Des Plaines: Theater, History and Nature

Des Plaines offers a variety of options for a stay: a historic theater, museums, events, and activities on the water or along a long river trail. If you’re looking for a hotel in Des Plaines, focusing on what interests you can help you plan your trip. Are you most interested in history, hoping to attend an event, or planning to spend time outdoors? The city’s attractions and offerings each have a different focus.

Theater and Local History

The Des Plaines Theatre is in the city center, across from the Metra station. In August 1925, local entrepreneur Barney Winkelmann opened it as Des Plaines’ first movie theater. Today, the renovated historic venue hosts live performances. Here, the city’s early movie theater history meets a current program of stage performances.

The Des Plaines History Center, a history museum in downtown, offers a broader look at the local past. Its Visitor & Education Center features exhibits about the history of Des Plaines and Illinois. It also offers programs for children, teens, adults, and families, along with thousands of searchable archival records. A visit offers several ways to explore: you can view exhibits, choose a program, or research archival materials.

The Kinder House Museum at 789 Pearson St. offers a different way to explore history. The house dates to 1907 and is built in the Queen Anne Revival style. Its period room displays show aspects of life in the early 20th century. While the History Center covers the history of the city and state, Kinder House focuses on life in a historic home.

Events and Stages

Taste of Des Plaines is a two-day summer street festival on Ellinwood Street in the heart of downtown. Local restaurants serve their specialties, and live entertainment takes place on two stages. If the festival is a reason for your trip, coordinate its dates with your planned stay.

Another event venue is the Event Center at Rivers Casino. It is located on the second floor of the casino’s expansion area. Artists who have performed at the Event Center include Michael Bolton, Cheap Trick, Melissa Etheridge, and Jeffrey Osborne. This is a different kind of event destination from the street festival: one is a casino venue, while the other is a summer festival in the heart of downtown.

River Trail and Sailing

The Des Plaines River Trail is 50 miles long in total, with several miles running through Des Plaines. Cyclists, joggers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts use the trail. The trail’s total length and the section in the city are two different measures: the entire trail does not run through Des Plaines, only several miles do.

For the section within the city, Des Plaines improved the trail surface and widened the path in 2008, added shoulders and new signage, and created a new crossing at the Algonquin and Oakton intersections. This included road markings and pedestrian warning lights. These details refer to the work completed in 2008. If you’re planning a trip on the trail, check current trail conditions beforehand.

The Des Plaines Park District offers sailing lessons at Lake Opeka. The Des Plaines Yacht Club, a nonprofit community sailing organization, is also located on the lake in Des Plaines. The lessons and club are two distinct sailing options to consider when planning your trip; these offerings give you a specific reason to explore the area around Lake Opeka.

Explore more destinations: Palatine, South Holland, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Hillside, Cicero, Homewood, Lyons.

For the broader travel overview: Cook.