Explore Elgin Area

Explore Elgin Area The Elgin Area is rich with exciting and memorable experiences in Northern Kane County, Illinois. Welcome to the Elgin Area!
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From cycling on the Fox River Trail to exploring authentic cuisine to enjoying some outdoor public artwork, there is an itinerary for every getaway. The Elgin Area is rich with exciting and memorable experiences. Enjoy the picturesque Fox River along the 36 miles of trails we have to offer; browse our antique shops and unique shopping venues; tour our amazing historical and cultural attractions al

l across Kane County; indulge in an array of dining experiences that will leave you craving more or simply relax in one of our affordable hotels or bed and breakfasts. We are conveniently located only 45 minutes from downtown Chicago and 30 minutes from O'Hare International Airport. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there is something for everyone to do in all of our communities, including those in Kane County! Our communities of Bartlett, Burlington, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Hampshire, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin and West Dundee look forward to your visit! Mission
The mission of Explore Elgin Area is to collaboratively advocate for the thoughtful development and promotion of the region to stimulate the economy through tourism and create a sense of place for residents. Purpose
Explore Elgin Area exists to collaboratively share the pride and story of the region with everyone in order to enhance the community’s Quality of Life. Vision
The Elgin Area will be known for its diverse, historic, and authentic culture, welcoming visitors for memorable experiences. We encourage Fans to participate on our page but reserve the right to remove any material that we deem unfit for our page. While Explore Elgin Area works alongside our local Chambers of Commerce, we are not a membership-based organization nor are we run by a Chamber of Commerce. Community Standards
Welcome to the Explore Elgin Area CVB community! This is a safe space to discuss travel, events, and destination businesses. We want everyone to be part of our community and have their voice heard. We encourage your feedback and aim to respond to your comments as soon as possible. While we do moderate this community, we welcome open discussion. To help everyone enjoy our community, we ask that when you post, you keep in mind the following:
- We don’t allow defamatory, indecent, offensive, profane, discriminatory, misleading, unlawful or threatening comments.
- Personal attacks, name-calling, trolling and abuse will not be tolerated.
- Spamming, posting promotional material or posting links to third party websites is not permitted.
- We reserve the right to delete comments at our discretion and block any repeat offenders. We will remove content that is fraudulent, deceptive or misleading.
- Coordinated group attacks will not be tolerated.
- Respect that other people in the community have had different life experiences and may have a different perspective to yours. We welcome different viewpoints.
- Our community is a public place. Don’t post personal information that you would not be comfortable sharing with a stranger. We recommend that you don’t post any information that may identify you or anyone else, such as your address, email address or phone number.
- Employees participating in the discussion in our community are reminded of the staff social media guidelines. If you have a question about a product or service of ours, please get in touch via our website at ExploreElginArea.com.

Have you signed up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary? This family did and they're ...
08/17/2024

Have you signed up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary? This family did and they're having a blast. 🎉

Stop by the Explore Elgin Area office to pick up your passport or sign on to the Stick & Stay Trail app to play. Collect 12 different stickers at participating locations by the end of December 2024 to win a prize.

Bonus: You can come to the Visitor's Center and get stickers for places you've visited just by showing us a photo of you at each location! 📷

More info about the Stick & Stay Trail can be found at this link:
👉 https://qrco.de/bfFbvF

If your dance card this weekend isn't quite full yet, here are two other activities to add to your list:🎭The free and fa...
08/16/2024

If your dance card this weekend isn't quite full yet, here are two other activities to add to your list:

🎭The free and family-friendly Shakespeare production of Twelfth Night, a story of romance, mischief, and what it means to be in love, at Lords Park in Elgin: https://exploreelginarea.com/event/free-and-family-friendly-shakespeare-production-at-lords-park/

and

🚗The Suds & Fun Car Show at Ralph Seyller Memorial Park on Sunday in Hampshire: https://exploreelginarea.com/event/suds-fun-car-show-in-hampshire/

And be sure to check out the Explore Elgin Area website for even more events. >> https://exploreelginarea.com/events/

Goodly Creatures Theatre, Suds & Fun Car Show

🎵🎶Is listening to live music on your bucket list this weekend? Here's where you can find it in the Elgin area! 🎤🎸🥁And be...
08/16/2024

🎵🎶Is listening to live music on your bucket list this weekend? Here's where you can find it in the Elgin area! 🎤🎸🥁
And be sure to check out the Explore Elgin Area website for even more events. >> https://exploreelginarea.com/events/

Rookies All American Pub & Grill, Martini Room, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, Aliano's Ristorante, East Dundee, Diamond Jim's

Happy 10th Anniversary Plank Road Tap Room! What a delicious night celebrating this amazing destination for both residen...
08/16/2024

Happy 10th Anniversary Plank Road Tap Room! What a delicious night celebrating this amazing destination for both residents and visitors. 🧁🍷

Cupcakes - Sweet Tooth by Sarah

If you missed the fun tonight do not worry. Plank Road Tap Room has several events coming up to celebrate with them. > https://www.plankroadtaproom.com/events?view=calendar&month=08-2024

City of Elgin, Illinois Government - Enjoy Illinois

Bravo to these two cultural powerhouses in the Elgin Area that are both celebrating their 75th anniversaries! 🙌 The Elgi...
08/15/2024

Bravo to these two cultural powerhouses in the Elgin Area that are both celebrating their 75th anniversaries! 🙌 The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Elgin Community College are both starting their 75th year and have wonderful seasons planned. 🎉

Experience the ESO by purchasing single tickets for any of the performances this season. Tickets go season go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 20, at www.elginsymphony.org. Led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman, this season will showcase the virtuosity of the award-winning ESO through performances of masterworks including Ravel’s “Bolero”, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique,” Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 5, Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5, and Holst’s “The Planets.”🎶🎻

Enjoy the arts at ECC’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. 🎷Visit here to see the theater, music and cultural events. The Visual and Performing Arts Center is home to several community groups, including BFH, Children's Theatre of Elgin & Fox Valley Theatre Company, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras and Hamilton Wings’ SCORE! 🎸🕺Take time now to plan your entertainment for this fall here: https://eccartscenter.org/tickets/

Make a weekend out of these events and see all of the happenings in the Elgin Area on our Events page: https://exploreelginarea.com/events/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Village of South Elgin

Thank you to the Village of Burlington for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail!  For snowmobilers seeking adventure, ...
08/15/2024

Thank you to the Village of Burlington for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail! For snowmobilers seeking adventure, the terrain around Burlington transforms into a winter wonderland. 🏞❄But Burlington’s fun extends beyond the snow. The city transforms into a festive hub throughout the year, hosting events that bring the community together, including the Annual Street Dance, complete with live music, outside Mott’s Lounge.🥂🚜 Other festivities include an annual fireworks display, Fall Fest, and Holiday Magic on Main Street. Visit anytime of year, and you can get the Burlington Sticker as part of our Stick & Stay Program! 😃

Learn more about this peaceful country community in our blog post: 👉https://exploreelginarea.com/2024/08/burlington-all-a-flurry-about-participating-in-stick-stay-trail/

Visit Burlington to earn a sticker and sign up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of the Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary here: 👉 https://qrco.de/bfFbvF

Village of Burlington, Illinois Mott's Art and Alma's Century Inn

🎂🛍️🎨A birthday party at the zoo, farmers markets, an artist reception and a roller disco--this is just some of what's go...
08/15/2024

🎂🛍️🎨A birthday party at the zoo, farmers markets, an artist reception and a roller disco--this is just some of what's going on this weekend in the Elgin area! 🛼🎉

For even more fun events, check out the Explore Elgin Area website: https://exploreelginarea.com/events/

If you are a business in one of the communities served by Explore Elgin Area, then you can submit your events for promotion: https://exploreelginarea.com/events/submit-an-event/

Randall Oaks Zoo, City of Elgin, Illinois Government, Elgin Community College, Side Street Studio Arts, Janus Theatre Company, Village of Hampshire, Illinois, Rosie O'hare's Public House, Elgin History Museum, Culture Five

Thank you to Hawthorne Hills Nature Center for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail!  This 67-acre gem offers somethin...
08/14/2024

Thank you to Hawthorne Hills Nature Center for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail! This 67-acre gem offers something for every season, including fall foliage, snow-covered trees, spring wildflowers, summer amphibians, and throughout the year: a symphony of birdsong. 🦆🦉The pond at Hawthorne Hill is a great place to teach your children to fish, or to just appreciate the natural beauty. 🌾🐸 Visitors to Hawthorne Hill can also enjoy the hands-on learning centers, nature play area and trails, displays, and meeting room. Plus, they can receive a sticker from our Stick & Stay Program!

Learn more about this special place in our blog post: 👉https://exploreelginarea.com/2024/08/hawthorne-hill-nature-center-finds-stick-stay-trail-tree-mendous/

Visit Hawthorne Hill to earn a sticker and sign up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of the Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary here: 👉 https://qrco.de/bfFbvF

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center City of Elgin, Illinois Government

👀🕍 Architecture is seeing history through the art of buildings. The Elgin area is full of history that's reflected in th...
08/13/2024

👀🕍 Architecture is seeing history through the art of buildings. The Elgin area is full of history that's reflected in the buildings sprinkled throughout this Fox River Valley community. 🏢🌞 Take a weekend in the Elgin area hotels and visit architecturally notable places like downtown Elgin, a Hindu temple and the only farmhouse that Frank Lloyd Wright ever built. 🏦 Plan your visit during the annual Historic Elgin House Tour, which will be held in the Elgin Watch Neighborhood, on Sept. 7-8!

There are plenty of places to see and things to do! >>https://exploreelginarea.com/plan-your-visit/itineraries/architecture-adventure/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Village of Pingree Grove Village of Bartlett - Illinois Enjoy Illinois Historic Elgin House Tour Elgin National Watch Neighborhood

Thank you to Muirhead Farmhouse for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail!  Designed in 1950 by the legendary Frank Llo...
08/13/2024

Thank you to Muirhead Farmhouse for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail! Designed in 1950 by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, this 3,200-square-foot farmhouse is the only one known to be both designed and built by Wright himself in his signature Usonian style during his lifetime. 👀🌾

The home is open for tours on select dates each month through October. Learn more about this special place in our blog post: 👉https://exploreelginarea.com/2024/08/muirhead-farmhouse-partners-with-explore-elgin-areas-stick-and-stay-trail/

Sign up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of the Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary here: 👉 https://qrco.de/bfFbvF

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Muirhead Farms / Muirhead Farmhouse Village of Pingree Grove

What a great day for the first day of school! 🍎✏️Welcome back to all the students attending area schools and starting of...
08/13/2024

What a great day for the first day of school! 🍎✏️Welcome back to all the students attending area schools and starting off the new year! 🚸

The summer isn't over with the start of school. Find all the fun events and festivals planned here: https://exploreelginarea.com/events/

School District U-46 District 300 City of Elgin, Illinois Government Village of East Dundee Village of West Dundee Village of South Elgin Village of Pingree Grove lVillage of Carpentersville Village of Bartlett - Illinois Village of Hampshire, Illinois

Labor Day is just around the corner! Spend your weekend in the Elgin area. Start your visit at the Downtown Elgin Market...
08/12/2024

Labor Day is just around the corner! Spend your weekend in the Elgin area. Start your visit at the Downtown Elgin Market. Enjoy the Love on the Lawn Music Festival. Or spend a day in the sun at Santa’s Village and Amusement Park. 🎢 Visit Randall Oaks Zoo,🐐 the Elgin History Museum or the Elgin Public Museum. Enjoy a family favorite like a movie on the lawn.🎥🍿With so much to choose from in Northern Kane County, see all your options and plan your family getaway here: https://exploreelginarea.com/plan-your-visit/itineraries/getaway-for-families/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Village of Carpentersville Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park Elgin History Museum Randall Oaks Zoo

🪗Whatever weekday fun you are looking, we've got it right here! In fact, there are so many activities listed here, we th...
08/12/2024

🪗Whatever weekday fun you are looking, we've got it right here! In fact, there are so many activities listed here, we think you will have a hard time choosing! 🎉
(Please check the event organization's websites for weather updates.)

For more events going on this week, check out the Explore Elgin Area website: >> https://exploreelginarea.com/events/

Elgin Parks and Recreation Randall Oaks Zoo Bartlett Park District (Official) Janus Theatre Company

Fun has begun at Elgin’s End of Summer Bash at Festival Park! See more about the event at Https://www.exploreelginarea.c...
08/10/2024

Fun has begun at Elgin’s End of Summer Bash at Festival Park! See more about the event at Https://www.exploreelginarea.com/events/

Events continue until 10pm. Don’t miss the drone show!

City of Elgin, Illinois Government

👀Looking for a fun weekend getaway, visit some of the attractions featured in our Stick & Stay Trail. Stops on the Trail...
08/10/2024

👀Looking for a fun weekend getaway, visit some of the attractions featured in our Stick & Stay Trail. Stops on the Trail include the Fox Valley Trolley, 🚄🚂 Lord’s Park Zoo, 🐏Elgin Public Museum, Raceway Woods, 🚲Panton Mill Park and the Fox River Trail. On a weekend, you can visit 12 of the 24 stops and enter our drawing for a weekend getaway. 🙌

Check out all the attractions of our Stick and Stay Trail and make a weekend getaway here: 👉 https://exploreelginarea.com/plan-your-visit/trails/stick-stay-trail/


Plan to spend Mexican Independence Day celebrating at "La Fiesta de Elgin" on Sept. 13-14 in Downtown Elgin. 💃😂 Thank yo...
08/09/2024

Plan to spend Mexican Independence Day celebrating at "La Fiesta de Elgin" on Sept. 13-14 in Downtown Elgin. 💃😂 Thank you to the many sponsors and organizers for making this event possible! This two-day celebration will include a vendor market, car meet, live mariachi music, a car caravan to kick off the event, authentic food and micheladas! Join us for all the fun, music and delicious food! 🌮🌯

Make a weekend getaway in Elgin for La Fiesta de Elgin. Plan your weekend here: https://exploreelginarea.com/event/la-fiesta-de-elgin-mexican-independence-day-celebration/2024-09-13/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Centro de Informacion Gail Borden Public Library Elgin Hispanic Network Villagomez Bros - Epic Real Estate Group Friends of Masons

Thank you to Wing Park for participating in our Stick & Stay Trail. The park formally opened in 1903 and offers a sprawl...
08/09/2024

Thank you to Wing Park for participating in our Stick & Stay Trail. The park formally opened in 1903 and offers a sprawling 121-acre green space offers today that includes basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, a golf course, playground, picnic shelters and a paved path that is perfect for a walk or bike ride. This community gem also is home to Wing Park Aquatic Center and a 9-hole Wing Park Golf Course. During the warmer months, the iconic Wing Park Bandshell comes alive with vibrant musical performances for the City of Elgin's Concerts in the Park series. See all the things you enjoy at Wing Park here 👉 https://exploreelginarea.com/2024/08/stick-stay-trail-takes-flight-at-wing-park/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Elgin Parks and Recreation
Sign up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of the Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary here: 👉 https://qrco.de/bfFbvF

🎢🎡Come out to Hampshire’s C**n Creek Country Days that kicked off Thursday night and runs through Sunday. Enjoy this sum...
08/09/2024

🎢🎡Come out to Hampshire’s C**n Creek Country Days that kicked off Thursday night and runs through Sunday. Enjoy this summer festival of carnival rides, favorite music and funnel cake! 🎂 🎈🎉see all the summertime music events happening this weekend here: https://www.exploreelginarea.com/events/

🎵🎶Is listening to live music on your bucket list this weekend? Here's where you can find it in the Elgin area! 🎤🎸🥁And be...
08/08/2024

🎵🎶Is listening to live music on your bucket list this weekend? Here's where you can find it in the Elgin area! 🎤🎸🥁
And be sure to check out the Explore Elgin Area website for even more events. >> https://exploreelginarea.com/events/
Rookie's All American Pub & Grill Rookies Rochaus Danny's On Douglas Old Republic Kitchen + Bar Bandito Barneys Beach Club Diamond Jim's

Sign up for our Coffee Trail and enjoy some of the finest coffee in the Elgin area. ☕🧋When you visit three (3) coffee de...
08/08/2024

Sign up for our Coffee Trail and enjoy some of the finest coffee in the Elgin area. ☕🧋When you visit three (3) coffee destinations featured our Coffee Trail passport, you’ll automatically enter a drawing for a chance to win a $20 gift card to a local establishment.

Sign up for your Explore Elgin Area Coffee Trail Passport and begin your journey to a good brew! 👉https://exploreelginarea.com/plan-your-visit/trails/coffee-trail/

Viator Coffee Co. Sugar and Rhyme coffeehouse Village of Hampshire, Illinois Village of South Elgin Village of Bartlett - Illinois City of Elgin, Illinois Government

🚣‍♀️Take a weekend and enjoy more than 40 miles of outdoor adventure on the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail that goes from Car...
08/07/2024

🚣‍♀️Take a weekend and enjoy more than 40 miles of outdoor adventure on the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail that goes from Carpentersville all the way south to South Elgin.🚶‍♀️

The Fox River Trails pass through many forest preserves and by popular attractions, offering weary cyclists and paddlers the perfect excuse to take a break. 🚵 👉Make a weekend of it and see all of the places you could explore here: https://exploreelginarea.com/plan-your-visit/itineraries/fox-river-trails/

👉Learn all about the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail, which was named a National Water Trail and goes throughout Kane County: https://wherethefoxgoes.com/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Village of Carpentersville Village of East Dundee Village of West Dundee Village of South Elgin

Thank you to Fabulous Fox! Water Trail, which offers biking and boating fun, for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail!...
08/07/2024

Thank you to Fabulous Fox! Water Trail, which offers biking and boating fun, for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail! Discover hidden gems and breathtaking scenery on the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail, a Midwest paddling and biking gem right in your backyard. The trail, which spans 158 miles and has more than 70 access points. See all the things you can do on the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail here 👉 https://exploreelginarea.com/2024/08/stick-stay-trail…onal-water-trail/

Fabulous Fox National Water Trail—Thru Kane County Kane County Government City of Elgin, Illinois Government Village of South Elgin Village of East Dundee Village of West Dundee Village of Carpentersville
Sign up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of the Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary here: 👉 https://qrco.de/bfFbvF

Pick from all the events happening this week, but do not miss your local National Night Out, which is hosted in various ...
08/06/2024

Pick from all the events happening this week, but do not miss your local National Night Out, which is hosted in various neighborhoods in Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett and Carpentersville tonight!😂 From games and food to bands in some locations, there is fun everywhere! 🍜💃But there is still so much to choose from! Enjoy the summer!🙌
See details for all of the events here: 👉https://exploreelginarea.com/events/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Village of South Elgin Village of Bartlett - Illinois Village of Carpentersville Lords Park Zoo - Elgin, Illinois Old Republic Kitchen + Bar Gail Borden Public Library Hampshire C**n Creek Country Days

Thank you to Milk House Ice Cream🍦 for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail! The Milk House is all about using fresh, ...
08/06/2024

Thank you to Milk House Ice Cream🍦 for partnering with our Stick & Stay Trail! The Milk House is all about using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft their delicious ice cream flavors. The shop itself is located in the farm’s old milk house in Pingree Grove. 🦙 See our blog about the Milk House to learn about how this ice cream is made and why it is a fan favorite all year round! 👉 https://exploreelginarea.com/2024/08/stick-stay-trail-hits-the-sweet-spot-with-milk-house-ice-cream/

Village of Pingree Grove The Milk House Ice Cream
Sign up for the Stick & Stay Trail in honor of the Explore Elgin's 40th anniversary here: 👉 https://qrco.de/bfFbvF

Enjoy the Elgin area by taking advantage of the Goebbert's Farm's annual U-Pick event! Come out to the U-Pick vegetable ...
08/06/2024

Enjoy the Elgin area by taking advantage of the Goebbert's Farm's annual U-Pick event! Come out to the U-Pick vegetable field and then make a weekend of it by using any of our weekend itineraries: https://exploreelginarea.com/plan-your-visit/itineraries/

Goebbert's Farm - Pingree Grove Village of Pingree Grove

📢UPICK! ANNOUNCEMENT 📢

Our U-Pick vegetable fields will be opening THURSDAY AUGUST 8th, 2024.

New U-Pick field location this year! Follow the signage for directions to the field on the south side of the farm.

Open daily 8am-6pm

U-Pick is ALWAYS weather permitting.

Weather hotline: (229) 479-4900
*This is a recorded line with field updates due to weather

U-Pick vegetables are cash only

📍42W813 Reinking Rd. Pingree Grove IL 60140

🎨Elgin has an underground arts scene worth exploring. 👀Plan a weekend getaway for this spring to see all the sights. Our...
08/04/2024

🎨Elgin has an underground arts scene worth exploring. 👀Plan a weekend getaway for this spring to see all the sights. Our three-day itinerary will ensures you’ll be hitting all the must-see spots, including a self-guided public arts tour, nearby shops, eateries and experiences. 🌞 >> https://exploreelginarea.com/plan-your-visit/itineraries/underground-arts/

City of Elgin, Illinois Government Elgin Arts Coalition Elgin Cultural Arts Commission Enjoy Illinois

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60 S Grove Avenue
Elgin, IL
60120

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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Welcome to the Elgin Area! We encourage you to #ExploreElgin. The Elgin Area is rich with exciting and memorable experiences. Enjoy the picturesque Fox River along the 36 miles of Fox River Bike Trail; browse our antique shops and unique shopping venues; tour our amazing historical and cultural attractions; indulge in an array of dining experiences that will leave you craving more or simply relax in one of our affordable hotels. We are conveniently located only 45 minutes from downtown Chicago and 30 minutes from O'Hare International Airport. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there is something for everyone here in Chicagoland's Northern Fox River Valley. Our communities of Elgin, Bartlett, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Gilberts, Hampshire, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin and West Dundee look forward to your visit! We encourage Fans to participate on our page but reserve the right to remove any material we deem unfit for our page.