Discover Des Plaines

19 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights

River Trails Park District Nature Center
71/100

River Trails Park District Nature Center

River Trails Park District Nature Center, near Des Plaines, IL

A nature center with trails and educational programs offering opportunities for wildlife and nature photography.

Salt Creek Greenway Trail
70/100

Salt Creek Greenway Trail

Salt Creek Greenway Trail, Cook County, Illinois, United States

A scenic trail perfect for nature and wildlife photography, offering diverse landscapes from forests to wetlands.

McDonald's #1 Store Museum
69/100

McDonald's #1 Store Museum

400 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016

A unique museum showcasing the history of McDonald's, offering retro-themed photography opportunities.

Des Plaines River Trail
68/100

Des Plaines River Trail

Des Plaines River Trail, Cook County, Illinois, United States

A scenic trail along the Des Plaines River, perfect for nature and sports photography.

North Branch Trail
65/100

North Branch Trail

North Branch Trail, Cook County, Illinois, United States

A 20-mile trail perfect for capturing scenic views of forests and fields, especially during seasons with distinct foliage.

Friendship Park
62/100

Friendship Park

Friendship Park, 511 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016, United States

Known for its beautiful flowers and blossoms, this park is ideal for capturing vibrant colors, especially during spring. It offers a serene environment with plenty of photo opportunities.

St Mary's Catholic Church
62/100

St Mary's Catholic Church

St Mary's Catholic Church, Des Plaines, IL

A historic church with architectural details suitable for capturing religious and cultural imagery.

The Des Plaines River Trail
60/100

The Des Plaines River Trail

Along the Des Plaines River, IL (near Rosemont)

A scenic hiking trail suitable for nature or landscape photography.

Euclid Skatepark
60/100

Euclid Skatepark

Euclid Skatepark, 1000 Euclid Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016, United States

Euclid Skatepark is an urban spot ideal for action and street photography. It offers opportunities to capture dynamic moments of skaters in action.

STREETURBAN
The Banks of the Des Plaines River
60/100

The Banks of the Des Plaines River

Along the Des Plaines River, IL (near Rosemont)

Scenic riverbanks suitable for nature or landscape photography.

McDonald's First Store Museum
59/100

McDonald's First Store Museum

McDonald's First Store Museum, 400 N Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016, United States

A quirky museum showcasing the first McDonald's store, ideal for street and cultural photography.

Union Pacific Railroad Tracks
55/100

Union Pacific Railroad Tracks

1000 East Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016, United States

For those interested in industrial or urban photography, the railroad tracks offer a unique perspective on infrastructure and urban landscape.

Friendship Park Conservatory
55/100

Friendship Park Conservatory

100 E Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016, United States

The Friendship Park Conservatory is an indoor garden featuring a variety of plants and flowers. It provides a unique setting for photography, especially for nature and architecture enthusiasts. The atrium's glass roof allows for natural light, making it a great spot for indoor photography.

NATUREARCHITECTURE
Maine North High School
53/100

Maine North High School

9511 N. Potomac Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016

An iconic high school with a blend of architectural styles, offering interesting street photography opportunities.

Union Pacific Railroad
50/100

Union Pacific Railroad

Along the Union Pacific Railroad, Des Plaines, IL

Offers a glimpse into industrial architecture and the dynamism of train traffic.

Ridgewood Memorial Park
45/100

Ridgewood Memorial Park

Ridgewood Memorial Park, Des Plaines, Illinois, United States

A peaceful park suitable for capturing serene outdoor scenes and memorials.

Muir Park
45/100

Muir Park

Muir Park, 511 W Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL 60016, United States

Muir Park is a local park offering recreational facilities and community events. It provides opportunities for street and community photography, especially during events or sports activities.

STREETURBAN
Rohrman Park
40/100

Rohrman Park

Rohrman Park, near Libertyville, Illinois, United States

While not specifically listed, parks like Rohrman Park in nearby communities offer similar opportunities for nature and landscape photography. However, exact coordinates might vary.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Maplewood Park
40/100

Maplewood Park

Maplewood Park, 1000 W Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL 60016, United States

Maplewood Park is a small local park with green spaces and walking paths. It's a nice spot for capturing nature and family moments in a serene environment.

NATUREURBAN