Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Willowbrook, IL

  • Published 2022/08/26

DuPage County has plenty of villages you can explore, and one of them is Willowbrook.

As one of the different places you can discover in the northeast area of Illinois, Willowbrook has its share of charm.

This village has several places to explore, ranging from casino spots to venues where you can enjoy sports.

You can also check out a range of places to try different treats and drinks.

Whether you want to see the sights or have fun with different activities, there are all kinds of options to discover in this village.

That said, here is a list of the best things to do in Willowbrook, Illinois:

Grab Chicken at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket

Exterior of Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

BD Images / Shutterstock.com

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket is where you’ll find more than your fill of chicken if you’ve got a craving.

The local eatery sits on Joliet Road and has been around since 1944.

This long-running business serves unique chicken dishes, including fried chicken liver and bourbon chicken.

Interior of Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

David Wilson from Oak Park, Illinois, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition, there are plenty of classic fried chicken baskets to enjoy.

Aside from chicken dishes, the eatery offers other dishes, including mac and cheese, pulled pork, and barbeque.

You’ll find plenty of dishes to indulge yourself with at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket.

Play Games at Eva’s Place

You can find plenty of places to enjoy different activities in the village, one of which is gaming.

One spot you can enjoy some gaming is Eva’s Place.

This local gaming spot offers a range of games, including poker and slots, plus an area to take a break and enjoy snacks and drinks.

Some of the treats you can enjoy after having your fill of slots and poker include a list of coffee and alcoholic blends.

If you want to try your luck at games, check out Eva’s Place on 63rd Street.

Test Your Luck at Charlie’s Gaming

Charlie’s Gaming is one of the places to go and enjoy a game in Willowbrook, and you can locate it on Kingery Highway.

The venue mainly features different slot games where guests have various chances of winning.

While the venue may not seem like much in terms of other facilities, there are plenty of options for guests to have fun.

There is also a selection of snacks and drinks offered by the venue.

When it comes to games to play, Charlie’s Gaming is a top spot to check out in the village.

Sample Turkish Treats at Aal Jabri – Sweet & Salty

If you’ve never tried Turkish sweets, you can take a chance to do so by checking out Aal Jabri – Sweet & Salty.

This sweet shop features a long list of Turkish sweets you can try.

In addition to Turkish sweets, you can also sample a selection of other Middle Eastern sweets, such as Mamoul.

There is also a variety of halal candy and different types of chocolate you can bring home.

More than sweets, the shop offers a range of nuts and coffee options.

You’ll find plenty of ways to indulge your sweet tooth by visiting Aal Jabri – Sweet & Salty.

Drink Beer at Black Horizon Brewing Company

Beer fans need to check out Black Horizon Brewing Company on South Quincy Street if you want to try local blends.

There is a list of beer blends you can enjoy featuring different flavor profiles.

To add to this, there is something new featured each week.

More than offering a list of beer you can sample and drink, the venue has a selection of games and other facilities for guests to enjoy.

For an alternative drink option, you can check out the draft beers and weekly cider.

From various beers to games, food events, and live entertainment, there’s plenty for you to enjoy at Black Horizon Brewing Company.

Get Cocktails and a Meal at Madisons Pub and Grill

Enjoy a meal and drink by checking out Madisons Pub and Grill on South Madison Street.

The pub and grill offer a varied selection of dishes that include jambalaya, meatloaf, and classic dishes like burgers and pizza.

In addition to the different dishes, you can try, there is a list of cocktail blends you can pair with your meal, all of them being unique blends of the pub.

You can also choose from a list of old-fashioned blends or go for a wine or beer.

Anyone who’s a fan of old-fashioned cocktails will want to dine at Madisons Pub and Grill.

Dine and Watch Games at Fair Play at Compass Arena

Fair Play at Compass Arena is where you go to enjoy sports and a meal in Willowbrook.

Located on Joliet Road, Fair Play is one of the many spaces you can find in the Compass Arena.

Fair Play is a sports bar that features a list of dishes that include savory crepes, pizza, and a list of entrees.

Another feature of the bar is a wide array and seats and various televisions to catch a game.

If you’re feeling peckish and in the mood for sports, check out Fair Play at Compass Arena.

Indulge in Cheesecake at Chad’s Cheesecake

Explore a variety of cheesecake flavors by checking out Chad’s Cheesecake on 63rd Street.

Chad’s Cheesecake is a local cake shop where you can sample a variety of cheesecakes in different sizes.

A few flavors you can enjoy at this shop include oreo and strawberry shortcake.

If you want to sample all the flavors available at this shop, you can try the shop’s party platter.

Get your fill of delicious cheesecake at Chad’s Cheesecake.

Have Fun with Sports and Other Programs at the Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Sports Performance Center

The Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Sports Performance Center is where to go if you want to get active during your visit.

There are several sports and fitness programs available at this center and different events you can check out.

Whether you want to do a workout or catch a game, the center offers a range of options for fitness and sports enthusiasts.

In addition to fitness and sports, you can also find the occasional workshop to learn something new.

You can also check out the facility’s rental services for their batting cages and field.

If you want to check out the Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Sports Performance Center, head to South Quincy Street to find it.

Skate around at the Willowbrook Ice Arena

Those who like skating needs to check out the Willowbrook Ice Arena.

This local skating arena opens its doors for public skating every day and offers different programs and classes for those interested.

Whether you’re up for ice skating or hockey, the arena offers classes and programs for all ages.

The arena also offers rental services for private events like birthdays.

If you want to locate the Willowbrook Ice Arena, you can find it around 63rd Street.

Check Out Willow Pond

Willowbrook has several parks you can visit, but it is only in Willow Pond that you can find the Veteran’s Memorial.

Aside from this feature, there are 4.17 acres of land you can explore, and within this space, you can find several park facilities.

These facilities include a picnic space, playground, and shelter.

There is also a 1.5-acre pond and a fishing pier, plus a splash pad.

You can find plenty of outdoor fun to enjoy by visiting Willow Pond on Plainfield Road.

Explore Nature at Creekside Park

Creekside Park is the ideal spot for anyone that loves sports, nature, or both.

Some of the facilities available at this park include different sports areas and a nature trail.

With 10.18 acres of land, there is plenty for visitors to explore in this park.

Aside from sports facilities, there is also a playground and other general park facilities available.

Creekside Park is one of the many parks you can visit in the village, and the best way to access it is by going to Madison Street.

Go Shopping at Hinsdale Lake Commons

If you’re wondering what shopping options are available in the village, Hinsdale Lake Commons is the place to find them.

This local shopping space currently contains a selection of shops and has plans for more additions.

The shops include a market and sportswear store, plus a sandwich shop.

It may not seem like much, but it is one of the top places to check out if you’re interested in shopping in the village.

There is also a set of events you can watch out for at this space.

You can locate Hinsdale Lake Commons by going to Robert Kingery Highway.

Browse Retail Items at Specialty Stitches

An embroidery and stitching store may not seem like the most exciting place to check out, but it is one of the unique shops you can check out in Willowbrook.

Located on North Frontage Road, the shop offers a selection of services to meet any apparel needs.

Whether you need something for school or an event, Specialty Stitches has a share of services you can check out.

Create Art with Glass at Nathalie Studio

Take a chance to create art with a new medium by joining a class at Nathalie Studio.

This local glass art studio offers stained glass and mosaic pieces you can view and different classes you can join.

You can join several classes that tackle the varying ways you can create art.

Most of these classes run two-hour sessions and accommodates different age ranges.

For those interested in exploring art, Nathalie Studio on South Madison Street is where to go.

Watch the Puppets of Those Funny Little People

Have you ever seen puppets perform at an event?

Those Funny Little People provides exactly that as a group of mobile puppet characters that offers performances for different events.

It does not just present performing puppets but a whole spectacle involving dance, comedy, and more.

If you’re not a fan of puppets, this group may not be for you, but it does provide a memorable experience for your events.

If you are interested in the unique entertainment Those Funny Little People provides, check them out on Executive Drive.

Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Flora and Fauna at the Morton Arboretum

Flowers by the lake at The Morton Arboretum

Mark Baldwin / Shutterstock.com

Illinois has no shortage of places you can explore for different interests, but if you want to find attractions near Willowbrook, check out the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

This public garden doubles as a museum venue and is less than 30 minutes from the village.

If you are a fan of plants, you can explore the grounds and check out the display gardens that feature various types of plants that range from ornamental to aquatic.

Mother nature art installation at The Morton Arboretum

Rajesh Vijayakumar / Shutterstock.com

You can also go around and check out the nature exhibitions or look into the tours available in the area.

Whether you want to admire flowers or roam around different landscapes, there’s plenty for nature enthusiasts to discover at the Morton Arboretum.

Beautiful trees at The Morton Arboretum

Mark Baldwin / Shutterstock.com

Go Cross-Country Skiing at Salt Creek Park Forest Preserve

You can enjoy various activities depending on the season, and if you like cross-country skiing, you need to stop at Salt Creek Park Forest Preserve in Wood Dale.

There are around two miles of trails available at this preserve and plenty of other facilities you can enjoy for other activities.

If you miss visiting the area for cross-country season, you can still enjoy other activities like fishing and picnicking.

No matter the season, there’s plenty to enjoy at Salt Creek Park Forest Preserve.

Final Thoughts

Willowbrook is a village that offers plenty of activities and treats for you to experience.

From casino games to Turkish treats and cheesecake, there is plenty for you to discover in this village.

If you want to have a fun experience and discover different treats, check out this village and enjoy the best things to do in Willowbrook, Illinois!

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