What makes Manteno sights so special is the quiet way, with the story here whirling at every street corner. The city was founded in 1855 when the railroad slit the prairie and a small junction for cereals and cattle was established. My grandfather told me that the first settlers came from New York to escape the noise of the city – a bit of irony considering that today the loudest noises of tractors and occasional trucks are coming across the I‐57.
I like to drive from Chicago by car; the 70 miles are a short trip, and as soon as you see the signs for Manteno, you realize that life is slower here. The small airport of Kankakee is just a stone's throw away if you prefer to fly – I personally find this a bit exaggerated, but hey, everyone has their preferences.
In the heart of Manteno Township you can feel the mix of agricultural land and a touch of industrial heritage reflected in the old brick buildings of the city centre. People here are friendly but not exaggerated; a short chat at the petrol station is often enough to capture the true nature of the city. And yes, if you ask yourself where to spend your time, just look around – the Manteno sights hide in the little moments you would overlook.
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You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
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The first place I could not miss was that Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, a huge piece of unspoiled green that extends south of Manteno and almost looks like a film set for Western – only without the dusty cowboys, for it with a surprisingly loud group of bird voices that give you the feeling of standing in the middle of nature protection. I spent a few hours there with the hiking trail “Prairie Loop”, and although the weather on this day smelled rather after autumn, the grass was so high that I almost had the feeling of strolling through a living painting. Parking is easily possible at the main parking lot as long as you do not arrive at the weekend with the whole family group, then this becomes a small patience game.
A short trip to Kankakee leads directly to Kankakee River State Parkwhere the water of the river is so clear that you can see almost your own mirror image while paddling – a bit cheesy, but honestly a real eye-catcher. I rented a kayak there and driven me down the rapids a bit; that was less romantic than I had imagined in guidebooks, but for that, a real adrenalinkick. The camping area is well signposted, and the bathroom is clean enough not to leave the tent every time you have the need.
For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, there are Kankakee River Trail, a well-maintained path that stretches along the river and is suitable for both cyclists and walkers. I tried the trail on a sunny afternoon, and although the track is not particularly spectacular, it always offers small surprises, such as an old, rusted shipwreck in the water – a relic from a time when the river was still an important trade route. The best thing: there are numerous free bicycle stands in Kankakee, so you can easily park the bike and explore the surroundings on foot.
A little story? The Kankakee County Historical Museum in downtown Kankakee is a small but fine place that presents the local past with a mix of old photos, tools and even an original preserved prison cell setup. I was there because I was curious about whether the city is really as “rustic” as you hear – and yes, the museum confirms this, but it also has a few surprisingly modern exhibitions that show how the region in the 20th. century has developed. The entrance is free, and parking directly in front of the museum is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't get to lunchtime when the school classes come in.
A place you shouldn't overlook is that Manteno State Hospital, the abandoned sanatorium, which has been empty since the 1990s and is now a magnet for urban explorers. I made a guided tour there on a rainy Saturday – yes, there are actually guided tours by a local historian who knows more about the dark chapters of the psychiatry than you find in a Wikipedia entry. The halls smell like old dust and a bit of history, and the light falling through the broken windows creates an almost cinematic atmosphere. Parking is easy at the old hospital grounds, but you should be aware that entering the buildings is not allowed without guidance.
A short trip after Hammond (about 30 miles north) leads to Indiana Dunes National Park, a little further away, but definitely worth a day trip. The dunes offer a spectacular view of Lake Michigan, and hiking there is a good counterpart to the flat preriens around Manteno. I tried the “West Beach Trail” and although the paths were sometimes muddy, the view of the sunset over the lake was simply unpaid. Entrance to the park is free, and parking at West Beach is usually easy as long as you don't get to the high season.
Whether you prefer Midewin's vast precincts, the quiet water of the Kankakee River State Park, the historic corners of Kankakee or the slightly spooky flair of the Manteno State Hospital – the surroundings of Manteno offer a colorful mix of nature, history and a bit of adventure. So, Manteno Attractions will not be disappointed here.
This guide invites you to stroll with me through the inconspicuous but self-willing heart of Manteno, where every angle has a bit more history than you would suspect at first sight.
I prefer to start with the Manteno State Hospital – yes, the abandoned sanatorium, which used to house more patients than the entire city had inhabitants. The brick buildings are still like a memorial from another era, and if you are lucky, a local historian will let you sneak through the abandoned corridors. Parking is usually easy as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the old visitor parking lot will suddenly become the battlefield for caravan fans.
Only a few destinations surprise their visitors with a museum housed in a former hospital wing, but that Manteno Historical Society Museum does that. There I hang up my favorite photos of old school classes and yellowed newspaper articles while I wonder why the city never got a real art museum. The exhibition is small, but the stories – from the railway to the local brewer – are damn well told.
A short walk leads you to Manteno Depot, the old railway hub, which today serves as a café. I drank more than once a double espresso while I heard the sound of the passing trains that were hardly more than a noise in the background. The staff knows every visitor by name – a bit cheesy, but honestly, this is Manteno.
If you're looking for something green, the Manteno Community Park Your goal. The park is not just a national park, but the playgrounds, the small swimming pool and the picnic tables are perfect for a spontaneous barbecue. I started an improvised football match with a few teenagers from high school – the result was a bunch of dirty socks and a new friend who later brought me a piece of cake from the bakery around the corner.
For those who prefer to send the ball into the hole, there is the Manteno Golf Club. The 18-hole facility is located just outside the city center, but this is a small price for the quiet, slightly hilly landscape that almost lets you forget that you are in Illinois. I lost my golf club more than once because I was too busy admiring the old oaks that line the Fairway.
Another underestimated treasure is the Manteno Public Library. It is small, but the shelves are packed with local history, and the staff is always ready to lend you a book about the city foundation – although I personally prefer to read the stories from the museum. The building itself has a charming, slightly outdated design that reminds you of the 1950s, and the free Wi-Fi is a nice bonus if you want to update your Instagram story.
And yes, if you're looking for an overview, simply tap “Manteno Sights” into your search engine – you'll quickly realize that the city has more to offer than one would expect from a place with less than 10,000 inhabitants. I don't understand the hype about big cities, but here, between the quiet streets and the friendly faces, you'll find a piece of real America.
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