EXPLORE ARCHITECTURE IN THE ELGIN AREA

ARCHITECTUREElgin Area Explore in the By the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Spend a weekend enjoying the beautiful architecture that makes the Elgin area a destination for architectural enthusiasts across the Midwest.

 Day 1

Start at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett for a look into this absolutely stunning Hindu temple. Visitors are required to wear a mask, maintain social distancing and wear clothes covering the full body. Check online for more information for potential visitors. Once you’ve finished at BAPS, take Route 20 from Bartlett into downtown Elgin for a self-guided tour. The downtown historic commercial district is full of architecture dating back to the 1800s. Plus, downtown is situated on the scenic Fox River, so taking the tour around sunset makes the perfect backdrop for impressive photos. Downtown Elgin also has a plethora of adorable shops for you to explore. Then walk over to Grand Victoria Casino for a meal at its award-winning restaurant, Buckingham’s Steakhouse and Lounge.

 Day 2

Roll out of bed and head to Arabica Cafe for a handcrafted coffee and breakfast sandwich or fresh bakery item! Then enjoy the exhibits at Elgin History Museum, located in “Old Main,” a building constructed in 1856 and first used as a private school. In the late 1980s, the building received extensive rehabilitation and became home to the Elgin History Museum. Next, head over to Lords Park, a 100+ acre park where you can experience the picturesque pavilion, walking paths and shelters, Lords Park Zoo and the Elgin Public Museum. Now over 100 years old, it’s still used for its original purpose, making it the oldest museum building that still houses a museum in Illinois. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Jimmy’s Charhouse, which serves lunch and dinner daily from the finest steaks to the tastiest salads, burgers, wood-fired chicken and more. There’s also an outdoor patio, live video gaming and cocktails. Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright made incredible homes all over the country, but this stop is the only one of its kind. Of all the buildings designed by Wright, there was only one farmhouse, located in Hampshire. Inquiries to tour the Muirhead Farmhouse may be sent online; please book a minimum of three days in advance. After a long day of learning, touring and adventuring, we recommend stopping by a local brewer to enjoy a beer flight and relax. There are two incredible award-winning brewers in Dundee: Emmett’s Brewing Co. in West Dundee and Black & Gray Brewing co. in East Dundee’s culinary district. If you like what you taste, you’re in luck — both locations offer 4- or 6-packs to go!

 Day 3

Once you’ve checked out of your hotel, grab a breakfast treat at Herb’s Bakery. This family-owned bakery has been beloved by the community since its opening in 1954. Since architecture contains so much history, it’s only fitting to taste Elgin’s history in the form of a made-from-scratch breakfast pastry. Next, head into the historic residential district for a walking tour of neighborhoods composed of homes listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These residences include the classic Painted Lady style and Sears homes. In fact, these neighborhoods are so full of historic architecture, filmmakers come to Elgin for filming scenes for their movies and TV shows to capture the vision of the past. Once you start walking around these neighborhoods, you’ll see why! Don’t hit the road on an empty stomach. Before you go, check out the Anvil Club for a meal in a historic location. This elevated dining experience is situated inside the original building erected in 1956 to start The Anvil Club’s legacy. Another unique place to go is Bleuroot, located in downtown West Dundee and featuring a patio that overlooks the Fox River. If you’re looking for a more laid-back meal before you go, head over to Diamond Jim’s. This cozy eatery has plentiful outdoor space, frequently hosts musical guests and keeps favorites from local brewers on tap.

CHECK OUT TRIP IDEAS AND WEEKLY EXPLORE ELGIN BLOGS FOR INSPIRATION. Visiting www.ExploreElginArea or any of the @ExploreElgin social media accounts is the first step to a relaxing time with your loved ones.