What makes Glenwood sights so special is the silent story that pulsates between the rows of suburban houses and the old railroad tracks. I remember driving into the small village in the heart of Bloom Township, Cook County, for the first time – a place that came out of pure farm landscape in 1903 when the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad stopped here and suddenly land life became a bit more urban. Today, the Metra‐Southwest service route continues to drive through the village, and if you are on the road by car, the I‐294 will take you directly to the main road, where you can feel the typical “suburban feeling” of Glenwood.
I have to admit, the hype around the supposedly “hippen” Cafés here is a bit exaggerated for me – most of them are simply nice meeting places for the neighborhood, where you can listen to the stories of the old railroaders who still swarm from their days in the steam age. What I really appreciate is the mix of old trees in Glenwood Park and the modern residential settlements that make the village a quiet retreat without being completely cut off from the rest of Chicago. So, next time you drive across the boundaries of Chicago, stop short, breathe in the air of Bloom Township and let yourself be surprised by the underestimated authenticity of Glenwood – this is the true highlight among the Glenwood sights.
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The first stop I never miss is the glittering heart of Chicago – the Millennium Park. I saw more pictures of myself in the shadow of the “Bean” (official Cloud Gate) when I can count, and every time I see the reflective metal, I wonder why I didn’t just bring a selfie stand. The park is free, the weather is usually the only thing you have to pay for it, and parking is a mystery: on working days there are enough places, but on Saturdays the southwest side turns into a small battlefield of parking cars and tourist villages.
A short jump over the “L” and you suddenly stand before Art Institute of Chicago, a place where I always wonder if I really understand art or just like the huge halls where I can feel small. I remember a rainy Tuesday when I was standing in the Impressionist gallery and an older gentleman whispered beside me that he doesn’t understand the “Hype around Monet” while staring at Monet’s image as if it were a mystery he had to solve. The museum has a spacious garage that is quickly full on weekends – a good timing is worth gold here.
If you have enough of urban hustle and bustle, the road leads to the south Brookfield Zoo. I once tried to shoot a flamingo photo there, just to discover that the animal was just holding a nap – a perfect example that nature does not always cooperate with our Instagram plans. The zoo is about 20 miles from Glenwood, and parking is almost always a children's game as long as you don't arrive on Saturday night when the families flood the terrain with strollers.
A little further east, embedded in a sea of green, lies the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. I spent more hours strolling through the rose gardens when I had actually planned, and every time I breathe in the scented clouds, I feel like I took a little vacation from everyday life. The entrance is free, the parking costs a few dollars, and the staff is so friendly that they even give a leaf with a map of the garden if you are lost in the maze of the paths – what happens to me more often than I want to admit.
A short trip to Lisle brings you to Morton Arboretuma huge forest park that has more trees than I can count in my life. I remember a sunny autumn afternoon when I made a hike with a friend through the “Tree Trail” and we argued about which tree has the best bark – a dispute that was never really solved because we were both too distracted by the bright leaves. Parking is generous here, and the terrain is so vast that you can easily lose a few hours without notice.
Back to the city, but still not too far from Glenwood, this is Museum of Science and Industry. I took part in an interactive exhibition on space and asked myself why I still feel like being a child when I touch a huge magnet. The museum has a huge garage that is almost always full on weekends – a small tip: parking on the side of the street is often the better choice when you get early enough.
Finally, for everyone who prefers to see the story in stone than in glass, this is Pullman Historic District A must. I took a walk there while I tried to count the many old factory buildings, almost forgetting that I was looking for a good café. The area is easy to explore on foot, parking is usually easy, except when a local festival fills the streets and you suddenly get stuck in the traffic jam of bicycles.
Whether you prefer the glittering Chicago skyline wonder, the quiet paths of the Botanic Gardens or the industrial relics of Pullman – the vicinity of Glenwood offers a colorful mix that satisfies every traveler. And if you ask for an overview of why you should go here anyway, then the keyword is Glenwood Attractions a good starting point to discover the diversity of this region.
Already at first glance at the old venerable Glenwood Public Library becomes clear why I walk back here and again – the massive brick building looks like a relic from a time when books were still real treasures and not just PDFs in the cloud storage. I remember the other day I dived into the basement of the library to look for a forgotten book and was almost overwhelmed by a horde of forgotten magazines. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday morning when the weekly Farmers Market the car park turned into a battlefield.
If you're looking for a place to get rid of your energy, then Glenwood Park Your Go‐to. The lawn is not always perfectly mowed, but the playgrounds and the small baseball fields have charm – especially when you hear the sound of children's laughs in the summer, which is almost louder than the noise of the nearby brook. I once made a picnic with friends, which became an improvised insect-survival course thanks to a sudden mosquito. And yes, grilling is allowed as long as you don't burn the grill up to ashes – a little hint I learned after my own fiasko.
A short walk further Glenwood Community Center, a place where you can find everything from yoga classes to bingo ends. I must admit that I have never fully understood the yoga course there – the instructions were so relaxed that I wondered if I should not just make a nap. Nevertheless, the center is a real meeting place for the neighborhood, and the free Wi-Fi connection is a blessing if you suddenly have an important meeting and don't find any more coffee.
For those who prefer to arrive by train, Glenwood Metra Station an underestimated jewel. The Metra Electric Line trains take you directly to the heart of Chicago, and waiting on the platform is rarely crowded – a rare luxury in this area. I don't quite understand the hype around the Metra because the trains are sometimes as punctual as a Swiss clockwork that just has a coffee spot, but the ride is still pleasant, especially if you watch the fields of Bloom Township from the window.
Another highlight I always mention is the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The neo-Gothic building from the early 20th century Century has not only impressive stained glass windows, but also a history that is deeply interwoven into the community. I took part in a choir sample there – no joke, I sang, and my voice sounded like a cat tried to sing an opera piece. Nevertheless, the acoustics were amazing, and the feeling of being part of a centuries-old tradition is almost tangible.
For cyclists among you there is Glenwood Bike Trail, which fits seamlessly into the Illinois Prairie Path. The path is well maintained, and the signs are clear enough that you do not suddenly land in a field of corn – a problem that I almost experienced during my first trip when I followed a lost cow. The trail offers beautiful views of the wide fields of Bloom Township and is ideal to get your head off while burning a bit of calories at the same time.
When you pack all this together, you get a pretty good picture of the Glenwood Attractionsthat make this small place something special. I could talk about the small cafes along 87th Street for hours, the best hot-dog stands and the occasional street festivals, but that would blow the frame – and honestly, I have not even explored all the corners of Glenwood. Maybe you'll find something I missed at the next visit and then tell me about it at the next coffee.
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