Elmhurst vacation rentals

For craft beer and contemporary art, get a thirst for Elmhurst

For craft beer, contemporary art and a relaxed vibe, laid-back Elmhurst makes a great vacation destination. Situated 16 miles west of Chicago, an Elmhurst vacation rental is an ideal base for exploring the Windy City. But Elmhurst has plenty of attractions of its own. Visit the contemporary works in the Elmhurst Art Museum, take in a movie or show at the historic York Theatre, or witness the city's collection of photos and theater memorabilia from the Theatre Historical Society of America. And with over 50 local restaurants and a craft beer scene, Elmhurst is buzzing after dark too.

Sightseeing in and around Elmhurst

Are you looking for top things to see and do in the area? Venture out of your vacation home and experience everything that makes Elmhurst a fun place to get away. These are some of the top attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Pinstripes (3.5 mi / 5.7 km)
• Oak Brook Golf Course (4.1 mi / 6.6 km)
• TopGolf Chicago (6.5 mi / 10.5 km)
• Galloping Ghost (7.2 mi / 11.6 km)
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center (10.8 mi / 17.4 km)
• Topgolf (12.9 mi / 20.7 km)

Nightmare on Elmhurst? Not likely

Elmhurst's laid-back center is the beating heart of the community and sees weekly farmers' markets, craft beer festivals, and more than 50 different restaurants on offer. Outside of Chicago, it's also a popular place for shopping, with a wealth of cool independent stores and larger chains. During the summer months, the Elmore Express Trolley runs a free tour of the city every Friday and Saturday until midnight. After dark, catch a new release or a classic movie at the historic York Theatre, or book tickets to a performance by the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.

Elmhurst and the Windy City is mighty pretty

Elmhurst's proximity to Chicago means it experiences the same breezy conditions as the Windy City. The region has 4 very distinct seasons; think long, warm summers with temperatures peaking at 90 degrees, cool but pretty falls, and stiff winters with plenty of snow and ice. Elmhurst vacation rentals generally get booked up quickly during the warm summer months, so for the best choice visit in late fall or early winter, but don't forget to pack plenty of layers. Spring is a particularly pleasant time to visit, but it does get wet, so waterproofs are essential.

Don't go chasing waterfalls...

Located 16 miles west of downtown Chicago, Elmhurst is well placed for Chicago O'Hare Airport. Elmhurst is largely made up of urban and residential areas, meaning few places to escape the rat race. For the best choice of getting back to nature, head to the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, a 20-minute drive south of Elmhurst. Here you'll find a number of attractive hiking trails through prairies and across the Des Plaines River, and past the eponymous waterfall. It's home to rare birdlife, including pileated woodpeckers, barred owls and broad-winged hawks, all of which are regularly spotted.

Transportation to and around Elmhurst

The nearest airport is in Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD), located 5.7 mi (9.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), which is 12.8 mi (20.6 km) away.

If you prefer train travel, you can make your way to Elmhurst Station.