Attractions and Places To See around Elk Grove Village - Top 20

Elk Grove Village is rich in natural beauty. A prominent feature is the expansive Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), spanning 3,700 acres with over 12 miles of paved trails and extensive waterways. Within Busse Woods, you'll find Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, a large reservoir popular for boating and fishing. The preserve also hosts a unique elk pasture where you can observe a herd of elk.

Yes, Elk Grove Village offers several family-friendly attractions. Beyond the natural exploration at Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which is great for all ages, the area features Rainbow Falls Water Park with slides and pools, and Pirates Cove Children's Theme Park, designed for imaginative play for children aged two to nine. The Jack A. Claes Pavilion Community Center also has an aquatics center and an indoor playground.

The area around Elk Grove Village is excellent for hiking and cycling. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) offers nearly 13 miles of paved trails suitable for both activities. For more hiking options, you can explore routes like the moderate Busse Woods Red Loop Trail or easier paths such as the Red Paved Loop and Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary loop. Find more details and routes on the Hiking around Elk Grove Village guide.

For a glimpse into local history, visit the Elk Grove Historical Museum. It features an orientation center, a mid-1800s farmhouse (the Schuette farmhouse), an 1880 barn, and other outbuildings, offering insights into the village's development. Additionally, the historic Elk Grove Cemetery, with graves dating back over 200 years, provides a quiet reflection on the area's past.

Absolutely. Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, located within Busse Woods, is a prime spot for both. The 457-acre Busse Reservoir is one of the largest boating and fishing areas in Cook County, offering rentals for rowboats, electric motorboats, canoes, and kayaks from April to October. The Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge is also a popular spot for anglers.

Yes, wildlife viewing is a highlight, particularly at Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods). The preserve is home to a 17-acre enclosed pasture where you can observe a herd of elk, descendants of elk brought from Yellowstone National Park. The extensive natural areas also provide habitats for various bird species and other local wildlife.

Beyond the well-known Busse Woods, consider visiting the Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park. Situated across from the Spring Valley Nature Center, this 20-acre park features over a dozen works of art spread across meadows and forests, offering a unique blend of nature and culture.

Yes, golfers can enjoy Fox Run Golf Links, an 18-hole golf course set on 124 acres. It offers a challenging experience for players and includes a renovated clubhouse with a Pro Shop and the Fox Den bar and grill.

For mountain biking, the area offers routes like the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve Loop and the Busse Woods Red Loop Trail. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore longer routes such as the Des Plaines River Trail loops. You can find more detailed routes and guides on the MTB Trails around Elk Grove Village and Gravel biking around Elk Grove Village pages.

While specific public transport routes to every attraction can vary, many areas within Elk Grove Village are accessible. For instance, Busse Woods has multiple access points, and local bus services may connect to parts of the village. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching specific destinations.

Visitors frequently praise the extensive natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The scenic views from Busse Lake — North and Main Pools and the Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge are highly appreciated. The vast network of paved trails within Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) is a favorite for cycling and walking, and the unique experience of seeing the elk herd is often highlighted.

The paved trails within Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. These trails offer access to scenic views of the lake and forest, providing an inclusive outdoor experience.