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Elgin is a city of about 115,000 people on the Fox River, about 35 miles northwest of Chicago. It grew in the 1800s around mills, dairy farms and the Elgin National Watch Company, once one of the largest watchmakers in the world, and its hillside neighborhoods are filled with Victorian homes from that prosperous era.
Downtown Elgin sits right on the river, with the Grand Victoria Casino, restaurants and the Hemmens Cultural Center for concerts and shows. The Fox River Trail runs along both banks for miles, perfect for biking, and historic districts such as the Gifford Park area showcase grand old houses like the Gifford-Davidson House, along with the 1856 Elgin Academy.
Lords Park, one of the city's historic parks, has lagoons, a small zoo and the Elgin Public Museum, and Trout Park protects rare wildflowers in a spring-fed ravine. Lake Spartan and the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation add more nature on the edges of town, and Metra trains link Elgin to downtown Chicago.
Elgin's historic downtown along the Fox River has restored 19th-century buildings with restaurants, breweries, galleries and shops, plus the riverside Festival Park. It hosts summer concerts and festivals. Metra trains stop downtown, making it an easy trip from Chicago without a car.
A residential historic district east of downtown Elgin with dozens of restored Victorian homes in Queen Anne, Italianate and other styles. A self-guided walk shows the wealth of the Elgin watch era. The annual historic house walk lets visitors tour inside some homes.
Housed in Old Main, the 1856 Elgin Academy building, this museum covers the city's past including the Elgin National Watch Company, the dairy industry and early Fox River settlement, with changing exhibits. Admission is low. Allow an hour and check the limited opening days.
A natural history and anthropology museum inside Lords Park, one of the oldest of its kind in Illinois, with displays of mounted animals, fossils, minerals and Native American artifacts. It is small and family friendly. Combine it with the animals and lagoons in Lords Park.
A small 1910 observatory built by the Elgin National Watch Company to set precise time for its watches, now owned by the school district and used for planetarium and astronomy programs. Public viewing nights are held a few times a year; check the schedule ahead.
A large historic park on Elgin's east side with lagoons, a pavilion, walking paths, a small zoo with bison, elk and deer, and the Elgin Public Museum. In summer there are paddle activities and a pool nearby. It is a relaxed family spot with free admission to the animal areas.
A wooded city park on Elgin's west side with a nine-hole golf course, a family aquatic center, a disc golf course, tennis courts and picnic areas along a creek. It is a good summer stop for families. The pool charges a fee and is open only in the warm months.
A small island park in the Fox River in downtown Elgin, linked by footbridges, with lawns, benches and views of the river and historic buildings. It is a quiet place for a walk or picnic. Combine it with the riverwalk and a meal downtown; geese are common.
An Illinois nature preserve on Elgin's north side protecting rare seeps and springs on a wooded bluff above the Fox River, home to uncommon plants such as skunk cabbage and marsh marigold. Short trails pass through the woods. Stay on trails to protect the fragile wetlands.
Elgin's main performing arts venue on the Fox River, home to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and host to touring concerts, comedy, dance and community productions. It has about 1,200 seats. Check the season schedule and use the adjacent parking for evening shows.
A large casino on the Fox River in downtown Elgin with slot machines, table games, a poker room, restaurants and a buffet. Guests must be 21 or older and bring photo ID. It is open long hours, and parking is in the attached garage; dress is casual.
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