterfall are available to patrons. Season passes available for purchase or pay per day.

Turtle Splash Water Park : 129 W National Street in West Chicago. This facility boasts a 12' Pool Waterfall, Body Flume Slide (42" height requirement),Tube Slide (42" height requirement), 35' Twisting Tube Slide (42" height requirement), Interactive Water Toys Playground System , Tot Slide, 25 Yard Lap Pool, Water / Sand Playground Area, Concession Stand. Season passes available for purchase or pay per day.

Wheaton Park District: Office located at 666 S. Main St. 665-4710. The park district maintains many parks in Wheaton and offers a wide variety of classes ranging from ballet and karate to cooking and first aid. Winfield, West Chicago, and other towns also offer an array of courses through their park districts.

Wheaton Public Library: 225 N. Cross St. 668-1374. Lovely extensive library with many services. Story hours for 3-5 year olds on weekdays and movies for children on Saturdays. Ask to have your library card stamped for use in other DuPage County libraries. Winfield, West Chicago and others have quality libraries with a variety of programs as well. It is also certainly worth a trip to the enormous Schaumburg library.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center: 2S101 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn (near College of DuPage). 630-942-6200. Shelter for injured or abandoned wildlife; animals are cared for, treated and released back to the wild when possible. Indoor and outdoor viewing areas on short trails; small picnic area.