There are many places to see and things to do in Westmont. The village is located in DuPage County, Illinois. It has a population of 24,685 as of 2010. The community is 18 miles west of Chicago and is situated in the southeastern portion of the county. In 2010, the village had a total area of 5.03 square miles.
Morton Arboretum
Visit the sprawling outdoor museum known as the Morton Arboretum in Westmont, Illinois, to see a collection of more than 220,000 plants and 4,100 different varieties of trees. Founded by Joy Morton, the Arboretum focuses on preserving and celebrating nature and its beauty. There are various programs and exhibits for all ages, including tree-related science. The Arboretum also hosts Arbor Day celebrations.
The Arboretum’s buildings and grounds are open year-round. You can visit the Arboretum on any day except for Christmas Eve, when it closes at 3 p.m. Service animals are welcome. Groups can receive special rates and discounts. If you have a group, consider visiting the Arboretum.
For families, the Arboretum’s Children’s Garden encourages hands-on learning while exploring the arboretum’s diverse collections of trees. Children can also book a one-hour tour aboard the Acorn Express. The Arboretum also offers several paved trails throughout the landscape. During the winter, cross-country skiing remains a popular activity for arboretum guests. The Arboretum is also home to a Gateway to Tree Science exhibit that teaches visitors about tree biology. There is also a wood-chipped trail for viewing the arboretum’s tree specimen plantings.
With the arboretum’s outdoor attractions, visitors can enjoy a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Arboretum is also home to the award-winning Children’s Garden and the Maze Garden. The grounds also feature 16 miles of hiking trails. There are also classes for children and adults alike. Visitors are required to pay a timed entry fee, but it takes just a few minutes to complete.
Willowbrook Wildlife Center
The Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a great place for animal and nature lovers. It has an educational center and a wildlife rehabilitation center where visitors can learn about different species of animals and birds. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, so you can expect to have a great experience.
There are several outdoor spaces to explore in Westmont, including parks, preserves, and protected wildlife. Hiking trails and scenic overlooks provide great opportunities for wildlife viewing. The nearby Hidden Lake Forest Preserve is also a great place for outdoor adventures. This natural area features a 15-acre lake and a 10-acre pond. Hikers can also enjoy a river and bird watching.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore the city, Westmont offers many outdoor activities. There are many parks, nature preserves, and historic sites. The town of Westmont is close to Chicago, so it’s easy to visit the city or the surrounding suburbs.
Gregg House Museum
Located in Westmont, Illinois, the Gregg House Museum is a great place to visit for families and visitors alike. The museum is open to the public from February to December. It recounts the history of the Westmont community, including the daily lives of residents more than a century ago.
Located about 22 miles west of the Chicago Loop, Westmont continues to grow and attract new residents. Originally home to the Pottawattamie Indians, the town has a rich history and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Westmont also boasts some of the best public schools in the state. It is also home to many unique places to visit and to shop. A visit to downtown Westmont offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities.
Twin Lakes Woods
If you’re in the mood for some nature walks, head to Twin Lakes Woods. This natural preserve is popular especially during the fall, when you can take haunted hayrides through the woods. The muddied pond is the perfect spot for fishing, and in the spring, you can look for blooming flowers. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you can also check out the Twin Lakes Golf Course Club House.
The Twin Lakes Woods golf course is a municipal course located on 25 acres of rolling hills and woods. The course has a clubhouse with snacks and refreshments, and offers golf cart rentals. The course is about a half-hour walk from downtown Westmont.
Muddy Waters (1913-83), the world-renowned blues guitarist, made his home in Westmont. In 1959, the town’s Park District purchased Veterans Memorial Park from the American Legion for public use. The park includes two playgrounds, a sand play area, lighted baseball and soccer fields, and a sand volleyball court. The park is also known for its peaceful view of winding paths.
In October, the Westmont Park District will hold a Halloween event. The event will cost $18 per person and is open to the public. There will be concessions available and the event will end around 8 p.m. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, the Westmont Park District encourages people to wear a costume.
Waterfall Glen
If you’re interested in nature, you’ll want to visit Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in southern DuPage County, Illinois. The forest preserve is home to several waterfalls on Sawmill Creek, which empties into the Des Plaines River. It’s also a popular place for families to go for hikes, bike rides, and picnics.
The 9.5-mile trail offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and trail running. The area is also a popular place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are also trails for people with pets. If you’re unsure where to begin, there are maps available.
There are several picnic areas at Waterfall Glen. There’s also a picnic shelter near the Des Plaines River. The easiest way to access this area is from the Lemont Road parking lot. There are also several restrooms on site. If you’re bringing your dog, be sure to keep it on a leash no longer than 10 feet.
Waterfall Glen Park has a picnic shelter and grill, as well as a lighted walking path. The park is one of the most ecologically diverse places in Northern Illinois. There are 11 miles of trails that will take you through the park. Visitors can also explore the high-tech Argonne National Laboratory and the historic cemetery. In addition to waterfalls, the area is also home to a bowling alley called Suburbanite Bowling. You can bowl in leagues, or play open bowling.
Whether you enjoy hiking or biking, you’ll find the perfect place to enjoy nature in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The 2,503-acre preserve is one of the most popular destinations in DuPage County.
