01Arriving in Park Ridge
Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line serves two stations. The Summit Avenue stop (100 South Summit Ave) offers a waiting room open 5 AM‑9 PM and a ticket agent on weekdays until 12:55 PM. The Busse Highway stop (950 Busse Hwy) provides only a shelter. If you are coming from Chicago, the CTA Blue Line stations just south of the city limits give a quick “L” connection. Driving visitors can use I‑294 (Tri‑State Tollway) exiting at Touhy Ave East or US‑14/Dempster Street East, or I‑90 (Kennedy Expressway) exiting at Cumberland Ave North or Canfield Rd North. US‑14 runs near the northern border and IL‑72 (Higgins Rd) along the southern edge. Decide whether rail or car best fits your schedule, then confirm train times or traffic conditions before you leave.
02Local Transportation & Getting Around
Within Park Ridge, Pace Suburban buses 290 (Touhy Ave), 240 (Dee Rd) and 241 (Greenwood‑Talcott) link the Metra stations to the Cumberland CTA station and local destinations. Note that routes 240 and 241 run only weekday rush‑hour. CTA bus 68 (Northwest Hwy) connects Jefferson Park CTA/Metra stations to the Park Ridge Metra stop. Buses can be delayed by traffic, so a rideshare or taxi may provide more flexibility, especially if you have a tight timeline. Check current Pace and CTA timetables and verify that you have a Ventra card for fare payment.
03How to Choose Your Stops
Start by ranking what matters most: outdoor activity, local food, seasonal shopping, or a historic vibe. Centennial Park delivers family‑friendly recreation and pool access. The Farmers Market offers fresh produce and a Saturday‑only local flavor. Holt’s gives a historic dining setting with classic American dishes. Triple Scoop’d supplies a quick dessert for any point in the day. Use these categories to decide which stops align with your interests, travel party, and time of year.
04A Flexible Day‑Trip Sequence
A suggested flow begins with arrival, then a morning visit to Centennial Park for active recreation or a quick dip in the indoor pool. Follow with a midday stroll through the Farmers Market (if it’s Saturday) to sample pastries and pick up snacks. Lunch can be enjoyed at Holt’s, taking advantage of its historic ambience. End the day with a sweet treat at Triple Scoop’d before heading back. This order can be rearranged—if you prefer a relaxed start, begin at the market, or if you’re driving, park near the park first and work outward.
05Centennial Park – Outdoor Recreation
Centennial Park features a sled hill, playground, soccer field, community center, an indoor two‑pool aquatic complex and an outdoor three‑pool complex. Access to the pools and fitness center requires either a membership or a one‑time visit fee. A small food stall serves snacks near the outdoor pools and playground. Decide if pool time is a priority; if so, check the park’s website for day‑pass pricing and pool hours before you go. Families may favor the playground and sled hill, while sports groups might use the soccer field. Verify the food stall’s operating hours to avoid surprises.
06Park Ridge Farmers Market – Seasonal Shopping
The market runs on Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October at 15 Prairie Avenue. Vendors offer fresh produce, pastries, and flowers. Plan a Saturday visit during the market’s season and allocate 30‑45 minutes for browsing and purchasing. Check the market’s website for exact opening hours and any holiday closures. Parking is generally available nearby, but confirm space availability if you’re driving during peak market hours.
07Dining and Dessert: Holt’s and Triple Scoop’d
Holt’s, one of Park Ridge’s oldest surviving restaurants, serves pizza, burgers, cocktails and beer at 43 S Prospect Ave. Its historic ambiance makes it a solid lunch or dinner choice. Call or visit the website to confirm current hours, reservation policy and any COVID‑related restrictions. After your meal, head to Triple Scoop’d at 801 W Devon Ave for ice‑cream desserts. The shop offers a variety of flavors and seasonal specials. Verify opening times on the shop’s site before you arrive, especially if you’re planning a late‑afternoon treat.
