Downers Grove

Downers Grove is a residential community in DuPage County, Illinois. The village sits between two major highways and includes neighborhoods, commercial streets, several parks, and three commuter rail stations linking it to Chicago.

Pierce Downer settled on this land in 1832 and gave his name to the emerging community. The Blodgett House, built in 1846, served as a station on the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves on their journey north.

The place takes its name from Pierce Downer, an early settler who established his farm here and gave the community his family name. The Tivoli Theatre from 1928 still shows films in a hall where the original organ plays regularly during special screenings.

Three BNSF Metra stations offer regular connections to downtown Chicago, while highways provide quick access to the region. Walking paths and green spaces make exploring on foot easy, especially in residential areas and around the main street.

The community maintains a network of sidewalks that allows pedestrians to reach nearly every corner comfortably. For 28 years, the place has held the Tree City USA designation for its commitment to planting and preserving urban trees.

Location: DuPage County

Inception: 1832

Founders: Pierce Downer

Elevation above the sea: 215 m

Part of: Western Suburbs

Shares border with: Lisle, Woodridge

Website: http://downers.us

GPS coordinates: 41.79470,-88.01690

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:00