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Des Plaines is a city of about 60,000 people on the Des Plaines River in Cook County, Illinois, just north of O'Hare International Airport and about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It grew as a railroad town and is well known as the site where Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald's franchise in 1955.
The compact downtown around the Metra station has been revitalized, with the restored 1920s Des Plaines Theatre hosting concerts, films and comedy. The Des Plaines History Center tells the story of the town, and the golden domes of the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral rise above a quiet residential street.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines, one of the busiest casinos in Illinois, draws visitors from across the region. For outdoor time, the Des Plaines River Trail follows the river through Cook County forest preserves, Big Bend Lake offers fishing, and Lake Opeka in Lake Park is a favorite place for walks and paddle boats.
One of the largest and busiest casinos in Illinois, located near O'Hare, with slot machines, table games, a poker room, a sportsbook and several restaurants and bars. It is open daily and visitors must be 21 or older. Self-parking is available in the garage, and the airport hotels are a short drive away.
A historic movie and vaudeville theater in downtown Des Plaines, opened in 1925 and restored by the city as a live venue. It now hosts concerts, comedy, tribute bands and classic film nights in a renovated auditorium. Check the schedule online and combine a show with dinner at a downtown restaurant.
The city's history museum, based in a Victorian house and adjoining buildings, with exhibits on Des Plaines from early settlement and the railroad era to the suburban boom, including the story of the first McDonald's franchise. It also runs walking tours and family programs. Hours are limited, so check ahead.
A historic religious camp ground founded in 1860, where Methodist camp meetings have been held for more than a century beneath tall oaks. Small cottages, a tabernacle and wooded grounds give it the feel of a 19th-century retreat. The site is private, so view it respectfully from the roads or during public events.
A small lake in Lake Park on the west side of Des Plaines, ringed by a walking path, with a boathouse renting paddle boats in summer, fishing spots, playgrounds and picnic areas. It is a relaxed spot for a family afternoon, and the path is good for an easy stroll. Summer evenings are a pleasant time to visit.
A long unpaved trail running along the Des Plaines River through Cook County forest preserves, used for walking, running, biking and cross-country skiing. The section through Des Plaines passes floodplain woods and river views. Expect mud and occasional flooding after heavy rain, and bring bug spray in summer.
A Cook County forest preserve lake beside the Des Plaines River, popular for shore fishing for bass, panfish and catfish, with picnic areas and access to the river trail. Herons and waterfowl are common. It is a peaceful break from the busy roads near O'Hare. Illinois fishing licenses are required for adults.
An Orthodox cathedral in Des Plaines with striking onion domes topped by gold crosses, built in traditional Russian style. Inside, icons and an ornate iconostasis fill the sanctuary. Respectful visitors may view the exterior any time and attend services, but should dress modestly and avoid photography inside.
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