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Arlington Heights is a village of about 77,000 people in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, about 25 miles from the Loop. It grew up around a railroad station in the 1850s as a farming community, took its present name in the 1870s and became one of the larger commuter suburbs in the region after World War II, with a lively downtown clustered around its Metra station.
For most of a century the village was known for Arlington Park, the famous thoroughbred racetrack that opened in 1927 and closed in 2021. Today visitors come mainly for downtown Arlington Heights, with its restaurants, outdoor dining and the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and for the village's many parks.
Lake Arlington offers a lakeside loop path and boat rentals, Kingsbridge Arboretum is a quiet green corner, and the Arlington Heights Historical Museum preserves the village's past. Mitsuwa Marketplace, a large Japanese market and food court, draws food lovers from across the region, and the Frontier Days festival fills summer weekends.
A compact, walkable downtown around the Metra station, with dozens of restaurants, outdoor patios, bakeries, bars and independent shops. Summer brings sidewalk dining, a farmers market and street events. Take the train from Chicago and stroll Vail Avenue and Campbell Street for lunch or dinner.
A professional theater in downtown Arlington Heights presenting musicals, plays, concerts and comedy, along with a performing arts school. The intimate auditorium gives good views from every seat. Pair a show with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants and check the season calendar online.
A park district golf course with an 18-hole layout set around ponds and gentle hills, a driving range and a clubhouse. It is open to the public and suits players of most levels, with reasonable rates. Book tee times in advance on summer weekends, and bring water on hot days.
A local history museum run by the park district in historic homes near downtown, including the restored Muller House, with period rooms, changing exhibits on the village's growth and a historic coach house. It is a short visit that explains how the farm village became a suburb. Check hours before going.
A park district lake with a paved path of about two miles around the water, popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. In season you can rent paddle boats or kayaks, and the boathouse has restrooms and a playground nearby. Look for geese and herons on early morning walks.
A small park district arboretum with labeled trees and shrubs, winding paths, open lawns and benches in a peaceful setting. It is a good place for a short walk, birdwatching or a picnic, with spring blossoms and fall color the highlights. Combine it with a visit to Lake Arlington, a short drive away.
A large Japanese supermarket with a food court serving ramen, sushi, tempura and other dishes, plus a bakery, bookstore and gift shops. It draws food lovers from across the Chicago area. Arrive before noon on weekends to beat the lunch crowd, and browse the snack and sake aisles.
A large, modern public library near downtown with extensive collections, a children's area, teen space, makerspace and study rooms. It runs talks, classes and family programs throughout the year. Visitors can use the reading areas and Wi-Fi, making it a calm break between downtown walks.
A long-running summer festival held around the Fourth of July in Recreation Park, with carnival rides, live music on several stages, food vendors and family activities run largely by volunteers. It draws big crowds in the evenings. Use public transit or walk if you can, as parking nearby is limited.
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