Explore Downtown Elgin | Things to do in Downtown Elgin

Image: Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin

If you're located in the Chicagoland area and searching for fun things to do, then you should come to downtown Elgin! Downtown Elgin is home to many awesome restaurants, museums, stores, and more! Let the hometown experts at Elgin CDJR help you explore downtown Elgin, highlighting places like Rediscover Records as well as the Gail Borden Public Library. So, find the best things to do in downtown Elgin with us, and if you want even more recommendations, contact us!

Elgin History Museum

First up on our list of favorite things to do and places to visit in downtown Elgin, we have the Elgin History Museum! Housed in a historic landmark building in Elgin known as "Old Main," the Elgin History Museum is located at 360 Park Street. Just outside of historic downtown Elgin, this museum presents exhibits on the rich history of Elgin. With exhibits focused on Elgin manufacturing, Road Race memorabilia, and the Elgin National Watch Company, there's plenty of awesome sights to see and facts to learn when you visit this history museum.

Rediscover Records

Located at 9 S. Spring Street in historic downtown Elgin, Rediscover Records is a vinyl record shop that opened in 2010 and sells the latest releases as well as thousands upon thousands of pre-owned LPs. Open every day of the week, Rediscover Records is one of the best record shops in the Chicagoland area, stocked with everything from classic rock to 1980s R&B to the biggest songs playing on the radio today. You can't beat their special 3 for $1 sales!

Blue Box Cafe

When you want to grab a small bite to eat or even just a refreshing cup of coffee, then stop by the Blue Box Cafe. Opened in 2014 and located in the heart of downtown Elgin at 176 East Chicago Street, this locally-sourced coffee shop is a Doctor Who fan's dream cafe, and the first Doctor Who-themed cafe in the U.S. Not only does Blue Box Cafe have amazing, fresh-brewed coffee, but a hefty menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads as well.

Gail Borden Public Library and Craft Donuts & Coffee

Once a recipient of the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Services, the Gail Borden Public Library is a vast public library whose main branch is located at 270 N. Grove Avenue in Elgin. This public library has many cardholders (nearly 70% of surrounding area residents) and serves upwards of one million visitors every year, with almost 350,000 physical books on its shelves. While you're checking out your newest read, stop in at their adjoined Craft Donuts & Coffee cafe, which serves the freshest and tastiest donuts in all of Elgin.

Learn More About Elgin with Elgin CDJR

If you're coming in from Streamwood, Schaumburg, or anywhere else in the area, these are just a few of the great places to visit when in downtown Elgin. For even more recommendations, like what are the best Elgin museums and breakfast places near Elgin, contact us and our friendly staff will be more than happy to give further recommendations. While you're here, be sure to take a look at our inventory of new and used vehicles.