Tucked just west of the Chicago skyline lies one of the most accessible and surprising golf destinations in the Midwest—DuPage County, Illinois. Often overshadowed by its big-city neighbor, DuPage offers a quiet, upscale escape for golfers who value great course conditions, affordability, and a weekend filled with culture, cuisine, and charm. With over 50 public and private courses, easy access from two major airports, and a growing reputation as a culinary and cultural hub reputation, DuPage is ready to earn its spot on your golf travel list.
Whether planning a buddies trip, a couple’s weekend, or a solo golf adventure, DuPage County delivers a complete and satisfying experience—on and off the course.
Getting There
One of DuPage County’s biggest strengths is its accessibility. The county is just 30 miles from downtown Chicago and is bordered by both O’Hare and Midway International Airports, making it a convenient entry point for international and nationwide travelers.
Golf for All: Over 50 Courses to Choose From
DuPage County is a golfer’s playground, offering a wide variety of well-maintained courses for every level and budget.
Cantigny Golf (Wheaton)
This 27-hole public facility is often considered one of the best in Illinois. The meticulously maintained courses—Woodside, Lakeside, and Hillside—provide championship-level experience with tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkers, and top-tier practice facilities. Cantigny also houses the First Division Museum, offering a patriotic and educational dimension to your visit.
The Preserve at Oak Meadows (Addison)
This award-winning public course underwent a complete transformation in recent years. Managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Oak Meadows is a sustainability success story, combining floodplain restoration with world-class course design. Golf Digest named it one of the Best New Public Courses in the U.S.
Arrowhead Golf Club (Wheaton)
A local favorite, Arrowhead features 27 holes of scenic, tree-lined golf and is known for its immaculate greens and excellent pace of play. The clubhouse restaurant is a destination in itself, perfect for post-round dining and sunset views.
Oak Brook Golf Club (Oak Brook)
Just minutes from luxury shopping and fine dining, Oak Brook Golf Club is a beautifully maintained 18-hole course known for its walkability, lush fairways, and classic design. Its central location and tranquil setting make it a popular choice for business outings and casual rounds alike.
Bolingbrook Golf Club (Bolingbrook)
This upscale public course offers true country-club experience without membership. Designed by acclaimed architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest, Bolingbrook features dramatic elevation changes, water features, and a stately clubhouse with full banquet facilities and dining. It’s ideal for group events, tournaments, or a special golf day.
DuPage County offers quality, affordability, and great play courses:
Public course excellence: Several courses have hosted amateur championships and state tournaments
Value: Green fees that won’t break the bank—averaging $40–$85 with cart for top-tier public courses
Natural beauty: Many courses are surrounded by forest preserves, rivers, and native landscapes
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just beginning your journey, DuPage provides an accessible, high-caliber golf experience rarely found in suburban areas.
What to Expect After Golf: Dining, Culture, and Recreation
When the final putt drops, DuPage County keeps delivering. The dining scene here rivals that of urban foodie destinations:
Downtown Naperville offers over 40 restaurants—from high-end steakhouses to casual gourmet cafés—plus a scenic Riverwalk that’s perfect for a sunset stroll.
Glen Ellyn and Wheaton are home to James Beard-nominated chefs and locally loved establishments like Maize + Mash and Adelle’s Fine American Fare.
Elmhurst and Oak Brook bring international flavor with Indian, Polish, Italian, and Latin American cuisine at your fingertips.
And don’t miss Two Brothers Tap House in Warrenville for craft beer, music, and farm-to-table eats—all in one lively setting.
Cultural Must-Stops
DuPage County isn’t just about scenic fairways, it’s also rich in culture, history, and unique experiences that round out any golf getaway.
Cantigny Park (Wheaton) – After a round at the acclaimed Cantigny Golf, take time to explore the First Division Museum, located right on the property. This immersive museum honors the history of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”) through dynamic exhibits, interactive displays, and real military vehicles. It’s a patriotic and educational experience that adds depth to your visit and resonates with both veterans and history enthusiasts. The surrounding Cantigny Park gardens, trails, and picnic areas also make it a peaceful retreat beyond the course.
Morton Arboretum (Lisle) – 1,700 acres of curated woodlands and gardens, with year-round exhibitions, art installations, and scenic trails. A top spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking to unwind in between tee times.
Drury Lane Theatre (Oakbrook Terrace) – For evening entertainment, enjoy Broadway-quality performances in an intimate setting, paired with pre-show dining at Lucille, the elegant on-site restaurant.
Elmhurst Art Museum (Elmhurst) – A striking blend of modern and contemporary art, design exhibitions, and architecture, featuring the only single-family home designed by Mies van der Rohe that’s open to the public.
Best time to Visit DuPage: Golf Seasons
DuPage offers nearly eight months of playable weather, making it one of the longest and most reliable golf seasons in the Midwest.
Peak Season (Late May – Early October): Lush fairways, warm days (70–85°F), and ideal conditions.
Shoulder Seasons (Late April & October): Crisp air, colorful foliage, fewer crowds, and value pricing.
Soft Season (November – March): Not ideal for golf, but perfect for a cultural escape or a cozy culinary getaway.
Pro tip: Fall golf in DuPage is underrated—vivid leaf colors frame the fairways, and the courses are less crowded.
Where to Stay
From full-service hotels to charming inns and resorts, DuPage County offers lodging options to fit every style and budget. Major chains are found in Naperville, Oak Brook, and Lisle, while boutique properties like Hotel Arista offer a luxury experience without Chicago prices.
A Destination Where Golf is as Rewarding as the Time Spent Off the Course
Golfers looking for more than just a round will find DuPage County to be the total package—great courses, unbeatable access, superb dining, rich cultural offerings, and natural beauty that spans every fairway. If you’re planning your next golf getaway, elevate your experience with a visit to DuPage County, Illinois—the Midwest’s most complete and underrated golf destination.
Cantigny Golf Club – A Legacy of Excellence in DuPage County
Just outside of Chicago in Wheaton, Illinois, lies a public golf course with private-club pedigree, a rich military legacy, and a deep commitment to the game’s future. This month, we shine the spotlight on Cantigny Golf Club, a standout in DuPage County that blends top-tier golf with historical significance, environmental stewardship, and community leadership.
Championship Design with a 27-Hole Layout
Designed by renowned architect Roger Packard, Cantigny Golf opened with a 27-hole layout that artfully weaves through woodlands, lakes, and rolling terrain. The three distinct nine-hole courses—Woodside, Lakeside, and Hillside—can be played in different combinations to create a unique challenge each time. Whether you’re navigating the tree-lined fairways of Woodside or facing the water hazards of Lakeside, the course demands thoughtful strategy and rewards precision.
The course is known for immaculate greens, championship conditions, and exceptional practice facilities, including a 300-yard driving range and expansive short game area. Cantigny has hosted several Illinois State Amateur Championships and USGA qualifiers, further cementing its status as one of the top public courses in Illinois.
A Historic Estate Turned Golf Destination
Cantigny Golf Club sits on what was once the estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Upon his death, McCormick left his 500-acre property to the people of Illinois through the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. In 1989, part of that legacy became Cantigny Golf—a public golf facility designed to deliver the quality and experience of a private club.
The name “Cantigny” pays tribute to the First Division of the U.S. Army, known as “The Big Red One,” in which McCormick served during World War I. This spirit of service and remembrance is still visible throughout the property today, including in the First Division Museum, which adds a powerful cultural and educational component to any golf visit.
A Leader in Women’s Golf
Cantigny’s commitment to growing the game is exemplified by its active support of Women’s Golf Day, an international initiative that empowers and celebrates women through golf. On June 2, 2025, the club once again hosted a successful event, drawing over 70 participants of all ages and skill levels.
