Welcome to Des Plaines
A vibrant town with a strong community
Des Plaines is at the epicenter of quick and easy travel, making transportation a breeze. Only five minutes away is O’Hare International Airport, with 23 domestic and 23 international airlines. An extensive highway and the efficiency of the Metro Train lines mean commuters have ready availability into the city and every corner of Illinois.
Aside from its easy accessibility, Des Plaines is also an active community with neighbors eager to partake in events and activities. An example of active town life is the city’s commitment to sustainability. Clean Up-Give Back is a non-profit organization based out of Des Plaines. It is best known for its Plastic Bag Drives, partnering with schools, libraries, city governments, and local volunteers to remove plastic from landfills. Des Plaines is also committed to its government-run recycling program and upholding its status as a Tree City, an honor given to a city dedicated to supporting the environment and local wildlife.
What to Love
- Center for community nightlife
- Great travel accessibility
- Local investment in sustainability
Local Lifestyle
The residents of Des Plaines are heartfelt individuals committed to their city. Over the years, families have put down roots, creating generational ties to this vibrant and bustling town. Working professionals and newlyweds find a fresh start in this suburb, thrilled by the local industry and welcomed by the tight-knit community.
The downtown area has ample shopping and dining opportunities, with all the necessities right down the street. The local library offers access to best sellers, study rooms, and comfortable spaces for remote workers.
Des Plaines Park District is also one of the best in the county, with tree-lined trails for biking and hiking and parks open year-round. Residents take the chance to explore all recreational opportunities, allowing them to enjoy nature and the fresh air. With five lakes within the park district, nature enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with options like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and sailing.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
In a delightful callback to the classic diner days,
The Choo-Choo is a traditional restaurant serving burgers and fries with a whimsical touch. Each diner has food delivered to them on a model train embedded in the counter. The Choo Choo is a beloved locale spot for its novelty and creamy malts.
Residents have their choice of seafood spots within the neighborhood.
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House is a fantastic option for upscale dining. Found within the River Casino, this chophouse has established itself on its quality seafood and prime cuts of meat. With the ambiance of a chic lounge, diners enjoy a gorgeous atmosphere and exceptional food and drink.
Once a thriving fish stall in Chicago,
Boston Fish Market has become the top fish market in Illinois, with two locations and a top-rated restaurant attached to the Des Plaines location. The seafood served at the restaurant is fresh from the market, with prime cuts of fish made into exquisite dishes. Their steamed lobster roll is exceptional, and their Chilean sea bass and seafood gumbo have acquired rave reviews from residents.
Paradise Pup is a local gem. This unassuming food stall serves delicious cheeseburgers, classic crinkle-cut fries, and a traditional Chicago hot dog. This spot has had decades to establish itself as one of the best restaurants for American fare cuisine.
For fine dining, residents enjoy a meal at
Cafe La Cave. This restaurant is also an event venue, perfect for weddings, parties, anniversaries, and birthdays. Cafe La Cave is an elegant space where the community of Des Plaines comes together to celebrate major moments and enjoy delicious food.
Filled with variety, the menu at
American WildBurger has something for everyone. Salmon burgers, bison burgers, vegan burgers, prime-cut grass-fed burgers, and barbecue burgers offer an abundance of choices, each flavorful and perfectly prepared.
Things to Do
The
Rivers Casino is the heart of Des Plaines. Premiere gambling tables, slot machines, and roulette tables draw crowds across the U.S. The casino offers more than just gambling. Fine dining is available, with numerous restaurants located within the building and fantastic entertainment options.
As a nature and wildlife preserve,
Des Plaines River Trails and Greenway has protected nearly 76 percent of Lake County with the intent to give back to the community, making the 31.4-mile trails available to the public. Canine residents also have an opportunity to enjoy the trails and dog parks.
Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center is open seasonally for residents to cool down in the summer months or by the leisure pool, drifting down the lazy river, or enjoying one of the two 37-foot slides. Recreations of cliff dives give visitors a chance to feel adventurous, and a play area is also on-site for kids to play in the sand and take advantage of the large playground.
An annual event beloved by the community is the
Fall Fest. Hosted for a weekend, attendees can enjoy live music, carnival rides and games, a history center, and a car show. Food and beverages are also available from local vendors such as Tri Cafe, Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood, The Curious Crow Food Truck, and others eager to serve unique and delicious cuisine.
School
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