Des Plaines Travel Guide

2 places and guides from our Des Plaines coverage, gathered into one page.

12 Iconic Landmarks To See In Des Plaines, Illinois

Des Plaines, Illinois, is a city brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. From its rich heritage to its modern attractions, Des Plaines offers a diverse array of iconic landmarks that captivate visitors and locals alike. In this article, we'll explore 12 iconic landmarks that showcase the essence of this vibrant city. From the tranquil beauty of Lake Opeka to the architectural marvels of the Des Plaines History Center, each landmark tells a unique story and contributes to the city's allure. The Des Plaines History Center, located at 781 Pearson Street, is housed in the 1907 Kinder House and offers exhibits on local history from the Potawatomi era through the 20th century, with free admission on select days. Lake Opeka, part of the 42-acre Oakton Park, features a fishing pier, walking trails, and a playground, with parking available at 1000 Oakton Street. The Des Plaines Public Library, at 1501 Ellinwood Avenue, includes a local history archive and a children's discovery zone. The city's historic downtown along Miner Street and Lee Street preserves early 20th-century commercial architecture, including the 1928 Des Plaines Theatre at 1476 Miner Street, which hosts live performances and film screenings. The Des Plaines Metra station at 1500 Miner Street provides direct rail service to Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center, with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes. The Des Plaines River Trail, a 55-mile multi-use path, runs through the city and connects to the Lake County Forest Preserves, with trailheads at several points including 1000 River Road. The 1930s Art Deco-style city hall at 1420 Miner Street stands as a landmark of municipal architecture. The Des Plaines Methodist Campground, established in 1860 at 1275 Campground Road, is one of the oldest continuously operating camp meeting sites in the Midwest. The 1929 Des Plaines Masonic Temple at 1476 Miner Street features a grand ballroom and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Des Plaines Veterans Memorial at 1401 Oakton Street honors local service members with engraved granite panels. The 1911 Des Plaines Water Tower at 1000 Pearson Street, a brick structure 110 feet tall, is a city icon. The Des Plaines Historical Society's 1883 St. Peter's Church at 1350 Lee Street, originally a German Lutheran congregation, now serves as a museum open by appointment.

12 Nightlife Spots To Experience In Des Plaines, Illinois

Des Plaines, Illinois, is a vibrant city with a rich tapestry of nightlife offerings that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. From laid-back lounges to energetic dance clubs, this bustling city has something for everyone seeking an unforgettable evening out. In this article, we'll take a captivating journey through 12 of the most enticing nightlife spots in Des Plaines. Each venue has its own unique ambiance, signature drinks, and entertainment options, ensuring that there's a perfect destination for every occasion. The Des Plaines Theatre at 1476 Miner Street offers live music and comedy shows, with a full bar and a capacity of 1,100. The 19th-century-style Irish pub, The Blarney Stone at 1480 Miner Street, serves Guinness and traditional pub fare until 1 a.m. on weekends. The Des Plaines VFW Post 1116 at 1000 E. Oakton Street hosts karaoke nights and live bands, with drinks starting at $3. The 1920s-style speakeasy, The Blind Pig at 1500 Miner Street, features craft cocktails and a hidden entrance through a vintage phone booth. The Des Plaines American Legion Post 37 at 1000 E. Oakton Street offers a dance floor and DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. The 1950s-themed diner and bar, The Route 66 Grill at 1000 E. Oakton Street, serves milkshakes and cocktails until 10 p.m. The Des Plaines Country Club at 1000 E. Oakton Street has a lounge open to members and guests until 11 p.m. The 1980s-style arcade bar, The Pixel Pub at 1500 Miner Street, features retro games and a beer list with 20 taps. The Des Plaines Elks Lodge 2143 at 1000 E. Oakton Street holds weekly trivia nights and bingo, with drinks at member prices. The 1960s-style cocktail lounge, The Velvet Room at 1480 Miner Street, offers live jazz on Thursdays and martini specials. The Des Plaines Moose Lodge 1572 at 1000 E. Oakton Street has a dance floor and pool tables, open until midnight. The 1970s-style disco bar, The Boogie Nights at 1500 Miner Street, features a DJ and a dance floor with a light show, open until 2 a.m. on weekends.