Graue Mill and Museum
Located in Oak Brook, the Graue Mill and Museum is an operating waterwheel grist mill with a storied history. Its founder, Frederick Graue, came to the U.S. from Germany in the 1800s and built the mill to process crops from farmers. The mill was also used to hide runaway slaves on their way to Canada, and legend has it President Lincoln visited the mill during that time. Groups can meet at the Frederick Graue House, located next to the mill and museum. Gatherings of up to 70 people are welcome indoors and up to 150 outdoors. www.grauemill.org
Lynfred Winery
Dubbed as the oldest and largest, continuously operating, bonded winery in Illinois, Lynfred Winery is a popular spot in Roselle. Founded in 1979, the venue welcomes groups from January through September. The winery also offers a bed-and-breakfast on-site. www.lynfredwinery.com
Naper Settlement
Groups can take a step back in time at Naper Settlement, a 13-acre replica of a 19th century Midwestern town. Located in Naperville, the living history museum is made to depict life in Naperville through historic buildings and costumed interpreters. Groups of up 100 people can meet at the re-created Pre-Emption House Tavern & Galleries, an 1834 building known as the first hotel and tavern west of Chicago. Groups of up to 60 people can meet at the Meeting House, a facility built in 1841 for gatherings of Naperville’s German community. Groups of up to 110 can meet at the Memorial Chapel & Heritage Hall and groups of up to 135 people can meet on the village’s picnic grounds. www.napersettlement.org
The Morton Arboretum
Dedicated to the conservation of trees, The Morton Arboretum offers 1,700 acres of trails and beautiful scenery, as well as a variety of spaces to meet indoors, ranging from an auditorium with a patio, to a room with a marble fireplace and stained glass windows. Outdoor spaces include a garden featuring 60 different varieties of hedges and a sprawling lawn. www.mortonarb.org
Cantigny
Home to gardens, museums and a golf course, 500-acre Cantigny has a variety of places for groups to meet. The Medill Room is an option for an executive board retreat, with space for up to 18 people. For more space, try Banquet Room I, The Joseph Medill Room or Banquet Room II, all of which can seat between 60 and 100 guests. www.cantigny.org