Elk Grove Village Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, activities to do, and important information you need to know when visiting Elk Grove Village in Chicago.


Introduction to Elk Grove Village

Nestled in the Chicagoland area in the Northwest Suburbs of Illinois, Elk Grove Village is a vibrant community featuring natural attractions, an array of cultural attractions, and impressive parks. This small village offers everything you need – from outdoor activities to cultural excursions – that make it an excellent destination for visitors of all ages.

List of Places to Visit in Elk Grove Village

For travelers visiting Elk Grove Village, there are exciting attractions that are worth exploring and discovering. Below is a list of some of the best places to visit in Elk Grove Village.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Elk Grove Historical Museum – The Elk Grove Historical Museum exhibits the history of Elk Grove Village and features cultural artifacts dating back to the 19th century.
  • Bensenville Historical Society – Located in Bensenville, a neighboring village to Elk Grove, the Bensenville Historical Society exhibits the history of local immigrants from central Europe, including German and Czech communities.

Natural Attractions of Elk Grove Village: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Busse Woods – Elk Grove Village – This immense forest preserves offers a vast array of hiking and biking trails.
  • Rainbow Falls Waterpark – If you want to make a splash, Rainbow Fall Waterpark is an excellent place to cool off from the sun, and enjoy an array of water attractions.
  • Elk Grove Park – This park features walking trails, bike paths, an aquatic center, and a skate park.
  • Fox Run Golf Links – If you love golfing, Fox Run Golf Links offers excellent courses that allow golfers to enjoy the scenic beauty of Elk Grove Village.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village is an excellent destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The village boasts several scenic trails that offer a blend of natural beauty and breathtaking views. Some of the best hiking and biking routes to explore in Elk Grove Village are:

  • Busse Woods Trail – This trail features over 11 miles of asphalt trail and 8 miles of unpaved trails.
  • Salt Creek Trail – This trail is about 35 miles long and stretches from Busse Woods to Brookfield Zoo.

Best Things to Do in Elk Grove Village: Activities and Tours

Besides the natural and cultural attractions, there are other exciting things that visitors can do while in Elk Grove Village. Below are some of the best activities to enjoy while in the village:

  • Go-Karting at K1 Speed – Go-kart enthusiasts can get their share of excitement by visiting K1 Speed and enjoy high-speed karting.
  • Escape Artistry – If you love mystery and adventure, Escape Artistry puzzles rooms will test your puzzle-solving abilities.
  • Forest Preserve District of Cook County Stargazing Events – Bring your telescope and head to the Busse Woods Boating Center to enjoy the beautiful night sky.

Week-Long Itinerary for Elk Grove Village

To make the most out of your visit to Elk Grove Village, we have prepared an itinerary for you to explore the village’s attractions fully.

Day Activity
1 Visit the Elk Grove Historical Museum and explore the village
2 Head to Busse Woods Trail and enjoy hiking and biking
3 Visit Fox Run Golf Links and enjoy a round or two of golf
4 Visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark and cool off from the sun
5 Explore the Salt Creek Trail and experience the natural beauty while hiking
6 Enjoy go-karting at K1 Speed and speed through the tracks
7 Visit an Escape Artistry puzzle room and have fun solving puzzles

Food and Drink Scene of Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village boasts a diverse food and drink scene featuring unique restaurants and bars. There are plenty of food options to satisfy your palate, including traditional American dishes, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and more.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Italian Beef at Portillo’s – Portillo’s serves one of the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago.
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Lou Malnati’s serves some of the most delicious deep-dish pizzas in Chicago.
  • Mexican Cuisine at Truco Taqueria – For those who love Mexican cuisine, Truco Taqueria is an excellent place to grab a bite.

Local Beverages

  • The Elk Grove Village Beer Garden – Enjoy a cold beer while soaking in the sunshine in the Elk Grove Village Beer Garden.

Where to Stay in Elk Grove Village: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Elk Grove Village features a broad range of accommodation options, suitable for all budgets and tastes. Whether you’re looking for comfortable hotels, hostels or guesthouses, you will find everything you need in Elk Grove Village.

  • Wyndham Garden Elk Grove Village – This hotel offers comfortable rooms accompanied by top-notch amenities.
  • Holiday Inn Itasca – With its unique, stylish design, the Holiday Inn Itasca is another excellent hotel option in Elk Grove Village.

What to Buy in Elk Grove Village: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to get some souvenirs or local products to bring home, Elk Grove Village offers plenty of unique shops and boutiques. Below are some of the best places to find souvenirs and local products in Elk Grove Village:

  • Olde Schaumburg Centre Farmers Market – If you’re visiting Elk Grove over the weekend, head to this farmers market on Saturdays to shop for locally grown produce, baked goods, and more.
  • La Casa del Camino – La Casa del Camino is an excellent little shop featuring imported handicrafts, home décor, and other unique gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village is a friendly and welcoming village, and the culture is heavily influenced by the surrounding Midwest region. Residents are proud of their diverse culture, and visitors are welcomed with open arms.

Best Time to Visit Elk Grove Village

The best time to visit Elk Grove Village is in the summer when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Additionally, summers offer plenty of festivals and outdoor events that are unique to the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Elk Grove Village

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions and treat locals with respect.
  • Take care of the environment and follow the rules in natural areas.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disregard the environment.
  • Disturb the peace of the serene community.

Safety and Health

Safety in Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village is relatively safe, and there are no particular safety issues that you should worry about. However, take the necessary precautions when visiting touristy areas and follow your usual travel safety practices.

Health in Elk Grove Village

There are no significant health issues to worry about in Elk Grove Village. However, visitors should carry their health insurance wherever they go, as medical treatments in the United States can become expensive.

Getting to Elk Grove Village: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village is located just a few miles from O’Hare International Airport, making it accessible for visitors flying into the city.

Bus Stations Near Elk Grove Village

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses serve Elk Grove Village, allowing visitors to explore the village and neighboring regions easily.

Other Options

Visitors can also take cabs, rent a car, or use ride-sharing services to navigate the village comfortably.

How to Get Around in Elk Grove Village

Visitors can comfortably navigate Elk Grove Village on foot, bike, or by car. There are also shuttle services within the village and public transport options that can help you explore the best places in Elk Grove Village.

Where to Go Next from Elk Grove Village: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Elk Grove Village is located in close proximity to neighboring areas and cities that visitors often explore. Some of the top destinations to explore after visiting Elk Grove Village include:

  • Chicago – Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and home to iconic attractions such as Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and more.
  • Brookfield Zoo – Located just a few miles from Elk Grove Village, Brookfield Zoo features over 3,000 exotic animals.

Conclusion

Elk Grove Village is a hidden treasure in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, offering an array of attractions and activities for all types of visitors. With its vast natural beauty, diverse culinary scene, and exciting cultural attractions, it’s no wonder that Elk Grove Village is quickly emerging as one of the top destinations in the United States. Visit Elk Grove Village today and enjoy the best of what the village has to offer.