Glen Ellyn(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Glen Ellyn, top choices for families include The Inn at Glen Ellyn, a boutique hotel with Victorian charm located steps from Albert Park and the historic district. It offers spacious family rooms, complimentary breakfast, and kid-friendly amenities like board games and outdoor play areas.

Another excellent option is Hampton Inn Glen Ellyn, featuring modern rooms, an indoor pool, free parking, and a convenient location near the Metra train station. Both hotels are within walking distance of local markets, libraries, and seasonal festivals, making them ideal for travelers seeking comfort, safety, and access to authentic suburban Illinois experiences.

The downtown district of Glen Ellyn is the prime area for lodging, offering easy access to Albert Park, the Historic District, shopping streets, and dining. This vibrant neighborhood features well-maintained homes, tree-lined avenues, and a strong sense of community.

For quieter stays, consider South Glen Ellyn, where you’ll find charming bed & breakfasts and apartment-style rentals nestled among residential green spaces. Both areas are close to Metra rail service and only 25 minutes from downtown Chicago, ensuring convenience without sacrificing character. Whether you seek urban proximity or peaceful retreat, Glen Ellyn delivers a balanced blend of accessibility and charm.

Visitors to Glen Ellyn must experience the Glen Ellyn Festival, held annually in summer, showcasing local art, crafts, live music, food trucks, and children’s activities. It’s a celebration of small-town pride and creativity.

Don’t miss the Glen Ellyn Historical Museum, which preserves artifacts from the town’s 19th-century railroad era. Stroll through Albert Park to admire its manicured gardens and century-old trees, or visit the Glen Ellyn Public Library’s heritage reading room for a glimpse into the community’s intellectual roots. These experiences offer a genuine taste of eastern Illinois life and history.

Albert Park is a must-visit natural gem in Glen Ellyn, spanning over 30 acres with scenic walking trails, a serene lake, playgrounds, and picnic spots—ideal for families and nature lovers.

Just a 10-minute drive away, Dewey Creek Nature Preserve offers peaceful hiking paths, birdwatching opportunities, and seasonal wildflowers. Its autumn foliage draws photographers and hikers alike.

For cyclists, the Chicago-Bloomington Bike Trail runs nearby, winding through forests and farmland with minimal traffic. All these destinations are easily accessible from Glen Ellyn, providing a refreshing escape from city life while staying within the Illinois Eastern Suburbs.

Yes, many mid-to-upper-tier hotels in Glen Ellyn provide complimentary breakfast. Hampton Inn Glen Ellyn serves a full continental breakfast daily, including fresh pastries, juices, coffee, and hot items like eggs and breakfast meats.

The Inn at Glen Ellyn offers a more personalized touch with locally sourced pastries, organic coffee, and artisanal jams. While some budget lodgings may only include beverages or light snacks, most chain and boutique hotels include breakfast in their rates.

It’s recommended to confirm the breakfast policy when HopeGoo, as it can vary by property. Overall, guests enjoy a quality start to the day with a focus on freshness and local flavor.

Absolutely. Glen Ellyn is highly accessible to downtown Chicago via multiple transport options. The Metra Rail Line (BNSF Railway) connects directly to Chicago Union Station in just 25 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.

By car, it takes about 40 minutes via I-355 and US-34, making it a convenient weekend getaway. Local bus shuttles also link key attractions and transit hubs. Whether traveling for business or leisure, visitors can effortlessly explore The Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan Avenue, and Millennium Park, all within reach from this charming suburban town.

For couples seeking romance, The Inn at Glen Ellyn stands out with its intimate suites featuring fireplaces, whirlpool baths, and private garden terraces overlooking lush lawns. Some rooms come with champagne and chocolate welcome gifts.

Another exceptional choice is The Oakwood Bed & Breakfast, a restored 19th-century Victorian home with uniquely themed bedrooms, antique furnishings, and a secluded courtyard. Each room includes a morning coffee service and custom amenities.

Both properties offer quiet, elegant settings perfect for a getaway. Located near Albert Park and the Historic District, they allow couples to enjoy evening walks under vintage streetlights—creating unforgettable moments in a timeless setting.

In Glen Ellyn, try Mama’s Pancakes at The Glen Ellyn Diner, a classic American breakfast made with milk from local dairies and whole-grain flour—light, fluffy, and deeply satisfying.

Visit Bella Terra Italian Bistro for handmade pasta dishes like pumpkin ravioli and corn beef stew, crafted with seasonal ingredients from regional farms. Their honey-glazed chicken wings are also a local favorite.

During the weekly Glen Ellyn Farmers Market, sample artisanal honey butter, berry jam sandwiches, and freshly baked sourdough. These culinary highlights reflect the town’s commitment to farm-to-table values and traditional flavors of eastern Illinois.

Glen Ellyn Historic District is a highlight, preserving over 150 buildings in Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Tudor Revival styles dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The Glen Ellyn City Hall, originally a post office and fire station, now houses a small museum showcasing the town’s railroad history and community growth.

St. Mary’s Church, built in 1870, features stunning stained-glass windows and marble altars, reflecting the town’s enduring religious and architectural heritage. Walking through these sites feels like stepping into a living history book—offering deep insight into the soul of eastern Illinois.

Glen Ellyn offers a relaxed, low-key nightlife perfect for unwinding. The Rustic Bar & Grill features craft beer selections, live jazz nights, and a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting and wood accents.

Café 116 doubles as a literary café and venue for poetry readings, indie concerts, and open mic events, attracting creatives and locals seeking cultural connection.

While there are no large nightclubs, the Historic District Light Show on Friday evenings illuminates the old buildings with soft lighting and guided storytelling—creating a magical ambiance. The town’s calm, walkable core makes it ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for quiet, meaningful evenings.