The Village of River Grove is such a friendly town it’s known as “the village of friendly neighbors,” so visitors always feel welcome in this charming suburb, located only 12 miles from downtown Chicago.
A great getaway from the busy streets of big city life, over half of River Grove is open land with 350 acres of forest preserve. Much of River Grove’s verdant vegetation is due to the beautiful Des Planes River, which winds through the village, making for a perfectly idyllic community.
Discover the wonder of outer space at Cernan Earth & Space Center, a shining star of River Grove. This public planetarium has a full dome, onto which amazing shows, both educational and fun, are projected, making for a truly immersive experience.
A visit to River Grove is not complete without a stop at Gene & Jude’s for one of the restaurant’s famous Chicago-style hotdogs! Gene & Jude’s have been serving hot dogs and fries, as well as other delicious food, since 1946. Gene & Jude’s hot dogs are famous, consistently ranking among the best hot dogs in the Chicago area, but don’t ask for any ketchup!
Sip mai tais or get a flight of rum at Hala Kahiki Lounge. This family-owned tiki bar, which opened in River Grove in 1964, is known for its retro island vibes and tropical cocktails. Hala Kahiki Lounge also has an extensive mocktail menu for those who want to get in the tiki spirit without having to drink spirits.
Explore River Grove’s history with a trip to its Historic House and Barn, a two-story Italianate home built in 1875. Now renovated, the Historic House and Barn serves as a museum dedicated to preserving River Grove’s history. Become a part of that history yourself by visiting River Grove.
