The Elmhurst Park District offers a host of trip options year-round, and the best part is that you can leave the driving to us. So gather up a group of friends, or fly solo and make some new ones and join us on our next adventure.
Refunds are made only if the space can be filled. If enrollment is low or if trips are cancelled, participants are notified and all money is refunded. All trips depart from Mary E. Kies Recreation Center (155 E. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst), unless indicated otherwise. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and receive any materials needed for the day. Staff reserves the right to change the type of bus used on the trips. Trip start times are bus departure times. Return times are approximate.
Summer 2023 Trips
Chicago Fireboat Tour & Navy Pier - Friday, June 2, 11:30 am-6 pm
Cruise the same waterways where the Fred A. Busse once fought fires and provided emergency assistance. Expert docents will guide us from Lake Michigan, through the Chicago locks, then onto the Chicago River. The tour will highlight the city's architecture and history, and some of the boat’s history with the Fire Department as well. Almost like cruising on a floating museum, you’ll get a glimpse of what it was like to be a firefighter stationed on the boat in 1937. There will be time before the cruise to visit Navy Pier for shopping and lunch. Participants must be able to walk at least 1 city block (distance of bus unloading zone to boat) and be able to maneuver stairs (there are approximately 4 steps up to get on the boat and another 4 to get down onto the deck). Fee includes transportation, tour & cruise. Any purchases at Navy Pier are on your own. Registration deadline is May 21. Ages 21 and up. Moderate Walking
Dinos, Dining & Drives - Tuesday, June 20, 8:30 am-4 pm
We're driving up to Rockford where our first stop will be the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Home to a number of unique exhibits including live reptiles and an impressive collection of fossils and dinosaurs, Burpee also houses a world renowned Paleontology program. We'll meet up with our docent who will take us on the museums most popular tour, the Fossil & Dino Tour. There will also be time to explore the rest of the museum on your own and you may even see a paleontologist at work! After our Dinosaur expedition we're driving over to the Machine Shed Restaurant for a delicious family style lunch which includes classic fried chicken, old fashioned pot roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, and Machine Shed's famous fixins: coleslaw, cottage cheese, and fresh baked bread. Fee includes transportation, museum admission and exhibitions, guided tour, lunch & lunch gratuity. Registration deadline is June 4. Ages 21 and up. Moderate Walking
Jazzin' at the Shedd - Wednesday, July 26, 4:30-9:30 pm
Save the date and don't miss this unique opportunity to enjoy an open-air summer concert featuring some of Chicago's best jazz musicians while taking advantage of the aquarium's extended hours and the chance to visit with favorite animals. The Shedd will only be open to ticket holders for this after hours event so you'll have the opportunity to enjoy all of the galleries and touch exhibits The Shedd has to offer without all of the lines. Fee includes transportation, concert and admission to the aquarium galleries and touch exhibits. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on your own at the Shedd. Registration deadline is July 10. Ages 21 and up. Moderate Walking
Pop Art Treats & Unique Eats - Andy Warhol & Reserve 22 - Wednesday, August 9, 9 am-3:30 pm
Don't miss this opportunity to experience the treat of one of the largest exhibits of pop art icon Andy Warhol's work. The Warhol Exhibition includes 94 original works from Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop, works from the Bank of America Collection, and over 11,000 sq. ft. of interactive experiences. Our visit will begin with a docent-led Power Point style presentation for our group that will cover his life, art, and what you will see. You will then have time to explore the exhibits on your own. Afterwards, we'll head to Reserve 22 for a unique Warhol themed lunch. You will get to choose from some of Andy's favorites including sliders, pastrami bagel with tomato cream cheese, or a fried cornflake crusted ham & cheese sandwich. All lunches include a beverage, fries, and your choice of chocolate cake or gelato for dessert. Fee includes transportation, presentation, admission to the Andy Warhol Exhibition, and lunch & gratuity at Reserve 22. Registration deadline is July 13. Ages 21 and up. Moderate Walking
Dugouts & Dogs - Behind the Scenes at Wrigley Field - Tuesday, August 29, 10 am-2:30 pm
Get a behind-the scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with this Wrigley Field Tour! In just 90 minutes, you can experience the beauty, charm and historic features fans have come to know and love, all while learning about this majestic ballpark that has captivated baseball fans for more than 100 years. On our way home from Wrigley we'll stop at Gene & Jude's where you'll be able to purchase lunch on your own to go. This iconic hot dog stand opened in 1946 and is based on an idea city worker Gene Mormino had while attending a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Since then Gene & Jude's has been inducted into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame and has been chosen as the best hot dog in America. Fee includes transportation and Wrigley Field tour, lunch is on your own. (As there are no tables at Gene & Jude's, you will be welcome to enjoy your lunch at KRC upon our return if you'd like). Registration deadline is July 26. Ages 21 and up. Moderate Walking
