Overview
Glen Ellyn is a village in the Chicagoland area. This village has an interesting history filled with its ups and downs. However, today Glen Ellyn remains an affluent Chicago suburb with an abundance of historic sites and an exceptional dining scene.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 6 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Glen Ellyn
Stacy's Tavern
A historic carriage stop, located in the village. This is a working museum that shows what life would have been like in the time of its operation. Nearby is a museum that shows the history of the Village of Glen Ellyn.
Lake Ellyn
A lake near the downtown area. A remnant of the once thriving health resort that Glen Ellyn was in the 1890s. Lake Ellyn is an amazing place to relax and maybe even catch a "fish"!
Glen Theatre
A quaint movie theatre in the center of Glen Ellyn, with the most popular current flicks and maybe one or two indie films.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Chicago)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 11 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MDW Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago — 17 mi away (major hub). Directions
Roosevelt Road is a major artery that runs through town. O'Hare International Airport is nearby. Metra commuter trains provide a connection from Chicago en route to Elburn.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Stacy's Tavern, Lake Ellyn
- Lunch Thipi Thai
- Afternoon Glen Theatre
- Dinner Marinella's
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
It is Glen Ellyn's restaurant scene that is the true star of downtown. The Central Business District features numerous award-winning restaurants.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Roosevelt Road is a major artery that runs through town. O'Hare International Airport is nearby. Metra commuter trains provide a connection from Chicago en route to Elburn.
Get around
The PACE bus system provides transportation to neighboring towns such as Lombard and Wheaton. However, the village is compact enough that on foot is the best way to go.
See
Do
Events
- Taste of Glen Ellyn An extravaganza with booths of craft vendors, a stage with rotating singing acts, booths from several area restaurants, carnival rides, and many other vendors. It takes place over five days in August northwest of the tracks on Glenwood/Crescent Blvd.
Buy
The Central Business District of Glen Ellyn has many specialty stores to suit all types of people. In addition, there is a strong retail and commercial presence on Roosevelt Rd.
Shop Farmer's Market
Many different farmers offer their farm fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods.
Eat
It is Glen Ellyn's restaurant scene that is the true star of downtown. The Central Business District features numerous award-winning restaurants.
Eat Shannon's Irish Pub
Eat Heavenly Chicago Hot Dogs
Lee Ebersole's hot dogs cart
Drink
Nightlife in Glen Ellyn is mostly concentrated south of the railroad tracks, downtown, on Main Street. Here, most of the restaurants, namely, Shannon's and Santa Fe feature a full-service bar.
Sleep
Lodging in Glen Ellyn is limited, with one notable exception.
Stay Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard
Indulge in luxury lodging at the Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard, an upscale hotel near downtown Chicago with well-appointed guestrooms and suites, indoor swimming pool, onsite restaurant, 24-hour business center, complimentary high-speed Internet access and value hotel packages.
Go next
A 40-minute train ride is all that separates Glen Ellyn from a truly cultural experience found in The Windy City. Chicago is truly a world-class city and should not be missed.
If you enjoy a more small town atmosphere, visit Galena, Illinois. Galena is an old mining town local to the mighty Mississippi River, that features a charming downtown shopping district with many quaint shops and charming eateries. It is about a 2 hour drive away.
Nearby
Lombard
City / town · 13 listings · 2 mi away
Wheaton
City / town · 10 listings · 3 mi away
Downers Grove
City / town · 16 listings · 5 mi away
Lisle
City / town · 22 listings · 6 mi away
Elmhurst
City / town · 3 listings · 7 mi away
Oak Brook
City / town · 4 listings · 7 mi away
Itasca
City / town · 1 listings · 8 mi away
West Chicago
City / town · 4 listings · 8 mi away
My experience
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