Inner Suburbs Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, and things to do in Chicagoland's Inner Suburbs. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary, transportation options, and safety tips.


Introduction to Inner Suburbs

Welcome to Inner Suburbs, a region within Chicagoland and an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of urban and suburban experiences. Located in Illinois, in the Midwest region of the United States of America, Inner Suburbs offers a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Inner Suburbs

Here are our top recommendations for places to visit in Inner Suburbs:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park
  • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum in Oak Park
  • Elmhurst Art Museum in Elmhurst
  • DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton
  • Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook
  • Cantigny Park and First Division Museum in Wheaton

Natural Attractions of Inner Suburbs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien
  • Morton Arboretum in Lisle
  • Illinois Prairie Path (hiking and biking trail) in Wheaton
  • Fox River Trail (hiking and biking trail) in Aurora
  • Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield

Hiking/Biking Routes of Inner Suburbs

Inner Suburbs offers a variety of hiking and biking routes, including the Illinois Prairie Path and the Fox River Trail.

Illinois Prairie Path

The Illinois Prairie Path is a 61-mile hiking and biking trail that stretches from Wheaton to Aurora. The trail passes through scenic landscapes, historic towns, and natural preserves. It offers multiple access points and is suitable for all skill levels.

Fox River Trail

The Fox River Trail is a 43-mile trail that runs along the Fox River from Algonquin to Aurora. The trail passes through forests, parks, and historic downtown areas. It is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Best Things to Do in Inner Suburbs: Activities and Tours

  • Take a walking tour of the historic homes in Oak Park
  • Attend a show or concert at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles
  • Visit the Naper Settlement in Naperville to learn about local history
  • Take a tasting tour of the local breweries and wineries
  • Go shopping at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook or Yorktown Center in Lombard

Week-Long Itinerary for Inner Suburbs

Day 1: Explore the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum in Oak Park.

Day 2: Take a trip to the Brookfield Zoo and then head to Elmhurst for dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 3: Go hiking or biking on the Illinois Prairie Path, followed by a visit to the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton.

Day 4: Visit the Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook before heading to Cantigny Park and First Division Museum in Wheaton.

Day 5: Spend the day at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Day 6: Take a tasting tour of the local breweries and wineries.

Day 7: Go shopping at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook or Yorktown Center in Lombard.

Food and Drink Scene of Inner Suburbs

Inner Suburbs offers a diverse food and drink scene, with something to please every palate.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Italian beef sandwich
  • Chicago-style hot dog
  • Deep dish pizza
  • Polish sausage
  • Ribeye steak

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer from Two Brothers Brewing Company in Warrenville
  • Wine from Lynfred Winery in Roselle
  • Tea from David’s Tea in Oakbrook

Where to Stay in Inner Suburbs: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Inner Suburbs offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.

Luxury Hotels

  • The Drake Hotel in Oak Brook
  • The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook
  • The Westin Chicago Lombard in Lombard

Mid-Range Hotels

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook in Oak Brook
  • Hilton Garden Inn Naperville/Warrenville in Warrenville
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville in Naperville

Budget Hotels

  • Motel 6 Chicago West - Villa Park
  • Red Roof Inn Chicago - Downers Grove
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Aurora/Naperville Area

What to Buy in Inner Suburbs: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Chocolate from Grahams Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream in Geneva
  • Wine or craft beer from a local winery or brewery
  • Cheese from Cabot Creamery in Schaumburg

Local Culture and Customs of Inner Suburbs

Inner Suburbs is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history and diverse community. The area is known for its architecture, food, and arts scene.

Best Time to Visit Inner Suburbs

The best time to visit Inner Suburbs is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Inner Suburbs

Do:

  • Take a walking tour of the historic homes in Oak Park
  • Go hiking or biking on the Illinois Prairie Path
  • Visit the local wineries and breweries
  • Try the deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dog

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local traffic laws
  • Forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
  • Skip the chance to try a Polish sausage

Safety and Health

Safety in Inner Suburbs

Inner Suburbs is generally a safe area for travelers, but it is important to take precautions against theft and other crimes. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep your valuables out of sight.

Health in Inner Suburbs

Inner Suburbs has quality medical facilities and hospitals. It is important to have travel insurance and bring any necessary prescriptions or medical supplies with you.

Getting to Inner Suburbs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Inner Suburbs is easily accessible by car, bus, and train.

Airports Near Inner Suburbs

  • O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Midway International Airport (MDW)

Bus Stations Near Inner Suburbs

  • Greyhound Bus Lines in Chicago
  • Burlington Trailways in Aurora

Other Options

  • Amtrak trains from Chicago to Aurora
  • Metra trains from Chicago to various Inner Suburbs stops

How to Get Around in Inner Suburbs

The best way to get around Inner Suburbs is by car, but there are also plenty of options for public transportation, including buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Inner Suburbs: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Geneva, Illinois

Conclusion

Inner Suburbs is a hidden gem within Chicagoland, offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and history. From outdoor adventures to culinary delights, there is something for every traveler in Inner Suburbs. Plan your trip today and experience all that this region has to offer.