What makes Crete Sights so special is the way history and modernity are almost unnoticed. As a child, I heard from the early settlers who founded the small village in 1850, and from the railroads that formed the backbone of growing trade in 1869 – a bit like a forgotten chapter from a Western, only that the horses were replaced today by vans. Who comes here quickly realizes that the heart of Crete is not in a glittering urban plan, but in the narrow streets of Main Street, where the old brick buildings are still flowing the scent of freshly baked bread, while the local café is hardly more than a meeting point for the “real” inhabitants. I usually drive over the I-55 because the highway leads me directly to the center, and then a short trip to the County Road 50 takes me to the center where I like to stay a few minutes in the small car park in front of the town hall to observe the colorful driving. For me, the true Crete experience is the conversation with the people who live here – a bit dry, a bit warm, and always with an eye-catcher. And yes, when talking about the Crete sights, you should not forget that the whole township is in Will County, which means that you can make a short trip to Chicago at any time if the urban getaway becomes too much.
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The first place I put to every visitor is that Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe – a bit too far to call it a “city park”, but the approach via the I‐90 is a pleasure as long as you don’t stay in professional traffic. I made a picnic there on a sunny Saturday morning on the extensive lawns, while a few joggers loudly criticized their playlist; that was almost a local ritual. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem, because then the wedding societies appeal.
A few miles further, in the tranquil Lisle, this is waiting Morton Arboretum – a forest that could almost be considered a mini national park if you do not consider the many signs and the mandatory visitor centre with its “interactive map”. I once tried to shoot a photo of a particularly cartiful tree, just to realize that the light was too bright and I got more shade than picture. Nevertheless, the trails are well maintained, and parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you do not come to the main exhibition “Herbstlaub”.
For those who have a little nostalgia for rusty tracks, this is Illinois Railway Museum in Union a must. I have to admit, I don't understand the hype about old steam locomotives, but the museum has a charm that will amaze even the most sceptical visitor. I made a tour there with a former locomotive leader who explained to me why the “rater” of the wheels is actually a soothing sound – a bit like the whining of a cat, just louder.
If you have enough of rails and gardens, the road leads to Wilmington Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. This is not an ordinary field, but a real ecosystem that has regained after decades of farming. I spent a weekend to photograph some wild flowers, and was watched by a curious coyote who apparently thought I was another visitor who cuts the grass too short. Parking is a bit wilder here – you often have to run a piece until you find a legal place.
A short trip to Wheaton brings you to Cantigny Parkwhere the estate of former General George S. Patton was transformed into a museum and beautiful gardens. I was there on a rainy day and still fought through the art gallery because the café serves the best hot cocoa in the area – a real comfort price for the wet weather.
A little further south lies the charming Naperville Riverwalk. I watched a sunset there, while a street musician played an old blues melody that somehow fits perfectly with the glittering lights of the river. The Riverwalk is ideal for a walk after dinner, and parking at the public parking lot is usually free as long as you do not come to the main event “Summerfest”.
For families DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville a place where you find the inner child – not only because the exhibitions are interactive, but because the staff actually enjoy playing with the kids. I took part in a water experiment with my nephew, which splashed more than it taught, but the laugh was unpaid.
A short trip to Lockport leads to Lockport Historic District and the famous Lockport Lock and Dam. I spent a weekend to visit the old mill and had to find out that the story here lives not only in dusty books, but in the well-preserved stone buildings. Parking is a bit tricky here because the streets are tight, but a little patience pays off when you want to enjoy the view from the Dam.
Whether you're looking for botanical tranquility, historical nostalgia or just for a good coffee – the surrounding of Crete offers a colourful mix of experiences that go far beyond the city boundaries. This selection of Crete sights shows that you can jump from one highlight to the next in a short time without losing the charm of the Middle West.
This guide invites you to stroll with me through the small wonders of Crete, Illinois, as if we met after a long working day in the pub and philosophize over the best corners of the city.
I always start with Crete Historical Society Museum because it is the heart that the city does not degrade to a boring suburb. There are old photos of horse-drawn carriages, an original wooden chair from 1885 and a dusty shield that announces “Welcome to Crete” – a bit cheesy, but honestly, that’s what makes people proud here. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the annual Crete Summerfest blocks the road.
A short walk leads you to Crete Public Library. I don't quite understand the hype about libraries, but here there are not only books, but also a small café corner where the Barista serves you a latte while wondering why you don't just make a picnic in the park. The shelves are surprisingly well sorted, and the staff knows every regular guest in the name – this is almost scary in person.
If you feel that you have enough history, take a look at the Crete City Park. The small lake there is not exactly a natural wonder, but the ducks are brave and can be almost drowned by curious children. I once tried to take a photo of the reflection there, just to see that a passing tractor ruined the image – a typical Crete experience that teaches you to love the imperfect.
Another secret tip I like to mention is that Crete Community Center. Here the locals meet for basketball, yoga and the notorious “Karaoke Nights”, where the voice of someone who believes he is an Elvis imitator, shakes the whole hall. The center is a good place to see how the city really ticks – loud, a bit messy and full of good mood.
For those who are looking for a little more “authentic” atmosphere, a detour to St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The stone windows are impressive, and the organ game on Sunday morning almost lets you forget that you just got out of bed. I once saw a child who shouted “I want pizza!” during the fair – a moment that shows that tradition and everyday life go hand in hand.
A short detour to the south leads you to Crete Prairie Trail. The path is not particularly spectacular, but it offers a quiet retreat from the main roads. I watched a squirrel that boldly snapped on my shoe, while I thought about the “Crete Sights” and realized that some of the best experiences are just the quiet way to something everyday.
I can't finish this old town hall forgotten, which now serves as a venue for local art exhibitions. The high ceilings and the crumbling wooden floors give the whole a hint of vintage charms, and I met a local artist there who explained why he prefers to paint in Crete than in Chicago – because there are still “real” conversations.
So, next time you think about where you want to spend your weekend, think about Crete. It's not what you find in guidebooks, but what you experience between the lines – a bit loud, a bit oblique, but always with a smile you don't let go.
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