Visit Union Hill Kankakee Illinois and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the natural wonders of Union Hill, Illinois: simplicity and seclusion in the natural reserve "The Shawnee National Forest". Rest for the body and soul.
Travelers from all over the world appreciate Union Hill attractions because of the unique charm you hardly find in the guides. I must admit that I came to Norton Township only a few years ago through the dusty Highway 50 to explore the small village that has been hiding between the fields of Kankakee County since the 1850s. The story here is a bit like an old family photo: a bit weathered, but full of surprising details – from the first German settlers who built the country to the railroad rails, which once formed the backbone of the trade and today are only in the field as rusty relics.
When I stroll through the main road, I feel like a curious neighbor who secretly listens to the history of his neighbors. The old wooden houses, which are still passed on from generation to generation, tell about hard winters and even harder neighbourhood disputes. And yes, the local diner I love serves the best pancakes throughout the county – a real secret tip that I pass on to everyone who finds the way here.
A small note for the arrival: The next Amtrak stop is located in Kankakee, from there a shaky bus departs to Union Hill, or you just take the car and follow the signs that sound more like “Landstraße” than “Tourist Magnet”. So, the next time you stumble on “Union Hill Sights”, you know that history, humor and a touch of rustic pride await you.
Whether it's adventurers, connoisseurs or culture lovers – in Union Hill, everyone finds something that makes him sneak. I have to confess, my first heart palp I got when entering the old Union Hill Schoolhouse, which today serves as a small museum. The crunchy wood, the faded panels and the rumour that once a teacher overwhelmed the class with a chalk explosion, give the place a charm that you hardly find in modern learning centers. If you accidentally search for a parking lot, be warned: On Saturday afternoons, the field in front of the school building is full of families who make picnics there – that is, they prefer to come early.
A short walk further Union Hill Cemeterya silent witness of the history of this little spot in the Middle West. The tombstones tell stories of pioneers who have planted their fields here, and of a few shattery characters whose descendants still visit the tomb with homemade cakes every year. I once met an old veteran who told me that his great-grandfather is buried here and that the tomb is still decorated with a hand-carved wooden bench – a real eye-catcher if you're looking for authentic nostalgia.
If you're looking for a place where you can exchange with locals, go to Union Hill Community Center. The building is not exactly an architectural miracle, but the weekly bingo ends and the monthly farmer market event make it a social magnet. I once met an old farmer who told me why his mash no longer tastes as sweet as before – a short excursion to the local agricultural science that is more fun than any lecture.
Another highlight that I do not want to conceal is the Union Hill Fire Department. Yes, you have read correctly – the fire department has a small museum that exhibits old extinguishing vehicles and equipment from the 1950s. I met a young fireman there, who proudly told me about his first rescue action, in which he accidentally opened the neighbor's garden gate. No joke, that was a real firefighting tail, but the story always makes for laughter.
For those who want a little green and fresh air, there is Union Hill Park. The park is small, but it has a baseball-diamond, a few play equipment and a small pond, where ducks paddle in front of themselves. I once made a picnic with my cousin who insisted that we feed the ducks – the result was a short but intense duck strike because we had forgotten to bring bread. Nevertheless, a nice place to let the soul dangle.
And yes, if you ask yourself what else you can see in Union Hill, look at them. Union Hill United Methodist Church on. The building is simple, but the community there is warm. I once participated in a Sunday worship service and was invited to a homemade apple cake after the service – a sweet proof that there is still a real neighborhood.
Finally, a short note for those looking for a compact overview: Union Hill Attractions can be explored on foot, because the village is so small that you hardly need a moment to get from one place to the next. And if you ask yourself where to park your bike – most of the places have an open field where you can just lean on your bike as long as you don't have a concert there on Saturday night, it will be a bit tight.
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