What makes Hammond sights so special is the self-contained mix of industrial heritage and rural serenity that you can feel right away when you stroll along the old railroad tracks along Grant Street. I remember hearing the stories about the founder George H. Hammond as a child with my grandpa – a man who created the town in 1859 from a piece of unbuilt prairie to later build a steel empire that still shapes the skyline. Today the whole is in the heart of Unity Township, an inconspicuous part of Lake County, which offers more field routes than high-rise buildings, and yet the echo of the forging is still audible when the wind whips over the old warehouses.
A short trip to Piatt, located just a few miles south, shows how the surrounding land balances between agricultural fields and the quiet shores of Lake Michigan. I like to take the South Shore Line from Chicago – not a snuck, just a reliable train that takes you in the middle of the city without having to torture you through endless highways. As soon as you get out of the train, you realize that the city is not only made of concrete and steel, but of people who are proud of their history, but still enjoy a coffee in one of the small, slightly sloping cafés on Main Street. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the old warehouses, but the small boutiques that were created there are really great – a perfect example of how Hammond sights are always surprised when you look closely.
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The first stop I put to every newcomer is the Monticello Railway Museum – a paradise for those who still believe that steam locomotives not only dust in museums but can actually smoke a bit. I spent a little time there on a sunny Saturday afternoon with the volunteer creators who proudly presented the old “M-1” while a little boy, beside me, loudly pressed the horn. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the “Railfest” fans from all over Illinois move.
A short detour to the south leads you to the Piatt County Historical Museum, which resides in an inconspicuous brick building in Monticello. There are old maps hanging, which look like they carved someone with a pencil on a piece of parchment, and a few dusty tractors telling more stories than some modern tractor. I almost knelt there all the lunch break because I had the feeling that the history of the Middle West would whisper my ear personally – and that, although I was actually just looking for a place to dedus my camera.
If you have enough of dusty halls, take a look at the Lake of the Woods State Park, a small jewel hidden about 12 miles north of Hammond. The lake is not huge, but the clear water and the gentle hills all around make it a perfect place for a picnic or a bit of fishing – I actually caught a pike that I immediately released because I didn't want him to ruin my Instagram story. The parking lot is generous, and the only annoyance is the occasional squeaking of the children who call too loud “King of the World”.
A little further east, almost in the heart of Urbana, is the Champaign County Historical Museum. Here, the history of Champaign County is presented not only in dusty files, but also in interactive displays that even awaken my curiosity, although I actually only searched for a place to stretch my feet. I found an old school book that still carries the 1902 handwriting – a real treasure for anyone who loves the feeling of nostalgia without becoming too sentimental.
For those who believe that art can only be found in major cities, I recommend a trip to the Krannert Art Museum at the University of Illinois in Urbana. The building itself is an architectural statement that is almost as loud as the discussions I have conducted there on modern installations. I lost myself in an exhibition of contemporary photographs that were so provocative that I almost forgot that I was actually looking for a place to borrow my camera.
A little further north, almost halfway between Hammond and Danville, is the Homer Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. The lake is not particularly large, but the wildlife is amazingly diverse – I have seen a roe staring at me from a distance as if you want to tell me: “You are not here to camp, you are here to watch.” Access is simple, and parking is almost always free as long as you do not arrive at the weekend with a group of hunters.
Whether you are a fan of squeaking steam locomotives, dusty maps, clear lakes or provocative art – the surroundings of Hammond, Unity Township, Piatt, Illinois have something to offer for everyone. And the best thing is that you can experience all this without overwhelming yourself by the usual tourist streams. Next time you plan your route, don't forget the Hammond Attractions Add to your list – they are not in the heart of the city, but they give it a distinctive flair that you otherwise miss.
Those who come to Hammond for the first time will immediately notice that the city has more to offer than one would expect from a suburb in the shadow of Chicago – and that, although I am never a fan of exaggerated city propaganda slogans.
My personal favorite spot is that Hammond Civic Center. I once experienced a small jazz concert in one of the back halls; the acoustics was surprisingly good, and parking was almost a children's play, as long as you don't show up there on Friday night after work, then the field becomes a real battlefield from cars and stressed drivers. The hall itself is a bit like a relic from the 70s, but that makes the charm – not a snuck, just a bit of concrete and a few old posters that tell of past sports events.
A short walk leads you to Hammond Public Library. I have to admit, I was skeptical because libraries are mostly just dusty shelves, but here there is a modern media center that even has a small café area where I once enjoyed a cappuccino with a hint of cinnamon while I was reading through the local history books. The staff is friendly, but not excessively polite – they give you the feeling that you are not the first person to ask for the way to the next book.
If you want to sniff a bit of history, look at these St John the Baptist Catholic Church on. The building dates back to the late 19. Century, and brick Gothic is a real eye-catcher. I remember standing there on a sunny Sunday afternoon, while a choir tried – the voices halled through the high vaults and gave the place an almost sacral atmosphere, which is in vain in most modern suburbs. The entrance is of course free, and parking is a little closer at the back entrance, but this is a small price for a piece of lively history.
A short detour to the south brings you to Unity Park. The name sounds almost too optimistic, but the green areas are actually well maintained and there is a small playground ideal for families with children. I once made a picnic with a few friends, and we talked about the “local art installation” at the lake – a few metal sculptures that remind more of an industrial decoration than something artistic, but they give the place a certain character. And the best thing: the park is open around the clock, so you can watch over there at any time if you just need some fresh air.
A little further away, but still in the influence of Hammond, lies the old Hammond Train Depotwhich today serves as a small museum. I saw an exhibition on the railway history of the region there, and it was fascinating to see how the city was once an important hub. The exhibition is not huge, but the originals – old schedules, a restored locomotive guide – feel authentic. The museum is free and parking is possible on the small courtyard behind the building as long as you are not there at noon when the school classes visit the museum.
For those looking for a place to let the day end with a cool drink, there is Hammond Brewing Company (a small, independent brewhouse company that offers more than just the usual beer). I tried a seasonal IPA there, which was surprisingly fruity, and the owners told me that they developed the recipe after an old family secret from the 1950s. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and parking is right outside the door, which is rarely the case with bars in the area.
And because I'm not just the usual Hammond Attractions I have to tell the closest Miller Woods mention – part of the Lake County Forest Preserve, which is just a cat jump away from the city border. The trails are well marked, and I spent a few hours enjoying the view over the nearby Lake Michigan. It's not right in Hammond, but for anyone looking for a bit of nature off the urban hustle, that's a real secret tip.
At the end of the day, if you ask yourself if Hammond really has something to offer, remember: the city may be small, but it has a few surprisingly charming corners that you only discover when you are ready to walk a little off the beaten path – and that's exactly what I appreciate most in this place.
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