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Places to visit in Elgin

THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Elgin, IL

Places to Visit in Elgin

Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Elgin

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • 3boysMichigan
    Redford, MI14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nicest library I have ever visited. I was impressed by the staff and resources. Beautiful scenery and lots of clean space to study.
    Written 17 November 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter F
    16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting and varied local museum with very helpful personal.
    There are various themes in the museum, I concentrated on the history of the Elgin watches and initial establishment of the town.
    Nice artéfacts, well laid out and explained.
    Great to see little local museums like this.
    Written 18 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kevin A
    Park City, IL1,320 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went to Lord's Park for the first time in 50 years and it was nice and it was amazing and how well they kept it up and for all those years and when you go through the zoo and it takes you about 10 minutes to go through the zoo. I liked the bison over there and the donkeys. So there's a little museum next to the zoo and I was going to go there and there was one lady and that just walked over there and she told me that it wasn't open so I didn't not take my nephew there and he liked it so much and that he wants to go there again.
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nelmuir
    Geneva, IL1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Elgin Symphony as always was outstanding.
    The two soloists, with amazing credentials from Broadway and aroung the world, brought us to our feet many times. I loved it and would happily go again for the same experience. What an inspiring afternoon. Bravo!! Encore!!
    Written 14 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sjssz
    Elgin, IL24 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a nice walk along the fox river. See geese and ducks, or fish if you enjoy doing that. Wildflowers grow along the Walton bridge. Enjoy a variety of restaurants and parks for the kids.
    Written 16 August 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GuatemalaCiclista
    Chicago, IL347 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Authentic feel. Not like most parks that have been Disneyfied. This is a real, brush my bare calves with grasses, nature walk. The only other folks out there were the studious environmental types classifying dragonflies. This trail ain't for the grandparents nor the rambunctious 5 year olds. It is peaceful and deserves quiet contemplation. Trail begins at the backend of the Bluff City Cemetery. There is an 8 car lot to park in. Please take out your trash.
    Written 12 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dee L
    Chicago, Illinois, United States80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In June of 2019, we had my son's 2nd birthday party. We had 11 kids and 20 adults. Bumblebee Play Café worked out perfect for our event! Since I am not that experienced throwing a party, I had a lot of questions, but they helped guide me through all my questions and the party turned out great!

    I was very happy that I could decorate however I wanted. They provided plates, table cloths, cups, etc. in the color choice I wanted, then I added my own banners, cutouts and balloons for a wonderful Puppy Dog Pals theme party.

    We had kids ages 2-12 and all had a great time. Also, the adults enjoyed themselves and lounged in the chairs in the play area when we weren't in the party room.

    We couldn't get the TV in the party room to work during our event, however I think that was probably a good thing. On top of the party package price, we had to also buy a lot of additional food because we had many adults. It added up a bit, but worth it after everyone was so full and enjoyed themselves. We even had almost 2 whole pizza's left to bring home, so we definitely over ordered. We did order the fruit platter, which ended up just being a medium size bowl of fruit and I didn't think it was worth the price. I would just stick to pizza if I had to do it again. They allowed me to bring in a cake from a bakery and I also made decorated sugar cookies to fit the theme. They did not say anything to me about bringing those in.

    After our party time ended, we moved our stuff to our cars, or the hallway and the kids enjoyed playing for another hour or so. I would recommend Bumblebee for a kids birthday for sure. It's great for them to run around and burn off steam and was a wonderful experience on hosting my 2nd ever bday party.
    Written 15 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tweety874
    Bartlett, IL285 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So glad they moved this event to the Fox River. Great place to enjoy all the art with lots of room to walk. Perfect weather.
    Written 5 August 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Biggiel H
    1 contribution
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The new restaurant (Chico's) is great, they should keep it open past the tournament. The more food options the better. Loved having more to choose from.
    Written 11 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Allen21096
    Chicago, IL26,861 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As we were driving to the Elgin Academy and the Laura Davidson Sears Academy of Fine Arts at Academy Place, we realized that there were more than a few old, beautiful homes in the area. Parking seemed a bit tight and for the streets, a GPS might be necessary. The Sears Academy hosted a dance recital from my granddaughter's pre-school. It was well laid out for a small theatre. We enjoyed watching her, and I think she enjoyed being on the stage.
    Written 8 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mommaof5kiddos
    Elgin, IL192 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not only amazing art but when there are downtown events, there is always some new to see and do at SS
    Written 3 January 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Klaus
    Niles, IL773 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recently we stopped by the Elgin Fire Barn for a visit. I made the mistake of not getting an update on their hours of operation and they were closed--but at least we got the chance to look over the outside, and checked out the inside through a larger, well-placed window. Since our previous visit they added (and/or changed) the fire trucks on display. Also in checking their web site, they offer souvineers and other ways to help support the museum in addition to the more standard things (like hours of operation, directions, etc.) typically found on web sites. So--they're definitely making progress on the development of both the museum itself and how it's represented on the Internet. It's gratifying to see such good efforts put into preserving history! Recommended visit for both families as well as history enthusiasts.
    Written 4 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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