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Plainfield, Illinois: Where Boredom Goes to Die – The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

The Plainfield calendar is the real reason to time a visit to this village. June brings the village festival, which runs right across a long weekend. The farmers market runs right through the summer months on the square. February and December each get an indoor market of their own instead. Come for one of those and the rest of the town opens up around it.

Are you planning a trip to Plainfield, Illinois and wondering what is worth the time? Look at what follows. This article covers the recommendations that hold up for a trip to this village in the United States.

Eating in Plainfield is the straightforward half of a visit, with restaurants covering most tastes. Whether you want Italian, Mexican or American cooking, something here will land. And do not skip the plain version, because the burgers and fries are done properly.

If you want an evening, Plainfield has the places for it. Whether you want a small pub or somewhere with more going on, both are here. And if you want the local version, take the craft beer and the wine. The brewery scene here is better than the size of the village suggests.

Key Takeaways

• Plainfield has a variety of restaurants serving delicious cuisine from around the world.
• The drinking spots in Plainfield offer a range of options, from cozy pubs to lively bars.
• The winery and brewery scene in Plainfield is booming, with a great selection of craft beers and wines to try.

Feasting in Plainfield

Looking for somewhere to eat in Plainfield? Look at what follows.

Burger Bonanza

If you’re a burger lover, you’re in luck! Plainfield has several burger joints that will satisfy your craving for a juicy patty. Check out Burger Antics for some creative burger options, or head to Mojo’s East Coast Eats for a classic burger with a twist.

Wings Wonderland

If you’re a fan of wings, you’ll want to visit Buffalo Wild Wings in Plainfield. They have a variety of flavors to choose from, including classic buffalo and sweet BBQ. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out Wingstop for their garlic parmesan or lemon pepper wings.

Asian Fusion Affair

Craving some Asian-inspired cuisine? Head to Sushi Train for some fresh sushi rolls, or try Wok ‘n Fire for their delicious Pad Thai.

Mexican Fiesta

If you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, check out Taco Madre for their tasty tacos or El Burrito Loco for their flavorful burritos. Don’t forget to order some chips and guacamole!

Ice Cream Indulgence

Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Head to Oberweis for their delicious ice cream, or try Culver’s for their famous frozen custard.

No matter what you are in the mood for, Plainfield has a kitchen for it. So go ahead and eat properly.

Drinking Spots of Plainfield

When it comes to drinking in Plainfield, you are better served than you would expect. This village runs proper places. From the stouts to the tea, here are the ones to take in Plainfield.

Stout Stations

If you drink stouts, take Werk Force Brewing Company. This brewery runs a serious range of them, the imperial stout among them. They also keep a small taproom where you can sit for an hour without being hurried.

Tea Time

Looking for somewhere quiet with a pot of tea? Head over to The Village Grind. This cafe carries a proper tea list, the lavender earl grey among them. They also do pastries and small food to go alongside it.

Martini Madness

If you want a martini, take McBride’s Pub & Grille. This place runs a full list, the chocolate martini among them. And the room is built for an evening with people you like.

Beer Bonanza

If you drink beer, this page names Two Brothers Roundhouse, which trades over in the next city rather than in this village. That brewery runs a long list, the Domaine DuPage French Country Ale among them. They also keep an outdoor patio worth using on a warm day.

No matter what you drink, Plainfield has somewhere for it. So take some friends out and use one of them.

Adventures in Plainfield

Looking for something outdoors in Plainfield? Look at what follows. With this much open ground within reach, something here will suit.

Golfing Glory

If you play golf, head over to the Naperbrook Golf Course. With 18 holes and the country round it, the round is worth the fee. Don’t forget the clubs and the sunscreen.

Biking Bliss

For anybody who would rather ride, Plainfield runs biking trails worth the morning. Whether you ride regularly or you are starting, there is a route at your level. So take the helmet and get out on it.

Hiking Heaven

If you want exercise with the outdoor time, take the hiking trails around Plainfield. With the country and the wildlife along them, you forget how close the city is. Don’t set off without water and something to eat.

River Tubing Rapture

Looking for a different way to cool off? Take a tube down the DuPage River. You’ll float past ground you would never otherwise see and the wildlife along the bank. Just wear sunscreen and a life jacket.

Horseback Riding Highs

For something different again, take horseback riding around Plainfield. Whether you ride regularly or you are getting on for the first time, the trails here work. So get in the saddle and go.

No matter which you take, Plainfield covers the outdoor half of a trip. So take the gear and use the daylight.

Game Nights in Plainfield

Looking for an evening with friends or family? Look at Plainfield’s game night options. Whether it is puzzles, bowling or throwing axes, all three are here. Check these out:

Escape Room Escapades

Put your thinking under pressure at one of Plainfield’s escape rooms. Can your group solve it before the clock runs out? Try Legendary Escape Rooms & Axe Throwing, or Escape Artistry, which trades up in the city rather than here.

Bowling Bash

Looking for the classic version? Head to Plainfield Lanes for the bowling. With 32 lanes, a full bar and arcade games, everybody gets something. Plus their Cosmic Bowling nights change the whole feel of the place.

Axe Throwing Adventure

Ready for something new? Try axe throwing. Get the adrenaline going at Axe Factor Throwing, where you can find out who in the group can actually aim. Don’t worry if you have never done it, because the staff will run you through it first.

No matter what kind of evening you want, Plainfield covers it. So take some friends and get on with it.

Nature Nooks in Plainfield

When you want out of the traffic, Plainfield has quiet ground within reach. Here are two of the best:

Lake Renwick Preserve

You’ll notice the change the moment you reach Lake Renwick Preserve. This 836-acre preserve is a nesting site for great blue herons, black-crowned night herons and other wading birds including great egrets and double-crested cormorants. It is a serious colony rather than a few birds.

If you watch birds, take binoculars and a camera, because this is where you use them. But even if birds are not your thing, the walking trails and the water are worth the visit on their own.

Copley Nature Park

Copley Nature Park is the quiet one in Plainfield. It’s small, but it holds more than the size suggests. The paths wind through proper woodland and the whole thing takes under an hour.

The park holds a range of bird species, woodpeckers and blue jays among them. And with luck a deer moves through. It’s where a picnic or a slow sit goes.

In conclusion, if you want the outdoor half of Plainfield, Lake Renwick Preserve and Copley Nature Park are the two to take. So put the boots on, take the camera and get out into them.

Start on Lockport Street, because the whole of the historic downtown sits along it. Walk the greenway from there down towards the river and back again. Put the heron rookery into the early morning or the late evening instead. The brewery and the bowling alley are the two evening options in town. Everything on this page that says Joliet is a separate drive out of it.

Shop ‘Til You Drop in Plainfield

Are you ready to spend something on yourself? Look at Plainfield’s shops. From the antiques to the flowers, the range covers most people. Here are the ones to add:

Antique Alley

If you buy vintage, you will lose an hour in Antique Alley. This shop sits on Main Street and it is full from floor to ceiling. From retro clothing to old furniture, the stock changes constantly. And you may well find the piece that finishes a room.

Flower Fancies

Looking to brighten a day? Head to Flower Fancies in downtown Plainfield. This shop carries classic roses through to the stranger blooms. Whether it is a present or something for yourself, the staff will build the arrangement with you. Plus the storefront is Instagram-worthy without trying.

Jewelry Junction

If you buy jewelry, do not miss Jewelry Junction. This family-owned shop has been in Plainfield for over 20 years. Their range covers the unusual and the affordable at the same time. From small necklaces to statement earrings, something will catch you. Plus the staff will put a piece against an outfit and tell you the truth.

So what are you waiting for? Take the wallet and work through the streets of Plainfield.

Plainfield’s Winery and Brewery Scene

If you want a good evening in Plainfield, take the local brewery and winery. Here are two to put on the plan:

Werk Force Brewing Company

At Werk Force Brewing Company you get a long list of craft beer. Whether you take a light pilsner or a sour that rearranges your palate, both are on. The brewery also runs events through the year, so check their calendar before you plan around it.

Sable Creek Winery

If wine is more your thing, this page names Sable Creek Winery, which carries the same name as a winery in another state and is worth confirming as local. It is described as family-owned, running reds, whites and sweet wines. You can book a private tasting or a tour to see how it is made. And they serve light food alongside the glass.

Overall, Plainfield’s brewery and winery side is worth the evening. So take a glass and use it.

Events and Festivities in Plainfield

Plainfield is a village that turns out for itself, and the calendar proves it. Summer, winter or anywhere between, something will be running while you are here.

June: Plainfield Fest

If you are in town in June, take Plainfield Fest. This three-day festival runs live music, food vendors and carnival rides. It’s how the summer opens here.

August: Plainfield Farmers Market

If you buy produce properly, do not miss the Plainfield Farmers Market. Held every Sunday in August, this market brings local farmers and makers with fruit, vegetables and handmade work. It’s how the money stays in the village and you eat better for it.

Labor Day: Last Fling Festival

The Last Fling Festival is given here as a Labor Day tradition in Plainfield, though that four-day event belongs to a neighbouring town rather than to this one. It runs live music, carnival rides and food vendors. It’s how that town closes out the summer.

February: Plainfield Winter Market

If you want something through the cold months, check the Plainfield Winter Market. Held every Saturday in February, this one brings local sellers with handmade work and fresh baking. It’s how a village gets through February.

December: Holiday Market

The Holiday Market is the December date. This one runs local sellers with decorations and handmade gifts. It’s where the presents come from if you want them to mean something.

No matter when you come to Plainfield, something is on. From the festivals and markets to the live music, this village keeps a calendar. So pack the bags, take the friends and time it right.

Exploring the Surrounding Areas

So you have worked through Plainfield, but what about the country round it? Don’t worry, there is plenty within reach.

First up is Chicago. Yes, it is a drive, but it earns it. The Windy City covers everything from serious museums to deep-dish pizza. Take the Art Institute of Chicago for the collection, or Navy Pier for the straightforward version. And do not leave without a Chicago-style hot dog.

If you want something closer, Joliet is a short drive. This town holds the Chicagoland Speedway, where you can take a NASCAR race or a tour of the track, though the racing calendar there is worth checking. For the quieter version, take the Joliet Area Historical Museum for how that city was built.

And if you will drive properly, Michigan is worth it, though it is the best part of a day rather than the few hours given here. That state holds some of the finest country in the Midwest. Take Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for the views, or Traverse City for the wine.

No matter which direction you take, something waits at the end of it. So pack the car and get on the road.

Where to Stay in Plainfield

So you have decided on Plainfield and now you need a bed. Don’t worry, because the options are here, though every one below actually sits in the next town. Here are the places to stay:

Hampton Inn Joliet – I-55

Looking for somewhere comfortable? Look at the Hampton Inn Joliet – I-55, which sits over in Joliet rather than in Plainfield. This page quotes rooms from 78 dollars a night, a figure that will have moved since it was written. Plus it is a short drive from downtown Plainfield.

Motel 6 Chicago, IL – Joliet – I-55

If the budget is tight, the Motel 6 Chicago, IL – Joliet – I-55 is the cheap end, also in Joliet rather than in Plainfield. The 52 dollar rate quoted here is out of date, but the price point is the reason to take it. Plus it takes pets, so the dog comes too.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Joliet Plainfield

Looking for something more comfortable? The Home2 Suites by Hilton Joliet Plainfield is the pick. With the suite sizes, a fitness room and an indoor pool, it covers a longer stay. Plus the reviews on TripAdvisor back it up.

MainStay Suites Joliet I-55

If you are staying longer in the area, the MainStay Suites Joliet I-55 is built for it. With full kitchens and the room sizes, it works as somewhere to live rather than sleep. Plus it sits a short drive from downtown Plainfield.

Best Western Plus North Joliet

For the straightforward all-round option, the Best Western Plus North Joliet does the job. With comfortable rooms, breakfast included and a workable location, it covers a stay near Plainfield. Plus the reviews on TripAdvisor are consistent.

So there it is, the places to stay for a trip to Plainfield, all of them in the next town along. Whether the budget is tight or you want more comfort, both ends are covered. Just book early, because these fill when the village has something on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quirky and offbeat things to do in Plainfield, IL?

If you want something out of the ordinary, Plainfield has it. Check out the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve for the roosting birds and the walk round the lake. Or head to Werk Force Brewing Company for the beer. This page also offers camel steak at a concession stand while watching horse races at Splash Island, which is a water park with neither of those things, so ignore that entirely.

What are the top free activities to do in Plainfield, IL?

Who says a good day costs money? Take the Downtown Plainfield district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also walk the Norman Greenway, which is the path through the middle of it. And if you want the outdoor version, take the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve or the Hammel Woods Forest Preserve.

What are some unique date ideas in Plainfield, IL?

Looking for a date that is not dinner? Try a cooking class at My Chef Station, where you make the meal together rather than order it. Or head to the Lockport Street Gallery for the art and the wine. And if you want the memorable version, there is a hot air balloon ride with Balloonatics and Aeronuts, which is worth confirming first.

What are some fun facts about Plainfield, IL?

Did you know that this page claims Plainfield was once home to the Chicago Bears training camp, which does not match where that club has actually trained? The town was named for the plain fields around it. Plainfield is also credited with the oldest continuously operating hardware store in Illinois, the Plainfield Hardware and Supply Company, which is worth checking.

What makes Plainfield, IL stand out from other towns in the area?

Plainfield carries a real history and a downtown district that still works, which is what separates it from the towns around it. It also holds the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve and the Norman Greenway. And with Chicago within reach, you get the village pace without giving up the city.

What are some must-visit places near Plainfield, IL?

If you want to go beyond Plainfield, there is plenty nearby. The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet runs live performances in a room worth the ticket on its own. Or take the Chicagoland Speedway in nearby Joliet for the racing, checking the calendar first. And if you read history, do not miss the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor in Lockport.

Frequently asked questions about Plainfield, Illinois

Is Lake Renwick or Copley Nature Park the better walk?

Renwick, for scale. It runs to hundreds of acres around a lake used as a nesting site by herons, egrets and cormorants, and the access is restricted for that reason. Copley is small and wooded and it takes far less time to walk. Both of them cost nothing at all to walk into. Take binoculars out to Renwick, because those birds are the entire point of the place itself.

Is Werk Force Brewing or Sable Creek Winery the local one?

The brewery, definitely. Werk Force is a working local operation with a taproom and an events calendar, while the winery named beside it shares a name with one in another state. The beer list there runs from the light pilsners through to serious sours. The taproom is small and it fills at the weekend. Check their calendar before you go, because it is the events that fill that room.

Is Plainfield Fest or the Last Fling the local one?

Plainfield Fest, obviously. That one runs here in June across a long weekend with music, food and rides, while the Labor Day festival named beside it belongs to a different town. The markets through the year are the other reason to time a visit here. There is one in summer and one in each cold month. Book a room early for that June weekend, because this village fills up completely.

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