Nestled along the Des Plaines River just northwest of Chicago, Des Plaines, Illinois, offers travelers a quieter, more relaxed base while staying close to big-city attractions. With its leafy neighborhoods, riverfront green spaces, easy access to O’Hare International Airport, and convenient transportation into Chicago, it appeals to visitors who like urban energy but prefer to sleep somewhere calmer at night.
Where Is Des Plaines and Why Stay Here?
Des Plaines sits in Cook County in northeastern Illinois, forming part of Chicago’s extensive suburban ring. It is especially appealing to travelers who are:
- Flying in or out of O’Hare International Airport and want a nearby place to stay
- Planning to explore both Chicago and the wider northern suburbs
- Looking for a more budget-friendly or low-key alternative to downtown Chicago hotels
- Interested in riverfront parks, neighborhood dining, and local Midwest character
The city combines residential calm with pockets of entertainment, parks, and shopping, making it a flexible home base for road-trippers, family travelers, and visitors on short stopovers.
Getting to and Around Des Plaines
One of Des Plaines’ biggest advantages for visitors is how easy it is to reach and navigate.
By Air: Proximity to O’Hare
Des Plaines lies very close to O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest air hubs in the world. Many travelers choose to stay in or near Des Plaines for early-morning departures or late-night arrivals. From nearby airport terminals, it is typically a short drive or rideshare to local hotels. This proximity is especially useful if you plan to rest between connecting flights while still having a chance to explore a slice of suburban Illinois.
By Road: Highways and Driving
The city is well served by major roads and expressways that link it to Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Drivers can navigate to neighboring communities, shopping districts, and nature areas with relative ease. Because Des Plaines is primarily suburban, parking is generally easier and less costly than in central Chicago, which is useful if you are road-tripping through Illinois or the broader Midwest.
By Rail: Commuter Access to Chicago
For visitors who want a tranquil base but still plan to spend days in downtown Chicago, commuter rail service provides a convenient link. Trains typically run at regular intervals and take you into the city’s core without the need to drive or park in busy urban streets. This setup lets you enjoy world-class museums and skyscrapers by day and then return to a quieter environment in the evening.
Things to Do in and Around Des Plaines
While Des Plaines is not a traditional tourist hotspot, it offers a blend of local attractions, access to regional highlights, and an authentic look at suburban life near one of America’s largest cities.
Riverside Walks and Parks
The Des Plaines River gives the city its name and adds a scenic natural element. Visitors can seek out river-adjacent paths and green spaces to walk, jog, or simply unwind after a day of travel. These parks offer a peaceful contrast to the pace of nearby expressways and airport terminals, and they are particularly pleasant during spring, summer, and early fall.
Exploring Nearby Nature and Forest Preserves
The broader region around Des Plaines includes forest preserves and recreation areas that appeal to nature-minded visitors. You can find trails suitable for casual walks, birdwatching, or more extended hikes, depending on the season and conditions. These pockets of woodland and prairie give a taste of northern Illinois landscapes without having to drive far from your hotel.
Suburban Shopping and Everyday Experiences
Travelers staying several days often appreciate the simple conveniences of suburban shopping centers. Around Des Plaines and neighboring communities, you can find malls, plazas, and big-box stores offering everything from travel essentials and clothing to electronics and snacks. These areas are not traditional "sights," but they can be practical stops when you are in transit or building a longer Midwest itinerary.
Dining: Local Flavors and Classic Midwest Comfort Food
The culinary appeal of Des Plaines and nearby suburbs lies in a mix of classic Midwestern comfort food and varied international influences. Visitors can expect to find:
- Casual diners and family restaurants with hearty breakfasts and traditional American dishes
- Pizzerias and sandwich shops, including styles associated with the wider Chicago area
- Ethnic eateries reflecting the diverse communities of the northwest suburbs
- Quiet neighborhood spots suitable for relaxed dinners after a long flight
Exploring local dining can be a rewarding way to get a feel for everyday life in this corner of Illinois, particularly if you venture slightly beyond major commercial strips into side streets and small business districts.
Day Trips: Using Des Plaines as a Base
Because of its convenient location, Des Plaines works well as a launching pad for wider exploration.
Into Downtown Chicago
Many visitors choose to stay in Des Plaines and take day trips into Chicago. There, you can visit iconic sights such as museums, lakefront parks, and architectural landmarks, then return to a quieter environment at night. This approach can balance a big-city vacation with more manageable evenings, especially for families or travelers who prefer suburban surroundings.
Exploring the North and Northwest Suburbs
If your interests extend beyond Chicago itself, Des Plaines offers straightforward access to other northern and northwestern suburbs, each with its own character, parks, dining scenes, and community events. Road trips around this part of Illinois might include:
- Stopping at additional forest preserves and lakes
- Visiting smaller downtown districts with independent shops and cafes
- Sampling regional food specialties across different communities
This style of travel can be especially appealing for return visitors who already know Chicago and want a deeper look at everyday suburban life.
When to Visit Des Plaines
Northeastern Illinois has four distinct seasons, and each offers a different experience for travelers staying in Des Plaines.
Spring and Fall
Spring and fall often provide comfortable temperatures for walking, enjoying parks, and exploring residential neighborhoods. Spring brings blooming trees and emerging greenery along the river, while fall typically offers colorful foliage and crisp air, especially attractive for those who enjoy scenic drives or relaxed park strolls.
Summer
Summer can be warm and occasionally humid, but it is a lively time to visit. Longer daylight hours make it easier to combine day trips into Chicago with evening walks or casual meals back in Des Plaines. Many visitors pass through during this season as part of road trips or multi-city itineraries through the Great Lakes region.
Winter
Winters in northern Illinois can be cold and snowy. For some travelers, this season offers a chance to experience a classic Midwestern winter atmosphere. If you visit in winter, plan for potential weather-related travel delays and pack appropriately warm clothing, especially if you intend to explore outdoor areas or spend time walking between train stations, shops, and hotels.
Where to Stay: Lodging in and Around Des Plaines
Des Plaines and neighboring communities provide a variety of accommodation styles. Many places to stay are geared toward travelers using nearby highways and the airport, which can be useful if your schedule includes early flights or brief stopovers.
Visitors can typically find options ranging from simple motels and budget-friendly hotels to more full-service properties with amenities aimed at business and leisure guests. Some accommodations emphasize easy access to airport terminals, while others are tucked into quieter side streets or commercial districts. When choosing where to stay, consider factors such as shuttle availability, parking needs, public transportation access, and the sort of environment you prefer at the end of the day—busy and convenient, or calm and residential.
Practical Tips for Travelers
A few simple considerations can help you make the most of your time in Des Plaines and the surrounding region:
- Plan transportation: Decide whether you will rely on a rental car, commuter rail, rideshares, or a combination of all three.
- Monitor flight times: If you are staying because of an early or late flight, choose a hotel that aligns with your timing and preferred mode of airport transfer.
- Pack for the season: Weather can change quickly, especially in transitional months, so layers and comfortable walking shoes are useful.
- Balance city and suburb time: Consider mixing high-energy city days with quieter evenings or mornings in Des Plaines to avoid travel fatigue.
Des Plaines as a Quiet Corner of a Busy Region
Des Plaines, Illinois, may not be the first name that comes to mind when planning a trip to the Chicago area, but its blend of riverfront greenery, suburban calm, and strong transport connections make it an appealing option for certain types of travelers. Whether you are breaking up a long journey through O’Hare, using the city as a base for day trips, or simply curious about life in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, Des Plaines offers a practical and relaxed setting from which to explore this part of the Midwest.