Travellers from all over the world appreciate South Chicago Height's attractions due to their unexpected mix of industrial heritage and home serenity. I have always wondered why this small community has so little attention in the heart of Bloom Township, Cook County, although it has been a pulsating working-class district since the early 1900s, which developed from the old railroads and the factories of the steel industry. My first encounter with the place was a short walk along the old railway line, which today is lined by a narrow cycle path – a silent witness of the past, which surprisingly well entangles with the modern residential blocks.
When you arrive by car over the I‐57, you immediately notice that the cityscape is characterized by a mixture of old bungalows and newer commercial areas; a bit like a patchwork from different decades that you only learn to appreciate when you have the time to visit the small cafes operated by locals. The next Metra stop in Harvey is just a short bus ride away, and this makes it easy to explore the surrounding suburbs without burning your own car.
I have to admit that I cannot fully understand the hype about the “big” attractions in Chicago, but here, in the middle of the industrial core of South Chicago Heights, I find an authenticity that you rarely experience. And that's what makes South Chicago Height's sights for me an underestimated jewel in the Middle West.
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The first stop I never miss is that Museum of Science and Industry in the South Loop – a gigantic labyrinth from old steam turbines, huge submarines and interactive experiments that amaze even the most sceptical visitors. I remember the day that I accidentally stumbled into the Future of Energy exhibition and almost encircled a whole circuit; the staff only laughed and said it was the true “Hands‐on” experience. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole city is looking for a place.
A short trip to Pullman leads you to Pullman National Monumentwhere the history of the workers' movement is almost tangible. I once made a picnic on the old railway track, while a guide told about the strikes of 1894 – a bit like an outdoor history lesson, just with more barbecue smell. The place is easily accessible on foot, and the bicycle lock at the entrance is almost always easy because the city promotes cycling here.
If you have enough of concrete, drive south to Calumet Trail. This 9-mile-long path stretches along the river and offers a surprisingly quiet retreat for joggers, families and those who simply want to let the soul grow. I once observed a sunrise, while an older couple held their morning yoga routines – an image that reminds me every time that a bit of nature exists in the metropolitan region. The parking spaces at the entrances are usually free as long as you do not arrive at the main traffic time.
A little further west lies Oak Forest Forest Foresta true jewel for nature lovers. I spent a weekend there that I spent with an improvised camping trip because the official camping site was crowded. The trails are well marked, and the visitor centre always has a friendly smile – at least if you don't play too loud with your guitar. The small lake there is ideal for a refreshing bath when the weather plays.
For those who want a little culture and a little nostalgia, this is Chicago Heritage Museum in Riverside a must. The museum shows the life of immigrants who built the city, and I found an old camera that still worked – a small treasure that I immediately took home. The location is convenient because you can park right next to the historic train station, and the staff is always ready to show you the best photospots.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is that Chicago Portage National Historic Site at Lyons. Here the old trade routes meet and I once saw a historical reenactment where a few volunteers in leather pants (yes, that was a bit slanted) followed the old path. The place is small, but the story is huge, and the sign at the entrance declares everything in narrow but concise sentences. Parking is possible at the edge of the park, and you can easily walk on foot to explore the surrounding fields.
Whether you're a tech freak, a history-interested, a nature lover or just a curious traveler – the environment of South Chicago Heights offers a colorful mix of experiences that go far beyond the cityscape. My personal favorites are not always the loudest attractions, but the small, authentic moments you can only find when you walk a little off the beaten paths. In the end, only to say: The South Chicago Heights Attractions wanting to explore, should not be afraid to drive a bit, to run and above all to be amazed.
Whether adventurers, connoisseurs or culture lovers – in South Chicago Heights everyone finds something that tears him out of everyday life, without the usual tourist gimmick. I have to admit, I was initially skeptical because the city has barely more than a few town houses and a few industrial plants to offer. But then I stumbled over South Chicago Heights Park, and suddenly I was convinced that there is more than you suspect at first glance.
The park is located in the heart of the village, surrounded by a mixture of old brick buildings and newer suburban houses. There is a small lake that is populated by ducks in the summer, and a playground that has more rust than color – a real charm factor for families who do not want to pay much money for entry. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the local flea market starts and everyone tries to get a free place. I found an old vinyl album there that I could never let go again – no joke.
A short walk further St. John Lutheran Church, a building from the 1920s, which with its red brick facade and high stained glass windows almost looks like a relic from another time. I don't always understand the hype about church architecture, but here the cloistering of the organ in the Sunday divine service has something calming that makes me come back every time. The municipality is surprisingly open – I was even allowed to participate in a cake buffet where the older ladies served their famous pancakes.
Only a few destinations surprise their visitors with a library that has more character than some museums. The South Chicago Heights Public Library is a small but fine building rebuilt by a former primary school building. I found some old town plans there that show how the village was once surrounded by corn fields before the factories came. The staff is friendly, but slightly annoyed when you ask for the latest bestsellers – here you get more local history and magazines from the 70s.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that Bloom Township Fire Department – yes, that doesn’t sound like a tourist attraction now, but the fire station is a real centerpiece of the municipality. Every first Monday a month there is an open house where you can admire the old fire trucks. I even took a short look into the kitchen where the volunteers cooked a defensive stew that reminded me of my childhood in East Germany. Parking is always a children's game because the terrain is big enough to hide a few cars.
If you are St. John Catholic Church you can see that religious buildings are almost a contest for the most beautiful facade. The church has an impressive bell tower that can be seen from almost everywhere in the village. I heard the bells ring while I was standing at the bus stop – that was a moment that reminded me that life is slower here.
A short detour to South Chicago Heights Community Center completes the picture. The center offers courses from yoga to computer training, and I took part in an improvised Poetry-Slam where a 70-year-old pensioner ran over his youth in the 60s. That was really great and showed that the city has more to offer than one would suspect from outside.
All these places together form what I like as the true South Chicago Heights Attractions not the shiny attractions of large cities, but the small, authentic corners that make up the village. So, next time you drive over the highway to Chicago and plan a detour to the suburbs, don't forget to put a short stop in South Chicago Heights. You may not return with a gold souvenir, but with a few stories you can't tell anyone else.
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