Location: Wheaton
Top Things to do in Wheaton
10 Free Things to do in Wheaton That You Shouldn't Miss
Wheaton is a suburban city in Milton and Winfield Townships and is the county seat of DuPage County, Illinois. It is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of Chicago. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 52,894, which was estimated to have increased to 53,469 by July 2012.
Restaurants in Wheaton
1. Wheaton Public Library
2. Marion E. Wade Library
3. The Little Popcorn Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
I wonder if football legend Red Grange, the most famous resident of Wheaton, Illinois, ever visited the Little Popcorn Store. Nearing its 100th anniversary, the Little Popcorn Store is a local treasure, perhaps the world's smallest store of any kind. Located at 111 West Front Street, at Main Street, in downtown Wheaton, one of Chicago's western suburbs, it is only 49 inches wide by 60 feet long. It is like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting with popcorn freshly popped and candy lining the walls. The late owner Bill Wakefield, who ran the business for more than 40 years before passing away in 2019, pointed out that what separates his popcorn from others is the use of white corn, which is sweeter, smaller and less tough than yellow corn. Also, it is lighter and doesn't need butter. Just add vegetable oil and a light amount of salt. But only one flavor, no caramel or cheese. Candy lovers can choose from gummis, candy corn, candy dots, chocolate covered marshmallows, Reece's pumpkins, Mary Janes, Necco's wafers, salter pumpkin seeds, peppermint, penny candy, root beer barrels and many others. Also on sale are posters, ornaments, note cards and other artwork. The Little Popcorn Store is open from 10 to 9 Monday through Saturay and from noon to 5 on Sunday.
4. French Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By LeezFamily - Wheaton, United States
The French Market is the perfect place to stroll on Saturday morning, pick up some fresh produce and baked goods, some flowers, and a coffee and maybe a baked good or two. Also craft jewelry, hot sauces, and other interesting sundries. Love checking it out with our family.
5. Billy Graham Center Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
To this day, some people aren't aware that the world-famous evangelist Billy Graham began his ministry as a student at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. The Billy Graham Center Museum, opened in 1980, is designed to help visitors "extend their understanding of the good news about Jesus" and contains exhibits about the history of Christian evangelism in the United States and the ministry of Billy Graham. Located at 500 College Avenue on the Wheaton College campus, is is open from 10 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday. It also is the primary location for many of the college's Bible and theology classes. It is a family-oriented museum with rare artifacts and interactive displays that begin with the early history of Christian evangelism and its influence on American society and climax with a powerful walk-through presentation of the Gospel message. The museum, which consists of 20,000 square feet of permanent and temporary exhibit space, starts with the Rotunda of Witnesses, which houses nine stunning tapestries depicting great witnesses for the Gospel, and proceeds to the History of Evangelism in America, then the Cross of the Millennium, the Life and Ministry of Billy Graham and Walk through the Gospel. Another interesting exhibit is the Life of George Beverly Shea, the beloved singer at Graham's crusades around the world.
6. Blackwell Forest Preseve
7. Tasting Devine
8. Dry City Brew Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Guinness44life - Kissimmee, United States
Great smaller brewery that played some awesome music, served some great beer, and generally was a fun place to be at!
9. Illinois Prairie Path
10. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Visited Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton a few times for hiking and bike riding in November. This forest preserve has a wide range of wonderful recreational opportunities. Options include birding, hiking, biking, kayaking, and picnics. I enjoyed the wooded trail that traverses next to two lakes . The crushed stone trail is about 5 miles long (one way) from Herrick Lake to adjacent Danada Forest Preserve. Bike ride on the wide trail over rolling hills and next to several lakes was thoroughly enjoyable. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is an awesome place to enjoy being outdoors. There are several picnic shelters. I will certainly visit again to enjoy the scenery during changing seasons.
