Northwest Suburbs Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and more in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago with our guide.


Introduction to Northwest Suburbs

Located in the Chicagoland area of Illinois, the Northwest Suburbs offer the perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Whether you are looking to explore the outdoors, discover the local culture, or simply relax, you will find a variety of activities and attractions to suit your interests. This guide will take you through the best things to see, do, eat, and explore in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.

List of Places to Visit in Northwest Suburbs

Here are some of the top attractions to visit in the Northwest Suburbs:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Arlington Heights Historical Museum
  2. Raupp Museum
  3. Elgin History Museum
  4. The Grove

Natural Attractions of Northwest Suburbs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Busse Woods
  2. Deer Grove Forest Preserve
  3. Volo Bog State Natural Area
  4. Paul Douglas Forest Preserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northwest Suburbs

The Northwest Suburbs offer many trails and paths that are perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best include:

  1. Salt Creek Trail
  2. Des Plaines River Trail
  3. Prairie Trail
  4. Fox River Trail

Best Things to Do in Northwest Suburbs: Activities and Tours

  1. Go shopping at Woodfield Mall or the Streets of Woodfield
  2. Visit the Schaumburg Boomers Stadium for a baseball game
  3. Attend the Long Grove Strawberry Festival
  4. Take a balloon ride with Fox Valley Balloon Rides

Week-Long Itinerary for Northwest Suburbs

Day 1: Visit the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and enjoy lunch at Jameson’s Charhouse.

Day 2: Explore Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village and have dinner at Rosebud Old World Italian.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Volo Bog State Natural Area and try the delicious meals at Praire Rock Brewing Company.

Day 4: Visit the Raupp Museum in Buffalo Grove and have lunch at Gianni’s Cafe.

Day 5: Spend the afternoon at the Schaumburg Boomers Stadium and have dinner at Chandler’s Chophouse.

Day 6: Take a hot air balloon ride with Fox Valley Balloon Rides and explore the beautiful views.

Day 7: Relax at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve and enjoy local craft brews at Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co.

Food and Drink Scene of Northwest Suburbs

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Italian Beef from Portillo’s
  2. Chicago-Style Hot Dog from Gene and Jude’s
  3. Deep-Dish Pizza from Lou Malnati’s
  4. Tavern-Style Pizza from Rosati’s

Local Beverages

  1. Chicago-style craft beer from Hofbrahaus and More Brewing Co.
  2. Unique drinks like “The 1920” at Punch Bowl Social
  3. Famous cocktails from CH Distillery in Chicago

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

  1. Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
  2. Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
  3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Arlington Heights

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

  1. T-Shirts and merchandise from Woodfield Mall
  2. Craft beer and spirits from local breweries and distilleries
  3. Local produce from farmers’ markets

Local Culture and Customs of Northwest Suburbs

The Northwest Suburbs of Chicago are a melting pot of cultures and customs. It’s essential to keep in mind that the area is known for its friendly, welcoming vibe.

Best Time to Visit Northwest Suburbs

The best time to visit the Northwest Suburbs is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the area is full of life, and visitors can get the most out of outdoor activities and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northwest Suburbs

Do:

  1. Do try local and unique restaurants.
  2. Attend local events and festivals.
  3. Visit local wineries and breweries.
  4. Do tip your waiters and bartenders.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter, respect the local community.
  2. Don’t be overly aggressive when haggling prices.
  3. Don’t be too loud or obnoxious in public spaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northwest Suburbs

Overall, the Northwest Suburbs are a relatively safe area. Visitors should still take necessary precautions, such as keeping valuables well-disguised and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Northwest Suburbs

There are numerous health facilities throughout the Northwest Suburbs, so visitors can feel confident in receiving assistance quickly when needed.

Getting to Northwest Suburbs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to the Northwest Suburbs by air, bus, or train via O’Hare International Airport, the Metra Commuter Rail System, and several bus routes.

Airports Near Northwest Suburbs

  1. O’Hare International Airport
  2. Chicago Executive Airport

Bus Stations Near Northwest Suburbs

  1. Pace Bus
  2. Greyhound

Other Options

  1. Uber or Lyft
  2. Taxi cabs
  3. Car rental services

How to Get Around in Northwest Suburbs

Getting around the Northwest Suburbs is easy with the many transportation options available. Visitors can take the Metra Commuter Rail System, several bus routes, Uber or Lyft rideshare services, taxi cabs, or rent a car.

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

  1. Chicago
  2. Milwaukee
  3. Rockford

Conclusion

With so much to see, do, and enjoy in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable time. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, cultural heritage, or just relaxing, this guide has covered all there is to know about visiting the Northwest Suburbs.



    Deerfield
    Des Plaines
    Elk Grove Village
    Itasca
    Morton Grove
    Mount Prospect
    Niles
    Park Ridge
    Roselle
    Rosemont
    Schaumburg
    Schiller Park
    Wood Dale