What makes Homewood sights so special is the unique mix of suburban idyll and sublime history that you can hardly find in a guide if you just go down the highway. I remember driving to Homewood for the first time in the late 90s with the Metra – the rat of the trains was almost a soundtrack for what is here: a small piece of Chicago suburb, which was created in 1840 as an agricultural village in the heart of Bloom Township, Cook County, and has since developed into an independent place without ever losing the charm of its beginnings.
A walk through the main road makes you immediately feel that there are more than just terraced houses – the old brick buildings tell of a time when the railway formed the backbone of the municipality and the people here were still real neighbors. I don't understand the hype about the modern shopping complexes, but the small cafés I discover at every corner are really great and give the whole a surprisingly cozy vibe.
When you arrive by car, follow the I‐57 until the Homewood exit; the signage is clear and a short trip to the local County Road You're in the middle of what's happening. And yes, if you ask yourself where you can drink a coffee here, just follow my sense of smell – he never let me down.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey was Calumet Regional Park on the edge of East Hazel Crest – a huge green piece that offers more than just a few playgrounds. I remember driving over the gravel roads on a hot July afternoon with my old bike, while a swarm duck loudly protested that I passed too fast. The swimming pool is not a luxury spa, but the water is surprisingly clear, and the car park is usually free, except on Sundays, when the whole city is holding a picnic.
A short jump over the railway bridge leads to Chicago Portage National Historic Site. Here you have the feeling of entering history that you only know from dusty history books. I stood there, while an older gentleman in a carved shirt told me that once the natives and later the French explorers sought the way between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi. The path is well marked, and the sign with the year 1673 is a real eye-catcher – not a joke, this is the only thing that is really “tourist” here.
Further north, almost like a geological miracle, this lies Thornton Quarry. This gigantic quarrying month is not exactly a leisure park, but the sheer size makes you staunch. I made a picnic there, while a tractor loudly moaned over the street and filled the air with fine lime dust. Parking is a children's game as long as you don't come on Friday night when the workers finish their shift and the access roads suddenly become a snake.
A few miles further, in the heart of Hyde Park, waits Museum of Science and Industry. I visited the museum on a rainy Saturday because I thought it was the worst idea ever – and was surprised how much fun a huge, interactive water tower can do. The exhibition about the Titanic is a must, and the café on the ground floor serves the best coffee I've been drinking since my first trip to Chicago. The only drawback: the number of visitors explode, so be there early if you don't want to stand in the snake.
A short cycle with the bus (or a short walk if you want a bit of sweat) brings you to Pullman National Monument. Here you can feel the industrial heritage of the city, and the old town houses look almost like a set of films from the 1900s. I made a guided tour there with a guide who knew more about the workers' strikes than any historian I know. The terrain is freely accessible, and parking is best to be solved on the small side street behind the museum.
For those who prefer to stay in town, The 606 Trail a real secret tip. This rebuilt railway corridor stretches over several districts and offers a quiet way to jogging or a cozy walk with the dog. I watched a sunset there while a street musician played an accordion – a picture I don't forget so fast. Access is free everywhere, and the only thing you should note is that the bike paths are sometimes overrun by skateboarders.
At the end of my small tour, the destination leads me a little further to the north Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. This is a bit of a trip, but the variety of gardens is worth every kilometre of time. I spent a quiet afternoon surrounded by roses that were so perfectly bred that they were almost artificial. The entrance is free, but parking is limited – a small parking space at the main entrance fills quickly, especially on weekends.
Whether you are looking for industrial history, nature or modern leisure activities, the environment of East Hazel Crest provides a colourful mix. So whoever asks himself what one can experience in the vicinity is said: East Hazel Crest Attractions offer more than just a few street images – they are a small kaleidoscope of history, green spaces and urban life that surprises every curious traveler.
This guide invites you to discover the hidden treasures of Homewood, and I am starting with my personal favorite place: the Homewood Public Library. I mean, who needs the New York libraries when you have a building that is at the same time a café, a reading room and a place for spontaneous poetry slams? Parking is usually a Klacks – a small car park right behind the main entrance is enough as long as you don't come with a group of students on Friday night, then it will be a real patience game.
A short walk down the main road leads you to the Homewood Historical Society Museum, a tiny but charming house that used to serve as a primary school. I found an old school uniform there that looked like she forgot a time traveler from the 1950s to leave her. The exhibition is not just a mega-museum, but the stories about the railway that once held the village together are better than any Netflix documentation. And yes, the word Homewood Attractions Sounds like an insider joke here, because the city doesn't advertise with tourist crowds.
If you are looking for something that requires more movement, the Homewood Aquatic Center is just the right one. The indoor swimming pool is not only huge, but also has a hot tub that is so hot that you almost feel like swimming in a sauna. I once tried to improve my swimming technology there, just to see that the water is so clear that you can see every little uncertainty right away – a real reality check. Parking is a bit trickier here because the center has only a small parking space; a few minutes walk from Main Street but are not a problem.
For the golfers among you there is the Homewood Golf Club, an 18-hole course, which offers more green space than many city parks. I put a game there with my mate from Chicago and we were fighting about whether the 12th. Train should be a Par‐5 or a Par‐4 – Spoiler: it is both, depending on how much patience you have. The clubhouse has a small pro shop where you can buy golf balls with the city logo – a perfect souvenir if you want to take home nothing else.
Another highlight is the Homewood Metra Station, which is not only a traffic hub, but also a small architectural jewel from the 1970s. I once discovered a street musician who played Beatles-Covers with an old guitar – that was almost as good as a mini concert, only without the crowd. The station is practically in the center, so you can immediately stroll to the city centre after leaving without having to worry about a taxi.
At the end of my little tour I would like to mention the Homewood City Hall. The building is a rather inconspicuous brick box, but inside there is a surprisingly modern city hall, which comes up with art installations and a small exhibition about local artists. I once saw an exhibition on the history of local breweries – yes, Homewood actually has a small but fine craft beer scene that you should not underestimate. Parking behind the town hall is free, but be warned: the city administration has a very strict view for wrongly parked bikes.
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