In the heart of Lakewood Shores there is a quiet charm that almost underestimates Lakewood Shore's landmarks, because here the story whispers quieter than the noise of the nearby lake. I have always wondered why this little enclave was created in the 1970s boom as a residential project for families with the dream of their own water paradise – a bit like a DIY resort that was lovingly “slided” by the urban planning of Wesley Township. Originally the land was part of large farms until the developers decided to dig a few artificial lakes and turn the fields into suburbs; that explains why you still hear the occasional noise of tractors when you travel along the edgeways.
When you arrive by car, follow the I‐55 towards the south and take the exit to Lockport – a short trip to the County Road 100 takes you directly to the village. For those who prefer to travel by train, the Metra-B line stops near Joliet, from there a short Uber trip will take you to the water. I have to admit that I don't understand the hype about the “Lake-Life” atmosphere, but the small cafés on the lake operated by locals are really great and give the place a little soul. And yes, if you keep the Lakewood Shores sights in the back of your head, you can quickly realize that the real highlight here is the relaxed, slightly cynical smile of the inhabitants, which you can hardly overlook when you look forward.
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The first stop I can't miss is the The Plaines River Trail, a narrow strip of green that winds like a sleeping dragon along the river, attracting more than just joggers and cyclists. I once tried to arrange a picnic, just to realize that a swarm duck had reserved the best places for a breakfast on the water – no joke, the animals took the whole buffet while I had to enjoy a muesli bar. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole city unpacks its bikes.
A few miles further, almost in the hinterland, this is Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Here you suddenly feel like in a film by Terrence Malick, only that the grass actually reaches the hip and the bees not only serve as background music. I remember a sunny afternoon when I tried a self-made binocular with a friend and almost had a prehistoric bison lately – instead, it was a particularly curious field bun that stared at us with a glance as if he wanted to say: “You are here wrong in place.” The entrance is free, and the only thing you should bring is a good pair of walking shoes; the paths are well marked, but the terrain can suddenly pass from a muddy pudd to the next.
If you have enough of nature, the path leads me to Illinois Railway Museum in Union, the largest railway museum in the USA. I have had more than once the temptation to climb into the old locomotive, just to be reminded by a friendly employee that this is not the best idea – especially not if you don't like the noise of squeaking brakes and whistling steam hoses. The collection is impressive, from historical steam locomotives to modern diesel models, and the museum is constantly offering special exhibitions that surprise even carved railway fans.
A short trip to Naperville brings me to Cantigny Park, a place that was transformed into a cultural paradise by a former military pilot. I once made a picnic among the rose bushes, while in the background a classical concert took place at the Museum of the Great West – a strange but somehow fitting mix of elegance and rustic charm. The park is huge, with a museum, gardens, a playground and even a small lake where you can drive pedal boat in the summer. Parking is generous, but on hot summer days it can be a bit full at the entrances.
Another highlight that I cannot leave is the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. There are more trees here than in most cities, and each season brings its own colour palette. I remember a autumn walk where I was almost hit by a falling maple leaf – a small but impressive reminder that nature is not only beautiful, but also a bit unpredictable. The entrance is moderate, and the visitor center offers interactive maps that facilitate exploring; a perfect place to escape everyday life without being too far from Lakewood Shores.
For history lovers, Lockport Historic District with its famous Canal and the old locks a must. I once tried to make a photo of the old stone walls, just to be distracted by a curious dog who suddenly posed in the middle of the picture – the result was an involuntary selfie that I now preserve as a memory of the living atmosphere there. The area is well on foot to explore, and parking is in most cases easy as long as you don't get to the main traffic time.
Last but not least, if you want to have a bit of glamour and glamour, it is worth a trip to Joliet Rialto Square Theatre. The building is a real Art Deco jewel that gives the feeling that you have landed in a movie from the 1920s. I visited a jazz concert there that was so loud that I almost threw the popcorn out of my hand – a small price for the impressive acoustics and the opulent interior. Parking is limited in the city centre, but a short walk from the train station it is easy to find.
Whether you’re looking for nature, history or cultural beauty, the surroundings of Lakewood Shores offer a colourful mix of experiences that can surprise and delight every traveler. These Lakewood Shores Attractions show that the small town is a perfect starting point for exploring – and without crowded tourist flows.
This guide invites you, with me a small tour through what I love Lakewood Shores nenne, to make – yes, exactly the slept corner in the heart of Wesley Township, which hardly anyone is looking for on the map because it is too good to talk loud about it.
I prefer to start with the Lakewood Shores Community Center because here the true life pulsates. The building is a bit too large for the number of inhabitants, but this is just the nice thing: you can find a yoga-hour chaao, a senior bingo-marathon or a barbecue for the neighborhood almost every week. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem – then the cars are like in a sardine bush, and I have to think again and again whether I don't want to go over to the neighbor.
A short walk leads you to Lakewood Shores Parka small green piece that has more charm than some big city oasis. The playground is made of sturdy wood, which has survived a few generations, and the slide still squeaks as if it were a relic from the 80s. Directly on the edge of the park, a narrow path stretches along the Fox River, perfect for a quick run or just to let the soul dangle while you have the view of the boats that gently pass.
If you love the water (and who doesn't?), you must Lakewood Shores Boat Launch try. The access to the river is surprisingly well maintained, and the staff is so friendly that they even give you a few tips where the best fishing sites are – I caught my first pike there, and that was a real lucky handle because I would never have thought I could even fish.
A little further, almost hidden behind a few trees, this is Lakewood Shores Fishing Pier. It is not particularly spectacular, but the silence there is almost sacred. I forgot my headphones there several times and had to enjoy the sounds of nature – that was a real reset button for my overloaded brain.
Another highlight I always mention is that Lakewood Shores Historic Schoolhouse. The small red brick building from the early 20th. The century was transformed into a mini museum that tells the history of the municipality. I don't quite understand the hype about old school benches, but the original boards and the old class books have something calming that reminds me of my own school time every time – only without the homework.
For dog lovers among you there are Lakewood Shores Dog Park. The fenced area is small but well equipped with drinking water and a few trees to the shade. My dog, an energy-charged mixer, has found more friends there than I have in my whole life, and that's not a joke.
And yes, if you are looking for a quick overview, simply tap “Lakewood Shores Sights” into your search engine – you will notice that most of these places do not appear in the usual guides because they are too local, too authentic and too little “Instagram worthy”. That's what makes her so special for me.
At the end of the year Lakewood Shores Farmers Market that takes place in the summer on the first Saturday of each month in the parking lot of the Community Center. Fresh strawberries, homemade jams and a few self-baked apple cider – this is the true heart of Lakewood Shores, and I would be happy to see you next time to taste the real life here.
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