DuPage County is home to dozens of villages and townships that provide residents and visitors with a small-town vibe, even though much of the county is less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago. Among the county's attractions are the Cosley Zoo and DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton, the Naper Settlement and the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville, and the Elmhurst Art Museum. Adding to the community feel are several family-friendly fall festivals that herald autumn's arrival.
The longest running fall festival in the county is a fundraiser for the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton. Typically held on a Saturday in September, the event has taken place for more than 45 years on the historic grounds of the center, which was founded in 1888 as a county alms house on a 217-acre farm where residents worked and maintained a herd of cows. Among the festival activities are a flea market and garage sale, children's games, a car show, book fair, live entertainment and food items for sale. Raffles and a silent auction are also held, with all proceeds going to the center's recreation fund for residents. Admissions and parking is free, but donations are accepted.
Held at City Centre -- a shopping, dining and entertainment center in the heart of downtown Elmhurst -- this two-day event on a weekend in early September celebrates the arrival of fall with live music from a variety of local and regional bands, food vendors, beer and wine booths. The festival also includes a children's fun zone with games, rides and other activities for younger attendees.
This two-day festival celebrates Native American heritage and culture with a number of activities at Naper Settlement, a 12-acre outdoor history museum in downtown Naperville. Among the attractions are dancing and drumming demonstrations, tepee and wigwam displays, Native American arts and craft booths, a variety of food vendors, a birds of prey exhibit and settlement tours. In addition, an area is set up where children can make their own crafts and arrowheads. An admission fee is charged for the festival, which is put on by the Midwest Save Our Ancestors Remains & Resources Indigenous Network Group Foundation, a Native American nonprofit organization.
The Glendale Heights Oktoberfest at Camera Park typically spans two weekends in mid-September and includes German crafts and collectibles, live bands, polkas and waltzes, strolling entertainers and children's activities such as a pumpkin patch, petting zoo and pony rides. Schnitzel sandwiches, fried sauerkraut balls, bratwurst and German and Austrian pastries are available, as well as authentic German beers and wines. An admission fee is charged, but those age 10 and under are free. Naper Settlement is also the site of a two-day Oktoberfest in early October, with German beer and cuisine, live music and children's activities. The admission fee includes a settlement tour, with ages 3 and under free.
