Part of our Illinois guide.
Wheaton, Illinois, offers Cantigny Park, the First Division Museum, Cosley Zoo, Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, and the Wheaton French Market as its standout attractions. The city’s heritage and beauty are best experienced through these landmarks, not through sites in neighboring towns.
Related travel guides: 34 Must Visit Places In Joliet, Downers Grove Travel Guide, Bloomington Travel Guide, and 9 Family-Friendly Activities In Evanston, Illinois.
8 Iconic Landmarks To See In Wheaton, Illinois
Wheaton’s iconic landmarks showcase its history and culture. Cantigny Park features the First Division Museum, which details the history of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. Cosley Zoo, a small family-friendly zoo, is another key stop, and the Wheaton French Market runs seasonally, offering local produce and goods. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve provides trails and lake access within Wheaton’s boundaries.
30 Must Visit Places In Wheaton
Wheaton offers a mix of history, nature, and culture. The DuPage County Historical Museum, housed in a former library building, covers local history from the 19th century onward. Cantigny’s formal gardens and the First Division Museum’s tank park are within walking distance of each other. Cosley Zoo, open year-round, features native Illinois wildlife and farm animals. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve offers fishing, canoeing, and over five miles of trails. The Wheaton French Market, held on Saturday mornings from May through October, includes vendors selling baked goods, flowers, and crafts.
11 Unique Museums To Explore In Wheaton, Illinois
Wheaton’s museums offer a glimpse into the area’s history and culture. The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park is the most prominent, with indoor exhibits on World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, plus an outdoor tank park. The DuPage County Historical Museum, located at 102 E. Wesley Street, focuses on the county’s settlement and industrial growth. Other museums in Wheaton include the Billy Graham Museum, which documents the evangelist’s life and ministry, and the Wheaton College Science Center, which houses natural history collections. For those curious about Chicago lingo: words and phrases unique to the region, the local museums occasionally touch on the area’s dialect and immigrant history.
