What makes University Park sights so special is the peculiar mix of rural serenity and the quiet drones of a university city, which has slowly collapsed from the Kornfeld since the 1960s. I remember driving the first time by train from Chicago over the Metra line to University Park – a short stop, then a short walk through the main road, where the old barns are next to brand new student residences and seem to overtone each other. The story goes back to the 19th. Century, when the area was part of the Monee Townships and was mainly inhabited by farmers who sold their harvest on the fertile soil of Will County. Today, the whole thing is a bit like a film where the main role is played by Illinois State University, while the side roles are taken over by the few but charming cafés and the endless field paths.
I have to admit, I don't understand the hype about the campus parties, but the weekly peasant market meeting on Saturday morning is really great – fresh apples, homemade apples and a touch of nostalgia that reminds you of why you came here at all. When you arrive by car, take the I‐57 and follow the signs to University Park; the ride is short, the parking is usually free and you immediately feel that you are somewhere between the city's bustle and endless field. And yes, if you ask yourself where you have something to do in the evening, then just look what the students are organizing – this is often the most lively piece of the little town I have ever experienced.
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You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In University Park, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop I put to every new man's heart is that Reservoir. If you are looking for a bit of cooling here in the summer, you will find not only a quiet lake, but also a surprisingly good fishing area – I caught a bark that was almost as big as my breakfast egg. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the local families move on with grill accessories. The route around the lake is short enough to complete it in 20 minutes, but long enough to shoot a few photos of the sunrises that are actually a bit spectacular here.
A short detour to the north leads you to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, a huge piece of unspoiled prairie covering more than 20 000 hectares. I don’t understand the hype about “Endless Fields of Grass”, but the visitor centre has an interactive display that explains why this prairie is so important for bees and butterflies. On the way there you have to fight a bit through field trails – a good pair of walking shoes are worth gold here – and parking is not a topic thanks to the generous lots at the entrance. I've seen a field bunny there, and I was curious about it before it disappeared in the high grass.
If you want a little city flair, that's Joliet Area Historical Museum A must. The building itself is a relic from the 1920s, and the exhibitions give a pretty clear insight into the industrial heritage of the region. I was there on a rainy afternoon and fell in love with the old railway department – the model railways are still running, and the staff likes to tell Anekdoten about the old locomotives that once drove through the area. The museum is conveniently located at the main station, so parking is easy to find, and a short walk takes you back to the heart of Joliet.
A short walk on, and you stand in front of the Rialto Square Theatre, an Art-Deco-Juwel, which is often referred to as the “king of the stage” in the region. I once experienced a jazz concert that was so loud that the seats vibrated – no joke, that was a real experience. The acoustics are impressive, and the building itself is a photo motif that you should not miss. You will get tickets at the evening bar, and parking is almost always available thanks to the nearby underground car park as long as you don't come to the main show on Friday night.
For everyone who loves the rural life, I&M Canal Trail a perfect place to explore the old waterway by bike or walk. The path stretches through fields, small villages and past historical ruins. I once made a picnic on the shore while a tractor leisurely passed – an image that fits well into the Instagram story. The trail is well signposted, and most of the sections have free parking spaces that can be found on the small signs on the trail.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is that Will County Fairgrounds in Joliet. During the annual County Fair, the site turns into a colorful drive from rides, local food stands and cattle shows. I once saw a pumpkin competition where a 30 kg pumpkin took the first place – a sight that almost seemed surreal. Outside the fair dates, the grounds are open to events, and parking is always a children's game thanks to the many large areas.
Whether you're looking for nature, history or a little urban flair, the surrounding area of University Park offers a colorful mix of experiences that go far beyond the pure cityscape. These University Park Sights show that the heart of Will County consists not only of fields and factories, but of people, stories and surprising moments that make every visit something special.
This guide invites you to discover the hidden corners of University Park, and I promise you that I will unpack more than just the usual tourist clichés.
Honestly, the first thing I love about this tiny spot in Monee Township is that University Park Golf Club. I was there on a lukewarm Saturday afternoon when an older gentleman in a neon-green polo shirt told me that the 18-hole facility was “a piece of peace in the midst of the suburban trout”. The place is surprisingly well maintained – the greens are faster than my last online dating match, and the view over the wide fields makes you almost forget that you are just minutes away from Highway 45. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the local business people turn their weekly “golf-to-work” rounds.
A short walk (or a short sprint, depending on the mood) leads you to University Park Library. I must confess I spent more time there than I wanted to admit – not because of the books, but because of the cozy reading corner, where an old record player plays quiet jazz and barely penetrate the city sounds. The library is part of the Will County Library system, so you have access to a huge digital archive that even impressed my grandmother. And yes, Wi-Fi is faster than the Internet in my parents' house back then.
If you're looking for a place where you can feel like a real local, that's it. University Park Community Center That's right. I took part in a yoga course where the instructor told more about her cats than about the Asanas – a real Ice-Breaker. In addition to fitness courses, the Center also offers art exhibitions of local talents, and the best: The parking spaces are almost always free as long as you do not visit the weekly Bingo tournament.
A small detour to the south brings you to Reservoir. I threw out my fishing there, just to see that the fish here are just as skeptical to tourists as I do to the local fast food chains. The lake is a popular spot for kayaking and families that picnic on the shore. The path around the reservoir is well developed, and I even discovered a few rare wild flowers that I previously only knew from picture volumes.
The University Park Trail connects the reservoir with the heart of the village and is a perfect mix of asphalt and gravel. I straightened the trail on a autumn morning when the leaves lit in all conceivable red tones – a sight that would have silenced even the hardest Instagram influencer. The path is signposted, but don't let the few missing signs irritate you; this is almost a feature that awakens the discovery spirit.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is the annual Summer festival in the center of University Park. I remember the year when I accidentally stumbled into the Hüpfburg for adults and sang a spontaneous duet with a local band there – no joke, the audience was thrilled. The festival offers local food stands, crafts and a fireworks that transforms the sky above the Monee Township into a sparkling spectacle.
And because I don't just want to mention the usual sights, here's a little secret tip: The Deli on Main – an inconspicuous place that serves the best pastrami sandwiches wide and wide. I spent my lunch break there more than once, because the staff always greeted me with a smile and the portions are generous. This is for me a real piece of University Park attractions that you don't find in every guide.
At the end of the day, the feeling that University Park has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance – a mix of quiet green spaces, small cultural highlights and a community that carries its peculiarities with an eye-catcher. So next time you drive through the Monee Township, stop, breathe in the fresh air and let yourself be surprised by the small but fine details.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
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