What makes Chicago Height's sights so special is the way history and present come together almost unnoticed, while I stroll over the old railway bridge with my coffee in my hand. The city was founded in 1869, a relic of the railways that opened the area around today's Bloom Township – a piece of land that today still carries the charm of a small suburb in the huge Cook County. I remember seeing the old factory choir for the first time and thought that was the symbol of the industrial upturn that once filled the air; Today he is rather a reminder of the change that I feel during passing.
When I arrive with the Metra Electric Line from Chicago, I feel like an explorer who enters a forgotten corner of the metropolitan region, and the car on the I‐57 is just a quick trip if I want more flexibility. People here have a dry humour that makes me sneak every time I sit in the local diner and listen to the conversations about local politics and the latest grill recipe.
I don't quite understand the hype around the big metropolises, but the small, authentic moments in Chicago Heights – be it the murmuring of the river, the quiet ratters of the old trams or the smile of a neighbor who tells me their recipe for pancakes – give the place a soul I wouldn't find in any guide. And that's exactly what Chicago Height's sights are, this sublime mix of history, everyday life and a touch of irony that keeps me coming back.
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Advantage:
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The first stop of my little Odyssey was Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, a piece of untamed prairie that hardly differs from the screens of the city – only that here the trees are not in rows and the grass is not trimmed by lawnmowers. I was lucky to be there in a windless afternoon; a single bison, which was sloping over the wide plain, let me briefly forget that I was looking for a café with good Wi-Fi. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't get in the weekend with a group of school classes – then the field becomes a parking lot for 200 children.
A short jump to the north leads to Calumet Trail, a 16-kilometre long loop, which stretches through old industrial areas and green oases. I made my first round by bike there, while an older gentleman in a yellow T-shirt loudly swarmed over the “good old time” of 1975 – a real earworm for anyone who likes to experience history in motion. The trail is well signposted, but the bicycle stands at the main entrance are rather a dream room; I just had to leave my bike next to an abandoned shed.
If you need a little culture after a day outdoors, that is Starlight Theatre in Tinley Park the perfect choice. I was there at a summer concert of an indie band I had never heard before, and must admit that the outdoor acoustics were surprisingly clear – at least as long as a sudden rain shower didn't turn the audience into a wet mess. The terrain is easy to reach because it is located directly on the I‐80, and parking is almost always a children's game thanks to several large car parks, except when a large sports event takes place simultaneously.
A bit further west lies the Hawthorne Hill Nature Preserve in the Oak Forest Preserve District, a place I call “the secret oasis of the locals”. The hiking trails are not exactly spectacular, but the panoramic view over the flat fields of Cook County is a rare photo motif for Instagram-Aficionados who not only want to post selfies in front of the cityscape. I remember how I helped a little girl to collect wild flowers there – she insisted that I give her “the most beautiful flower” and I had to admit that I actually did.
For those who prefer to swing their shopping bags as walking shoes, there is Chicago Ridge Mall. I spent more time there than I wanted to admit, because the Food-Court carving is almost a culinary highlight – no joke, the thing was so big that I had to go home almost a second time to create space for the rest of the pommes. Parking is a labyrinth of multi-storey garages, but thanks to the well visible signs you can almost always find a free space as long as you don't get to the Black-Friday day.
A short trip to Lyons leads to Chicago Portage National Historic Sitewhere one can see the place where the natives once looked for the path between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi. I stood there with an old city plan in my hand and thought that the idea of digging a “portage” to pass ships is somehow ingenious and at the same time totally crazy – a bit like the idea of opening a café here that only serves vegan bagels. The access is free, and the small visitor center has a few interactive displays that even my nephew, who is otherwise only interested in video games, have thrilled.
Whether you’re exploring Midewin’s vast premises, cycling over the Calumet Trail, enjoying a concert at the Starlight Theatre, looking for rest at Hawthorne Hill, hitting bargains at the Chicago Ridge Mall or visiting the historic Chicago Portage – the Chicago Heights area offers more than enough fabric for a varied trip. And that's exactly what makes Chicago Heights Attractions to an underestimated treasure for those who want to experience something authentic outside the usual tourist paths.
This guide invites you to look a little behind the scenes of Chicago Heights – not with the usual tourist album, but from the point of view of a local who was already too often in traffic to overlook the city.
I prefer to start with the Chicago Heights Historical Society Museum because there is the city history in an old town hall building that has more stories to tell than some modern art gallery. I remember when I was a kid with my grandfather strolling through the dusty halls and he suddenly stopped by an old police car to explain that this was the same weapon used in a famous bank robbery in 1929. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't come on Saturday night – then the car park becomes a battlefield.
A short walk leads you to St. James Catholic Church, a Gothic building that thrones over the cityscape since 1905. I don't quite understand the hype about church architecture, but the stained glass windows here are really an eye-catcher, and the organ game on Sunday morning has pulled me out of my coffee drink – no joke, that was almost spiritual.
If you're looking for green areas, Miller Park Your starting point. The park is not only a playground for children, but also houses a small amphitheater where local bands occur in the summer. I once made a picnic with friends, while an older gentleman unpacked his saxophone and played improvised jazz solutions – that was really great. The garage is free, but on hot summer days it can be full, so it's better to come early.
Another highlight I always mention is the Chicago Heights Public Library. The building is an architectural jewel from the 1930s, and the library itself has a surprisingly extensive collection of local newspapers. I found an old city planning document there, which showed how the city was once marketed as an “industrial centre” – an interesting look back. Parking is possible directly in front of the entrance, but there are only a few places, so prefer to take the bike.
For those who want a little action, the Chicago Heights Skate Park A must. I did my first attempts on the board there, and although I don't have the best tricks on it today, the atmosphere is easy and friendly there. The skate park is next to the Fire Department Museum, which is also worth a visit – the museum shows old fire equipment and tells stories of brave men who have erased more than just fires.
A short trip to Bloom Township leads you to Baker Park, a small but fine piece of nature with a lake that is particularly photogenic in autumn. I have often unpacked my camera there to photograph the reflections, and the garage is free as long as you don't spend the weekend.
And yes, if you’re looking for an overview, simply tap “Chicago Heights Sights” into your search engine – you’ll quickly realize that the city has more to offer than you suspect at first glance. I personally like it when a place is not overrun by tourist crowds, but still breathes a bit of real life.
Finally, a little hint: Most of these places are easily accessible by car, and the city has a quite uncomplicated parking system. Public transport is available, but not always on time – so better schedule a bit of buffer if you don't want to be in traffic.
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