Discover the Elgin Area’s Historic Charm and Unexpected Treasures

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago, the Elgin Area abounds with exciting options for tour groups. They can stroll the historic districts of Elgin, ride an antique trolley, step inside a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed farmhouse, and take a virtual trip to India, touring a magnificent Hindu temple. Shopping, dining, and sightseeing options abound in Elgin and environs.

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Elgin, Illinois Day-To-Day Group Itinerary

Day 1 of Things To Do in Elgin

Begin your exploration of the Elgin Area with a guided architectural walking tour through Elgin’s Downtown Commercial Historic District. Buildings, some of them dating to the 1880s, range in style from Queen Anne to Art Deco.

At the Elgin History Museum, learn about the Elgin National Watch Company. For nearly 100 years, its factory was the world’s largest site dedicated to watchmaking. Other fascinating exhibits tell stories of what makes Elgin tick.

Lunch today is downtown at Al’s Cafe, a local favorite residing in a 1892 Victorian building. Al’s is known for its comfort food, thick malts, and shakes.

Your afternoon shopping whirl in Elgin starts at State Street Market Shops, where more than 30 boutiques occupy a former 1920s millwork factory. Stalls offer everything from vintage jewelry to Christmas decor.

Next, visit Fishers Nut Store and smell the aroma of roasting nuts at the John B. Sanfilippo & Son factory and corporate center. Help yourself to free samples, grind your own peanut butter, and bagbargains on monthly specials. Choose from a wide variety of nuts and trail mixes.

Tonight, dine and tempt Lady Luck at Grand Victoria Casino in downtown Elgin. This massive riverboat gaming parlor on the Fox River offers 700 slots and Vegas-style table games. Dining options include Buckingham’s Steakhouse.

Day 2 of Elgin, IL Attractions

Begin your day touring BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, one of the largest Hindu temples in North America. It dazzles visitors with its luminescent pinnacles, exotic domes, and photogenic fountains and gardens. The exhibition Understanding Hinduism sheds light on a religion practiced by one in every seven of the world’s people.

For a little trip back in time, your group can board an old-time trolley at the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin. The four-mile round-trip runs on the track of an interurban electric line that ran about 40 miles along the Fox River.

Lunch is at the Elgin Public House, a downtown standby that serves up elevated pub food.

This afternoon, we head out to Hampshire to tour Muirhead Farmhouse, the only known farmhouse designed and built by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Stop for a cool treat at The Milk House Ice Cream on a century-old family farm in Pingree Grove. At picnic tables outdoors or in the barn, enjoy flavors like Bake Sale Lemon Bar and Fresh Cantaloupe. The waffle cones and super-premium ice cream are made fresh daily.

If you’re doing a fall trip, head to Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard in Pingree Grove. Buy some apple cider donuts and enjoy activities like camel rides and pig races. Giraffes, prairie dogs, and other animals add to the fun.

This evening, consider a performance at Hemmens Cultural Center in downtown Elgin. It stages a wide variety of entertainment, from improv comedy to Elgin Symphony Orchestra concerts.

Day 3 of Final Elgin Activities

Start the day with a guided walking tour of homes and churches in one of Elgin’s historic districts. Then view the exhibits and walk the trails at Hawthorn Hill Nature Center.

Next, head to the Elgin Public Museum of Natural History & Anthropology in Lord’s Park. Then pay a visit to the elk, bison, and deer at Lord’s Park Zoo.

For lunch, travel to historic downtown West Dundee, home to popular restaurants like Emmett’s Brewing Co., The Village Square, and Elder + Oat.