Quality of Life, Culture, & Community
Learn more about the community of Lisle
Quality of Life
Living in Lisle is as desirable as working in the village. An attractive selection of housing, well-maintained infrastructure, and quality public safety services create a satisfying environment.
Culture
The Morton Arboretum – The world renowned Morton Arboretum encompasses 1,700 acres of woodlands, wetlands, gardens, and innovative exhibits, such as the interactive Children’s Garden and the Maze Garden. The Morton Arboretum serves as the foundation of the Village’s brand, “The Arboretum Village.”
The Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex is home to the university’s football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, baseball, softball, and track and field programs. The multi-million dollar facility is a collaborative effort between Benedictine University and the Village of Lisle.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Network provides a network of convenient and safe bicycle routes and walking paths in the community to encourage bicycling and walking as both a form of exercise and an alternative mode of transportation. The network is also part of the 191 miles of regional bikeways and trails regional trails of DuPage County contains approximately 191 miles of bikeways and trails.
Community events & Activities
Park Activities
PrairieWalk Pond is a 4.5 acre recreational area adjacent to Main Street, serves as the western gateway into Downtown Lisle. The site features lighted walking trails surrounding a 2-acre pond, dramatic colored fountains, a preserved wetland, gazebo, scenic overlooks, and beautiful native landscaping.
Lisle Park District – The Lisle Park District owns and maintains 447 acres which offer a variety of fun for everyone including:
Museums
The Museums at Lisle Station Park features historic structures that showcase the heritage and culture of the Lisle community that was settled in 1832 as an agricultural community that revolved around the railroad depot known as Lisle Station. The Museums at Station Park also features seasonal exhibits and hosts a variety of special events including Depot Days in September, and “Once Upon a Christmas” each December.
Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum is on the campus of Benedictine University has a collection of almost 10,000 exhibited items, and includes a pair of menacing African lions, a black bear, a whale skeleton, and bird and animal collections.
Festivals
Eyes to the Skies – The “Eyes to the Skies” Hot Air Balloon Festival attracts thousands of visitors annually and features colorful hot air balloons, entertainment, arts and crafts, food, a carnival, and fireworks.
Celebrate the Season in Downtown Lisle is truly a magical event that includes events sponsored by the Downtown Lisle businesses and the Village’s Lights of Lisle!. This event kicks off the holiday season in Lisle and is held on the 1st Saturday in December each year.
Memorial Day’s special event honors those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) Ross Bishop Memorial Post #5696 present the Village of Lisle Memorial Day Parade. Downtown Lisle retailers and restaurants sponsor special events throughout the year that bring visitors and the community together in unique ways.
Market Events
French Market – The Downtown French Market at PrairieWalk Pond offers a wonderful way to spend Saturday mornings browsing for fresh produce and pastries, fresh cut flowers, and one-of-a-kind items from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Downtown Lisle Car Shows is a fun and family-friendly summer night event. During car show events, Main Street is closed and is transformed into a block party where unique cars are displayed.
Depot Days is a time to discover what life was like more than 100 years ago at Depot Days, attendees will be transported back in time as through tours of the Depot Museum, Beau Bien Tavern, Netzley / Yender House, and a working blacksmith shop.
Lisle Park District
The Lisle Park District provides a variety of leisure activities for people of all ages throughout the year. Park district facilities include the Recreation Center which houses Gentle Learning Preschool, SEASPAR, the Senior Center, and multipurpose rooms; Community Park Fitness; Sea Lion Aquatic Park; River Bend Golf Club; Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap; The Museums at Lisle Station Park and numerous neighborhood playgrounds and parks offering amenities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, ballfields, and picnic areas totaling over 400 acres. Community Park is the centerpiece of the Lisle Park District. This 110 acre park serves as a focal point for outdoor sports and special events in the Lisle area.
Lisle Library District
The Lisle Library District reaches over 26,000 patrons with events, programming and classes, and contains a rich collection of resources, audio-visual items, and technology and digital materials. It is constantly evolving to meet the dynamic needs of patrons, and serves as a place to research, study, experience cultural programming, grow in knowledge and gather as a community.