Things To Do
in Wheaton
Wheaton is a family-friendly suburb in DuPage County just west of Chicago, offering a calm, small-town atmosphere with easy access to urban amenities. Its downtown combines historic storefronts with modern cafes, restaurants, and services, making it walkable and welcoming. The town is anchored by Wheaton College, which adds a vibrant cultural and academic pulse to the community.
Visitors and residents enjoy a charming blend of green spaces, seasonal events, and convenient transit connections to the broader Chicago area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a handcrafted latte at Rise Coffee House as you soak in the buzz of local conversations. Stroll along Main Street’s brick sidewalks, popping into specialty boutiques and vintage shops. Admire the mix of Victorian and modern storefronts that give Wheaton its unique character.
Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Sprout Café, sampling seasonal salads and artisanal bowls. Wander through Memorial Park and take in the sculptures and tranquil pond. Snap photos of the iconic Wheaton gazebo and chat with friendly locals feeding ducks.
Dine on classic comfort fare at Eight-Eight Bourbon & Grill, pairing your meal with a craft cocktail. Catch live music at the Wheaton Grand Theater or at a cozy brewpub, tapping your foot to local bands. Cap the night stargazing on the patio under strings of warm lights.
Begin your morning at Cosley Zoo, feeding baby goats and hand-feeding the flock of birds at the petting farm. Wander the winding paths of this intimate wildlife park, admiring native and exotic species in landscaped enclosures. Capture close-up photos of curious barnyard residents in natural light.
Settle on a picnic blanket under towering pines on the zoo grounds, enjoying snacks from a local deli. Attend the scheduled animal talk at the outdoor barn theater, learning fun facts about conservation efforts. Explore the small nature center to see interactive exhibits about local ecosystems.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Prairie Path adjacent to the zoo, watching golden hour light filter through the trees. Stop by the nearby D201 Pizzeria for a slice of deep-dish pizza to go. Return to Cosley’s fence line to wave goodnight to the resident goats before dark.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍕Mid-range dinner for two | $25-40 |
| 🏠1-bedroom apartment in city center | $1,200-1,800/month |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.50-4.50 |
| 🎟️Monthly fitness club | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Walkable downtown with a charming small-town feel
- Good access to Chicago-area attractions and nature preserves
- Strong sense of community and family-friendly amenities
- Varied dining options and seasonal markets
- Limited nightlife compared to the city center
- Traffic can be congested during peak hours on major corridors
- Some services and amenities are spread out beyond the downtown core
- Weather can be seasonal with cold winters
Places to Visit in Wheaton
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic feature of the historic district; great for daytime architecture shots and warmly lit evening scenes.
Quads, historic buildings, and collegiate architecture provide classic campus photography opportunities.
Expansive natural landscapes, seasonal color, and carefully designed garden scenes ideal for nature photography.
Rail-trail views, wooden bridges, and open skies—excellent for landscape and action photography.
Food in Wheaton
Wheaton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Roast beef on a crusty roll with jus and optional giardiniera or peppers—a Chicago-area staple widely available in Wheaton’s casual eateries.
Must-Try!
Thick, buttery crust with generous cheese and toppings; many local pizzerias offer their own twists and seasonal specials.
Seasonal, locally sourced eggs and plenty of fresh produce found at cafés around downtown Wheaton—great for a late morning meal after a stroll.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats—popular weekend destination in warmer months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wheaton tends to be courteous and staff-friendly; greet with a simple hello or a smile, especially in shops and cafés.
Being on time for appointments or events is appreciated; dress in casual to smart-casual for most downtown venues.
Wait to be seated in many local eateries; tipping and dining manners align with common U.S. practices.
Safety
Tipping in Wheaton
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping around 15-20% of the bill before tax is customary for good service. At cafes or quick-service spots, tipping is optional or minimal. For bartenders, $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab is common.
Most places accept credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and cash. Larger establishments and chains generally offer mobile wallet options as well.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming landscapes; good for city strolls, park visits, and outdoor photos as trees leaf out.
Warm and often humid; expect sunny days with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings.
Crisp air and vibrant foliage; a popular time for outdoor photography and strolling through downtown with seasonal markets.
Cold with possible snow; indoor venues and cozy dining options are good defaults. If snow arrives, practice safe walking and layering.
Wheaton at Night
Hiking in Wheaton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible rails-to-trails section ideal for easy hikes and long walks with scenic countryside and urban edges.
Extensive trails through curated landscapes; great for longer hikes and photography across seasons.
Airports
How to reach Wheaton by plane.
Major international hub about 25-30 miles from Wheaton; comprehensive connections worldwide.
Close alternative to ORD, typically serving domestic routes; about 25-40 miles away depending on route and traffic.
General aviation airport near West Chicago; convenient for private flights and charters, closer than the major airports.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of residents are families drawn to good schools, parks, and a safe, welcoming community.
Presence of Wheaton College and proximity to Chicago draw students and professionals to the area.
Growing demographics include diverse backgrounds; community events reflect a range of cultural influences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in schools and local leagues; many parks host youth and adult games.
Active community leagues and pickup games at local parks and fields.
Common in park districts and school facilities during spring and summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wheaton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Wheaton offer vegetable-forward dishes; look for salads, grain bowls, pasta primavera, and veggie burgers. Most places are happy to accommodate dairy-free options or modify dishes—just ask staff.