Wheaton

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Wheaton is a comfortable city located in Chicago’s west suburbs, boasting a pleasant atmosphere. A picturesque downtown full of terrific shopping and dining options, and an award-winning parks district, let Wheaton residents experience a life of small-town charm complete with all the amenities of city living. Families of Wheaton also experience only the best educational options with some of the top schools in the Chicagoland area. Wheaton is also home to the Chicago Golf Club, the oldest 18-hole course in the nation. With its natural beauty, strong sense of community, lots of wonderful schools, and exciting nightlife, it’s no wonder Wheaton was once named in Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live. Click here for more

Location

Wheaton, IL, is located in DuPage County and is just 25 miles west of the Chicago Loop and Lake Michigan. Wheaton is the county seat of DuPage County.

Neighboring towns of Wheaton are Carol Stream to the north, Glen Ellyn to the east, Naperville to the south and West Chicago to the west.

Information

Wheaton is the sister city of Karlskoga, Sweeden.

The National Gold Medal for Excellence has been awarded to the Wheaton Park District by the National Park and Recreation Association three times.

Wheaton is home to the Chicago Golf Club, America’s oldest 18-hole golf course.

Wheaton is also site to the historic Grand Theatre.

Notable people from Wheaton include Jim Belushi, John Belushi, Wes Craven, Gail O’Grady, Robert R. McCormick and Denis Dugan.

Population (2000) – Total 55,416
Density 4,938.5/sq mi
White 88.85%
African American 2.82%
Native American 0.11%
Asian 4.85%
Hispanic/ Latino 3.65%
Other 1.03%
Median income $88,385

History

Wheaton was founded by brothers Jesse and Warren Wheaton in 1839. The brothers, from Connecticut, soon were followed by their fellow New Englanders bringing Wheaton to incorporation in 1859.

Wheaton became county seat of DuPage County in 1867, much to the dismay of neighboring Naperville who fought for the seat for a decade.

In 1887, Wheaton instituted a long-term prohibition of the sale of alcohol.

A Wesleyan Methodist congregation opened the Illinois Institute in 1853. By 1860 it was known as Wheaton College.

By 1874, Wheaton was turning into a thriving suburban community, having built one of the first public schools in the county, which was followed by additional grammar schools. Wheaton soon became known as a good place to raise a family.

The community grew rapidly after 1950 and began to slow by the 1990s. It is now an affluent city of over 55,000 people.

Transportation

Wheaton is just 45 minutes away from Chicago O’Hare Airport and Midway International Airport.

Interstate 88 and Interstate 355 provide residents of Wheaton houses easy access to all of the Chicagoland area and downtown Chicago.

The METRA Union Pacific West Line services more than 3,000 commuters daily to and from downtown Chicago. Pace suburban buses run to the train stations as well as throughout the city of Wheaton.

Nightlife

Residents of Wheaton condos and homes find plenty of exciting nightlife in and around the city of Wheaton. With hip bars, charming Irish pubs, piano bars and pool halls all close by, residents are never pressed for ways to fill their nights.

Jilly’s (103 S Main Street, Naperville, IL, 630-355-1001) is a sophisticated piano bar located in neighboring Naperville. Jilly’s promises to bring the city to you with live entertainment five nights a week, an extensive drink menu, and the “Sounds of Sinatra” seven nights a week. And there’s never a cover charge. Jilly’s is happening suburban hotspot with “Gold Coast flavor.”

Mullen’s (3080 Warrenville Rd, Lisle, IL, 630-505-0240) in nearby Lisle is a bustling, buzzing and lively sports pub. Residents of Wheaton homes flock to this hotspot to watch the Cubs or Blackhawks on one of Mullen’s 15 plasma screens as well as the eclectic menu. Patrons can also join in a friendly competition of Guitar Hero or a game of pool, darts or foosball.

Muldoon’s (133 W Front St, 630-668-8866) has gone to great lengths to bring its patrons an authentic Irish pub experience. A warm and inviting atmosphere embody Muldoon’s Irish American Eatery. Residents frequent the establishment for the fully-stocked bar, as well as the pub fare. Muldoon’s provides nights of free Irish music as well as a trivia night, and various musical acts.

Shark City Sports Bar & Billiards (2240 Bloomingdale Rd, Glendale Heights, IL, 630-893-9346) offers a little bit of everything. Whether you feel like catching some live music, shooting pool, watching a game, sharing a drink in the beer garden, or grabbing a bite to eat, Shark City has what you’re looking for.

Downers Grove Square Thrus (4435 Middaugh Ave, Downers Grove, IL,  630-759-7645) is where residents of Wheaton find themselves the second Friday of each month. One of the best clubs in the western Chicago suburbs, Dowers Grove Square Thrus simply offers a thrilling night of dancing and fun. And if you need to brush up on your two-steppin’, you can take free lessons Monday nights.

Entertainment

The Comedy Shrine in nearby Naperville (22 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL, 630-355-2844) makes for a night of belly aches and guffaws you won’t forget. The Comedy Shrine features improv in the style of the ABC Show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” You can also try out your own knock-knock jokes at their open-mic nights every Monday. “Cheaper Than a Movie,” taking place Saturday afternoons, is The Comedy Shrine’s family-oriented improv act complete with audience interaction.

Wheaton Drama (111 N Hale St, 630-260-1820) is Wheaton’s favorite little playhouse. Wheaton Drama is an all-volunteer theater dedicated to enriching the life of the community through drama and culture. Past shows have included Oliver!, Chicago, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

Wheaton’s historic downtown is a fantastic place to shop or just take a stroll. With colorful awnings, cobblestone roads and remarkable architecture as your backdrop, you’ll find all your shopping desires met in downtown Wheaton.

Impressions European Boutique (117 N Main St, 630-363-4556) is a quaint little shop known for European and artist-inspired tops and jackets. At Impressions European Boutique you’ll find everything from Italian leather purses to scarves from France and cashmere plaids from Scotland. Impressions also has two onsite jewelry designers.

It’s Our Earth (127 N Main St, 668-3800) is a family-owned, certified green business. It’s Our Earth specializes in earth-friendly gifts, clothing, foods, jewelry, accessories and home décor.

Stones Jewelry (107 W Front Ave, 630-668-0163) is the perfect place to find that special gift. Carrying a variety of stunning collections from the some of the world’s most talented designers, you’ll find elegant watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pens and more at Stones Jewelry.

Miroballi Shoes (201 Town Square, 630-690-6880) promises to pad your paws with comfort and elegance. Serving customers since 1959, Miroballi Shoes outfits its customers with only the finest footwear and accessories, with an emphasis on customer service and satisfaction.

Restaurants

Whether in picturesque downtown Wheaton or in a nearby neighboring town, residents of Wheaton houses are treated to plenty of fine dining options as well as casual dining options. From seafood to steak to wine and pasta, residents never need worry about an empty stomach.

Domo 77 (2040 S Naperville Rd, 630-690-3277) has been treating diners to great steak, seafood and sushi since 1980. The signature dish of Domo 77 is lobster tail soaked in egg yolk batter and served with fried rice. Offering terrific taste and value, Domo 77 is a perfect family dining experience.

The Bank Restaurant (121 W Front St, 630-665-2265) is set in an historic building that was erected in 1875. An open and airy restaurant with lots of beautiful natural lighting, The Bank Restaurant is a great place for lunch as well as dinner. With an extensive and varied menu, The Bank offers up something for everyone—from seafood to pasta to steak and burgers to homemade soups and more.

Front Street Cantina (577 S Third St, 630-232-2806) is a vibrant restaurant popular for its authentic Mexican cuisine and signature margaritas. Favorites of Front Street Cantina diners include their sizzling fajitas, chips and guacamole, and enchiladas. Dine indoors or outdoors, weather permitting.

Ivy Restaurant (120 N Hale St, 630-665-2489) is a restaurant of casual elegance and creative, vibrant dishes. With stained glass windows and an impressive cathedral ceiling, Ivy offers a dining experience unique unto itself. Chef Brain Goewey’s menu includes pastas, steaks, chops and seafood, as well as great appetizers. Ivy Restaurant also features live music on their patio.

The Cellar Bistro (132 N Hale St, 630-653-6299) is committed to organic and preservative-free food. The Cellar Bistro uses only fresh produce from local vendors, as well as locally raised beef and pork. They’re known for their homemade soups and pastas, sourdough pizzas, fresh seafood, and knowledge of wine and food pairings.

Festivals/Parks

The DuPage County Fair is a can’t-miss event taking place each summer in Wheaton. The DuPage County Fair is four days of fun filled with funnel cake, deep-fried Snickers Bars, candy apples, deep-fried Twinkies, cotton candy, chocolate-covered frozen bananas, root beer floats, and more. Of course, the DuPage County Fair also features a demolition derby, rides, games, raffles, a petting zoo, exhibitions, live music, duck races and a whole lot more.

Residents of Wheaton homes enjoy one of the best run park districts in all of Illinois. Three times in recent history, the Wheaton Park District has been awarded The National Gold Medal for Excellence by the National Park and Recreation Association. With fantastic features such as a zoo, a golf course, a water park, 52 park sites, and more, Wheaton residents have no problem finding ways to have fun outdoors while continuing a longstanding appreciation for the environment.

Cosley Zoo (1356 N Gary Ave, 630-665-5534) is a nationally recognized zoo known for its attention to creating a natural and beautiful environment for both the animals and visitors to enjoy. Cosley Zoo features barn house animals like wooly llamas and goats, as well as a variety of animals native to Illinois.

Rice Pool and Water Park (1777 S Blanchard St, 630-665-4710) offers up a sun-filled day of fun for the whole family. With three waterslides, an L-shaped pool, interactive spray fountains and waterfalls, as well as a volleyball area, sun hill and concession stand, Rice Pool and Water Park delivers on all your fun-filled aquatic activities needs.

Arrowhead Golf Club (26W151 Butterfield Rd, 630-653-5800) is more than just a golf course. Wheaton residents take advantage of this beautiful stretch of land for weddings, birthday parties, showers and more. Residents also frequent Arrowhead Golf Club for its restaurant and bar. Of course, the golf course at Arrowhead Golf Club proves to be challenging and fun, and the driving range is a terrific place to practice.