Downers Grove Area Guide
The rolling hills and prairies of Downers Grove have appealed to new residents for centuries. By offering a tightly knit community in a gorgeous historic district just minutes from downtown Chicago, this scenic suburban paradise has become one of the hottest real-estate markets in the country!
History
Downers Grove was originally inhabited for centuries by Native Americans, who valued the land for its bountiful fish and game.
The area around Chicago was first explored by Father Jacques Marquette in 1673, who was accompanied by French explorer Louis Joliet. These bold European adventurers followed Illinois Rivers as they broke from the Mississippi.
The first person to settle in the area presently known as Downers Grove was Pierce Downer, a Vermont native who came from New York State seeking farmland in 1832.
Downer came upon a grove of oak trees and established claim over one-hundred and fifty acres of prairie grass covered forest.
News of fertile farmland led other settlers to move to the area from New England and upper New York, eventually making Downers Grove one of the most famous farmlands in the state.
Downers Grove held strong anti-slavery beliefs leading many homes to become safe havens for runaway slaves using the Underground Railroad. Downers Grove was
the final stop for many slaves who would begin new lives in nearby Chicago.
It was during the American Civil War in 1864 that the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad extended its lines from Chicago to Aurora with stops in Downers Grove. This created a transportation network connecting suburbs to the nearby metropolis leading to a population explosion in Downers Grove.
In 1873, the village of Downers Grove was incorporated and soon became the largest town in DuPage County which was widely reputed to be the finest agricultural region in Illinois.
The population growth of Downers Grove led to an expansion in urban planning and street building, as well as establishment of residential districts.
Four thousand people lined the streets in anticipation of the grand opening of the Tivoli Theater on Christmas Day, 1928! This talking picture theater was just the second of its kind in the country and is still in operation today.
In 1983, The Downers Grove Reporter celebrated its 100th Anniversary! It is the oldest continuously published paper in DuPage County as well as the oldest operating business in Downers Grove.
In 1932, Downers Grove commemorated its centennial with a festive town celebration featuring a parade and pageant that brought joy despite the Great Depression.
Fifty years later, the town again celebrated with the best attended local event ever held called the Heritage Fest to celebrate 150 fabulous years!
Due to its strategic location and strong transportation network connecting it to the nearby city of Chicago, Downers Grove has grown from a rural village to a thriving suburban community. Both businesses and citizens have fanned out from the city into the neighboring areas bringing prosperity and energetic vitality.
Today Downers Grove is known for award wining schools, its dazzling downtown area, and its continued partnership with the nearby Windy City, making it one of the most sought after real estate markets in the country!
Downers Grove offers an unequaled selection of homes ranging from brand new to historical Victorians and Tudors.
Attractions and Activities
Downers Grove Golf Club
The twisting pitches of this historical golf course bend and dip along the meandering creeks and tree peppered fairways that have made it a topic of legend. Founded in 1892, this fun and playable course has beckoned golf enthusiasts for over a century, and offers an unrivaled experience enjoying one of the most ancient games on the planet!
2420 Haddow Avenue, Downers Grove
Phone: (630) 963-1306
Downers Grove Historical Museum
This nine-room museum was originally built in 1892 as the home of Charles Blodgett and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, visitors are able to cross the threshold of the Blodgett house and peek across time, soaking in rich history and sensational facts through a variety of exhibitions and programs.
Wandschneider Park
831 Maple Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 963-1309
Spa Constantine
This fifteen-hundred square-foot facility housed in a beautiful Victorian home features nine treatment rooms wafting with the aromas of tangerine and lemongrass offering numerous packages to pamper that special someone; even if that someone is you! This European style day spa combines a relaxing environment with fantastic personnel, making it the premier salon of Downers Grove!
5333 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL
Phone: (630) 969-5333
www.spaconstantine.com
Downers Grove Ice Arena
This pro-shop and first-class ice rink offers hockey, public skate access, and lessons to help you enjoy the liberation of weightlessly gliding across their immaculately maintained arena!
5501 Walnut Ave
Downers Grove, IL
Phone: (630) 971-3780
McCollum Park Miniature Golf & Galley
This fantastic miniature golf course provides hours of family fun and adventure with its numerous obstacles and winding greens. Featuring a water wheel and fully stocked concession stand filled with delectable goodies, this whacky course is the perfect place to celebrate!
6801 S. Main St
Downers Grove, IL
Phone: (630) 963-8793
http://www.dgparks.org
Parks and Recreation
Downers Grove Park District
Offering nearly six-hundred acres of parks and facilities, the Downers Grove Park District ensures that there is something for everyone. A previous finalist and National Gold Medal Winning District, Downers Grove Parks take pride in the breadth and quality of their recreational offerings which include legendary golf courses, sprawling fitness centers, and refined public trails and picnic spots!
2455 Warrenville Road, Downers Grove
Phone: (630) 963-0575
www.dgparks.org
Lincoln Center
This six-level indoor recreation center is one of Downers Grove’s most important resources and includes pre-schools, Adult education classes, art rooms, full kitchens, an auditorium, and numerous classrooms!
935 Maple Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 963-1300
http://www.dgparks.org/facilities/lincoln-center.htm
Morton Arboretum
Offering biking, hiking, and general wildlife immersion, this seventeen-hundred acre prairie and woodland area features over four-thousand different species of plant and animal wildlife! Enjoy one of the various on-site gardens, exhibits, or trails while experiencing the lush scenic beauty that has drawn people to Downers Grove for centuries!
4100 Rte 53, Lisle, IL
Phone: (630) 968-0074
www.mortonarb.org
Lyman Woods
This one-hundred fifty acre park and preserve is a cooperative effort set aside to provide education and recreation to the citizenry of Downers Grove and serves as home to over three-hundred different wildlife species!
Downers Grove, IL
Phone: (630) 963-1304
Events
http://events.downers.us/
http://www.visitdownersgrove.com
http://www.downtowndg.org/events.html