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Wheaton is a city of about 53,000 people and the county seat of DuPage County, about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. Founded around a railroad stop by the Wheaton brothers, it is a leafy commuter town with a walkable downtown, a busy Metra station and Wheaton College, a Christian liberal arts college founded in 1860.
The city's biggest draw is Cantigny Park, the former estate of Chicago Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick, with formal gardens, his mansion and the First Division Museum. On the Wheaton College campus, the Marion E. Wade Center holds papers of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and other British authors, along with the wardrobe said to have inspired Narnia. Downtown has the restored Wheaton Grand Theater, cafes and shops near the old DuPage County Courthouse.
Wheaton is also a hub for outdoor recreation. The Illinois Prairie Path, one of the first rail trails in the country, branches out from here, and the Danada and Herrick Lake forest preserves offer trails and lakes. Families enjoy the small Cosley Zoo and the Rice Pool and Water Park in summer.
The former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, with about 30 acres of themed formal gardens, wooded walking paths, a tank park and picnic areas, plus a golf course. Tour the McCormick House mansion when open. There is a parking fee per car but no separate admission; allow half a day.
A museum at Cantigny Park about the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, from World War I to recent conflicts, with immersive trench and battlefield scenes, vehicles and personal stories. Outside, kids can climb on real tanks in the tank park. Plan about two hours.
A research center and small museum at Wheaton College devoted to seven British authors, including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Dorothy L. Sayers. Visitors can see displays and the wardrobe from Lewis's childhood home, often linked to Narnia. Admission is free; check hours before visiting.
A small Wheaton Park District zoo focused on Illinois wildlife and farm animals, with foxes, coyotes, owls, goats and horses in a compact, stroller-friendly setting. It is an easy one- to two-hour outing with young children. Check the schedule for animal chats and seasonal events.
A Wheaton Park District outdoor water park with water slides, splash play areas, a zero-depth section for small children and lap lanes, open in summer. It is a favorite way to cool off on hot days. Non-residents pay a higher daily fee; arrive at opening to find a shady spot.
A DuPage County forest preserve on the former Danada horse farm, with prairie and woodland trails, a pond, the historic Danada House and an equestrian center offering riding lessons. A trail links it to Herrick Lake. It is pleasant for a walk or bike ride, especially in fall.
A popular forest preserve with a fishing lake, a seasonal concession that rents boats, picnic areas and gravel loops through woods, prairie and wetlands. Its trails connect to the Danada preserve and the Illinois Prairie Path. Watch for herons and migrating birds in spring.
One of the first rail trails in the United States, following the old Chicago Aurora and Elgin interurban line, with branches that fan out from Wheaton toward Elmhurst, Elgin, Aurora and Batavia. Its crushed-limestone surface is ideal for walking and cycling. Start downtown near the trail's main junction.
A 1920s movie palace on Front Street in downtown Wheaton, now a performing arts venue hosting concerts, tribute bands, comedy and community shows. Its restored marquee is a downtown landmark. Check the calendar, then make an evening of it with dinner at a nearby restaurant.
A compact historic downtown around the Metra station with independent shops, cafes, restaurants and the Wheaton Grand Theater, plus summer events such as the French Market on Saturdays. Brick streets and old storefronts make it nice for strolling. It is an easy walk from the train.
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