The Ultimate Elgin Area Guidebook

Kendra
The Ultimate Elgin Area Guidebook

Sightseeing

Gorgeous library has amazing book selection, quiet rooms, and donut shop. The view of the river is amazing from the second floor.
8 locals recommend
Gail Borden Public District Main Library
270 N Grove Ave
8 locals recommend
Gorgeous library has amazing book selection, quiet rooms, and donut shop. The view of the river is amazing from the second floor.
Say "Hi" at the Visitor's Bureau for local maps and information. Also click https://cityofelgin.org/DocumentCenter/View/70726/Public-Art-Map for a free art map of downtown Elgin.
Explore Elgin Area
60 S Grove Ave
Say "Hi" at the Visitor's Bureau for local maps and information. Also click https://cityofelgin.org/DocumentCenter/View/70726/Public-Art-Map for a free art map of downtown Elgin.

Entertainment

Elgin Symphony Orchestra, traveling bands, and other performances happen here - take a look at their schedule to catch a show.
The Hemmens Cultural Center
45 Symphony Way
Elgin Symphony Orchestra, traveling bands, and other performances happen here - take a look at their schedule to catch a show.
Cute, Dr. Who themed coffee and sandwich shop. Geek out with evening and weekend entertainment options ranging from trivia to tabletop games.
7 locals recommend
Blue Box Cafe
176 E Chicago St
7 locals recommend
Cute, Dr. Who themed coffee and sandwich shop. Geek out with evening and weekend entertainment options ranging from trivia to tabletop games.
Say "Hi" at the Visitor's Bureau for local maps and information. Also click https://cityofelgin.org/DocumentCenter/View/70726/Public-Art-Map for a free art map of downtown Elgin.
Explore Elgin Area
60 S Grove Ave
Say "Hi" at the Visitor's Bureau for local maps and information. Also click https://cityofelgin.org/DocumentCenter/View/70726/Public-Art-Map for a free art map of downtown Elgin.

Food scene

Walking distance from the house, great country/diner food. Highly recommend their soups.
Larkin Cafe
1568 Larkin Avenue
Walking distance from the house, great country/diner food. Highly recommend their soups.
Great hot dogs and well just about anything you can put the word Chicago in front of, kind of like Portillo's but within walking distance. Don't worry, an actual Portillo's is available just a short drive away if you prefer.
Wienerville III
1785 Larkin Ave
Great hot dogs and well just about anything you can put the word Chicago in front of, kind of like Portillo's but within walking distance. Don't worry, an actual Portillo's is available just a short drive away if you prefer.
You've heard the name spoken in reverence and now you can experience it for yourself. The one, the only, Portillo's. It's a chain worth visiting.
15 locals recommend
Portillo's Hot Dogs
1020 Randall Rd
15 locals recommend
You've heard the name spoken in reverence and now you can experience it for yourself. The one, the only, Portillo's. It's a chain worth visiting.
Elgin has it's own pub with exceptionally great food. Highly recommend their burgers and chicken sandwiches. Huge beer selection and a decent hard alcohol collection. Say "Hi" to Lincoln the bartender.
10 locals recommend
Elgin Public House
219 E Chicago St
10 locals recommend
Elgin has it's own pub with exceptionally great food. Highly recommend their burgers and chicken sandwiches. Huge beer selection and a decent hard alcohol collection. Say "Hi" to Lincoln the bartender.
Cute, Dr. Who themed coffee and sandwich shop. Geek out with evening and weekend entertainment options ranging from trivia to tabletop games.
7 locals recommend
Blue Box Cafe
176 E Chicago St
7 locals recommend
Cute, Dr. Who themed coffee and sandwich shop. Geek out with evening and weekend entertainment options ranging from trivia to tabletop games.

Neighborhoods

Adorable historic downtown with shops, restaurants and train station. Street parking is time limited but there are multiple lots and parking garages with free long term parking.
Downtown
Adorable historic downtown with shops, restaurants and train station. Street parking is time limited but there are multiple lots and parking garages with free long term parking.

City advice

Getting around

Walk, Drive, or Ride

Walk to Jewel (grocery store), McDonalds, Beef Villa, and Dunkin Donuts (fast food/coffee), or Larkin Diner (open until 3 pm everyday) Uber and Lyft both service the area. There are 3 train station stops all within an 8 minute ride of the house which can bring you into Chicago - check Metra for schedule.