Now a northwest suburb of Chicago, Elk Grove Village was initially settled in 1834 and named after the native elk that populated the forests and prairies. 

The area remained a rural community until after WWII when a significant event spurred the village to become a major center of commerce. What was the significant event? A military transport manufacturing plant leftover from the war was sold to the City of Chicago for $1. That facility would later become O’Hare International Airport.

Because of its close proximity to trains, highways, and an international airport, Elk Grove Village has experienced massive growth, resulting in two distinct districts within the same community: residential and business. 

The success of its industrial center is the backbone of the community, and there are now over 3,600 firms and service organizations in the village. The Elk Grove Village Business Park alone is responsible for employing roughly 100,000 people within its five square miles. Also, due to the revenue generated by commercial property taxes, Elk Grove residents can enjoy one of the lowest property tax rates in the northwest suburbs.

With booming businesses and cozy residential areas, Elk Grove Village has the best of both worlds when it comes to suburban living. If you’re visiting or considering a move to this thriving neighborhood, here are some fun hotspots you’ll want to cross off your bucket list.

Catch a Movie at the Elk Grove Theater

Originally opened in 1972 with significant reconstruction and auditorium additions since then, the Classic Cinemas theater in Elk Grove Village is a long-standing neighborhood staple. The theater, which is known by locals as the Elk Grove Theater, has 10 auditoriums showing a selection of current blockbusters and regularly hosting community events with special screenings of classic movies. 

Elk Grove Theater is also beloved by residents of the surrounding communities due to its discount tickets and reasonably-priced concessions. General admission before 6 p.m. is only $6, and after 6 p.m., tickets are just $8.50. Also, popcorn and soda refills are free.

See the Elk Roaming at the Edge of Busse Woods

Ned Brown Preserve—known to locals as Busse Woods—is 3,558 acres of greenspace and preserved wetlands that forms the northwest border of Elk Grove Village. The-10.8 miles of trails through peaceful woodlands and the shorelines along the 460-acre lake would be enough to make any outdoor adventurer’s bucket list, but Busse Woods has a hidden gem at the edge of its borders.

At the corner of Higgins Road and Arlington Heights Road, there’s a 17-acre enclosed pasture that a small herd of elk call home. The small herd was started in 1925 with nine cows and one bull brought from Yellowstone National Park. Sadly, there are only three of these magnificent animals remaining, but they’re a stunning sight to see in suburban Chicago.

If you manage to spot the elk when they come near the fence, remember: Don’t feed them. They have plenty of delicious grass in their enclosure. 

Knock Down Some Pins at Elk Grove Bowl

Another local hang-out spot, Elk Grove Bowl has bowling, billiards, a full bar, a concessions counter, and an arcade. The establishment is family-owned and -operated, hosting neighborhood bowling leagues and offering weekday discounts for over 50 years. Head over on a Monday or Tuesday night for only $1.50 per game, per person. 

Recommendation: Try to visit on a weekend during cosmic bowling. Because this bowling alley is a local spot that’s aged with the neighborhood, it offers a no-frills entertainment experience, but the glow-in-the-dark bowling night really makes this place come alive.

Take the Kids on a Voyage to Pirates’ Cove

Summertime in Elk Grove Village means another season for the children’s theme park Pirates’ Cove. Located in a secluded corner off Biesterfield Road, the theme park is run by the Elk Grove Park District and features a carousel, bounce house, pirate ship play structure, giant slide, rock climbing wall, water boats, and other kid-friendly attractions. The theme park also hosts children’s programs and regular community events.

Enjoy Some Fair Food and Carnival Games at Rotary Fest

Every year in June, Elk Grove hosts its Summer Rotary Fest, a popular neighborhood event and a major community fundraiser. The event is sponsored by local businesses and features fireworks, raffle prizes, carnival rides and games, a car show, live music, cold beer, and all the other hallmarks of a neighborhood summer festival. You can also enjoy carnival treats alongside pop-up booths featuring food from well-known Chicagoland restaurants. 

Admission to the festival is free and parking is available at Elk Grove High School. To keep festival-goers enjoying the fair despite the summer heat, the Elk Grove Fire Department sets up cooling stations. This five-day festival also runs a parade on Saturday morning to celebrate hometown pride. Everyone is welcome at the festival, but furry friends must be left at home.