Welcome to Berwyn – a suburb on the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois! Unfortunately, not many people know about this place, but even though it’s small, Berwyn has plenty of things to offer. It does not matter whether you enjoy sightseeing, wining&dining, shopping, nature, animals, architecture, etc., Berwyn got you covered! Trust us; you will be surprised when you see how ‘packed’ this suburb actually is – packed with fun, amazing people, and plenty of things to do during the day and night. And today, we will share some of those things with you. Thus, without further ado, here are some fun things to do in Berwyn, IL.
Brookfield Zoo
One of Berwyn’s best attractions is definitely Brookfield Zoo! In it, you can see more than 450 species of animals and more than 200 species of plants. And, if that is not your thing, you can also enjoy shows and exhibits such as Fragile Desert, Big Cats, World of Reptiles and Birds, Great Bears Wilderness, Habitat Africa, and most famous of them all – Tropic World. So, when you get tired of your favorite Christmas movies, you know what to do – visit Brookfield Zoo!
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum
For all the literature enthusiasts out there, this is definitely one of those fun things to do in Berwyn. Ernest Hemingway was and will forever be one of the best American writers. So, if you too agree with this fact, well, let this be your sign to visit the museum. It is located just 5 minutes outside of downtown Berwyn, and in it, you can see the birthplace of Hemingway as well as where he spent the first six years of his life.
Columbus Park
If you are looking for something romantic and awe-evoking, we strongly advise you to visit the one and only Columbus Park. This is a masterpiece of Jens Jensen, the famous landscape architect who filled the park with council rings (for storytelling) and charming buildings (for weddings, christenings, and other events). Of course, you do not have to be a part of a celebration to go here – the park is filled with beautiful native plants and natural rocks too!
And, here’s a bonus tip – take your date to Columbus Park! As it is so romantic, it is perfect for Valentine’s Day. For instance, you can make some peppermint brownies, bring a blanket, and come here for a romantic picnic – what can be better than that?
Proksa Park
However, if romance is really not your thing but you still want to enjoy some nature and some fresh air, consider visiting Proksa Park. This is the largest park in Berwyn, and it is loved not only by its residents but also by the residents of neighboring suburbs and Chicago. There are two parts of this park – the south (used for picnicking) and the north (used for playing golf, baseball, and tennis). Of course, both parts of the park can be used for hiking, riding a bike, walking your dog, or just enjoying the sun.
Frank Lloyd Wright Walking Tour
If you are a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright – the famous architect closely connected with the Prairie School movement – make sure to take this walking tour! Here, you can see Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his Unity Temple (protected by UNESCO). What’s more, Berwyn, IL is not only the place where you can see homes designed by Wright, but it is also a place where you can buy and live in a house designed by him. Yes, you heard us right! If your budget allows it and if you are ready to start over in Illinois, well, you can! Just make sure you find a reliable moving company to handle your relocation and a trustworthy real estate agent to manage your homebuying process!
The Outta Space
The Outta Space is a venue specially designed for arts and music, that is, for artists and musicians. Here, locals have an opportunity to stand on a big platform and perform or show their work or talent. But, this place is not like other ‘open-mic’ places. It was built to encourage communication among residents, their collaboration, and of course, their creations. The overall vibe is positive and welcoming to people from all walks of life. So, if you want to check out the Outta Space or maybe even take part in it, see the venue’s schedule online. You can reserve your space or join a show, session, workshop, etc.
North Riverside Park Mall
We can’t talk about fun things to do in Berwyn, IL, without mentioning the famous North Riverside Park Mall. This is the place to go if you want to shop till you drop and not break your budget while doing so. Besides all the famous brands, you can also find some local creators, so make sure to support them. And, when you get tired from all the shopping, go to the mall’s top floor and get yourself a snack. It doesn’t matter what your favorite food is – you will find it there! Moreover, in this mall, you can also find companies that offer various different services – from hairdressers that will fix your hair to real estate agents that will provide you with some of the best homebuying tips – again, this mall got you covered.
Oak Park Conservatory
Last but certainly not least on our list of fun things to do in Berwyn, IL, is pay a visit to the impressive Oak Park Conservatory, and for free. The conservatory is filled with plenty of local and imported plants that not only look amazing but also smell divine. During summer, you can also attend events dedicated to wine, cheese, fruits, and music. So, if you are here during an event, be sure to stop by – you will be amazed by the atmosphere.
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About Gerardo Zavala, Realtor
There is a true passion for connecting people with real estate that makes me fall in love with my career over and over again. While my title says, REALTOR® I think I am much more than that. For example, I am present and actively listening to my client’s needs, on the spot when things are urgent, and by your side to say “congratulations.” Most of my clients will say that I am a connection away from support no matter the situation, day, or time. In my opinion, customer service, educating the client on progress and next steps, and overall satisfaction are my top priorities. How can I help you?
