Suburban Chicago: a tourist perspective (Naperville, Joliet: house, shop, garden)

[edsg25]

In some metropolitan areas, the number of prime tourist sites in the suburbs (or at least outside city limits) is enormous, often on par with the city itself.

i'd say that places like LA, the Bay Area, Miami, and Orlando prove that to be true.

chicagoland, on the other hand, appears to be heavily dependent on the city as a tourist attraction. we here in the suburbs always get friends and family from out-of-town to visit and they all want to get into the city and enjoy its attractions.

i'd say the vast amount of suburbanites know how lucky we are to have Chicago and appreciate that we are part of the metro area.

but suburban Chicago does have its own charms. and they are well worth a trip for those who come to Chicago. Getting out of the city makes far more sense than most tourists spreading cash on Michigan Avenue or at Navy Pier realize.

if you were to pick the top ten places in Chicagoland's suburbs that are worth the trip for tourists, what would they be?

[Maintainschaos]

The Baha'i temple in Wilmette is pretty amazing.

[Rlest8]

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, if during the season Ravinia in Highland Park for a show and perhaps a drive by or around Northwestern's beautiful campus in Evanston.

[sfcambridge]

Frank Lloyd Wright homes and Unity Temple in Oak Park.

[NorCal Dude]

Metro areas with scattered attractions usually have a less cohesive core, like the areas listed.

I'd go with any north shore burb that has a beach that is not private or what ever. Burbs along the fox river for fishing. Schaumburg for shopping- do they still have minor league baseball there? Can't rule out Naperville I suppose as that flagship middle class burb with nightlife. They really seem to have made a name for themselves in the last 15-20 years. Oh and Rosemont for a Wolves IHL hockey game too. Oh and of course, River Grove... for the Gene and Jude's.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by Rlest8

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, if during the season Ravinia in Highland Park for a show and perhaps a drive by or around Northwestern's beautiful campus in Evanston.

nice North Shore round up. How about connecting them all by including the ride up Sheridan Road.....that one can be a real eye popper.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by NorCal Dude

Metro areas with scattered attractions usually have a less cohesive core, like the areas listed.

I'd go with any north shore burb that has a beach that is not private or what ever. Burbs along the fox river for fishing. Schaumburg for shopping- do they still have minor league baseball there? Can't rule out Naperville I suppose as that flagship middle class burb with nightlife. They really seem to have made a name for themselves in the last 15-20 years. Oh and Rosemont for a Wolves IHL hockey game too. Oh and of course, River Grove... for the Gene and Jude's.

those Fox River towns (particularly Geneva and St. Charles) make it as the heart of the "Charm Belt".......wonderful victorian type settings, fun type of shopping.

[urza216]

The Al Capone house in Chicago Heights? The Blues Brothers Mall before they tear it down?

How about Statesville in Joliet? The original Aureleo's pizza in Homewood?

[Alacran]

Six flags.
Forest preserves
Malls

[middle-aged mom]

Indiana Dunes in August when the lake is glass and the views are forever....