Travelers from all over the world appreciate Manhattan attractions because of their unique mix of history and rural charm, and I must admit that the little town in Will County has surprised me more than I wanted to admit. Already in 1855, when the railroad slit the prairie, Manhattan grew out of a modest post – a piece of frontier romance that is still noticeable today in the old brick houses. Who comes here immediately realizes that the city is not only a name cuvette of New York, but an independent place with a history that tells of German settlers, the grain boom and the inevitable rise of the agricultural industry.
I like to travel by train from Chicago, because the short journey over the I‐55 catapults me immediately into the wide but surprisingly well-connected world of Manhattan – bus lines and a small but reliable airport complete the picture. The people here, a mix of farmers, students of the nearby Illinois State University and a few curious hipsters, give the place a slightly slanted flair that I rarely find elsewhere.
Manhattan sights are for me fewer monuments, but rather the feeling of sitting on a sunny afternoon at Main Street Café, listening to the quiet sums of the tractors in the background and realizing that the real highlight here is the authentic everyday life. So whoever seeks a place that breathes history, but does not suffocate in tourist crowds, should look past here – no joke, that is my personal secret tip.
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The first stop I put to every newman is Cantigny Park in nearby Naperville – a huge estate that once belonged to the famous pilot and industrialist Robert Cantrell. I once made a picnic on the vast meadows, while a group of children loudly made the historic museum uncertain; that was a real contrast to the silent memorials that worship the war stories. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field becomes the battlefield of the car park seekers.
A few miles further, in the heart of Lisle, lies the Morton Arboretum – a paradise for tree addicts and for those who like to “depart” in the green without inhaling the dust of a big city. I remember standing between the bright red Ginkgos in the autumn, thinking that this is the true definition of “Instagram value”, although I must admit that I have only searched for the rare Japanese jaws all day, because I don’t betray every blog post. Admission is not free, but parking is directly at the entrance, and the staff is surprisingly friendly when you ask for the “Treehouse Trail”.
If you feel that you have enough trees, look at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe – a place where you can see something else all year round, from the Japanese cherry blossoms in spring to the autumn maple colors. I once visited a yoga course in the Rosengarten; the instructor was so relaxed that I almost forgot that I was just here because of the photos. Practical: The grounds are huge, so bring enough water, and the garage is only full on weekends, otherwise you can easily find a place.
A bit more nostalgia is available at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, the largest railway museum in the USA. I was there with my uncle, who is a real railway fan, and we sat in an old diesel locomotive driver box for hours, while the sound of the pistons was almost like a lullab. The museum has not only trains, but also a small café that serves surprisingly good pastries – a real secret tip when you are looking for a break. The parking lot is directly at the main entrance, but on holidays it can be narrow.
For a little urban flair, which is still not too far from Manhattan, I recommend the Naperville Riverwalk. I once watched a sunset there while a street musician “Take Five” played on his guitar; that was almost too cheesy to be true, but that's what makes the charm. The path is well lit, ideal for an evening walk, and parking is free in the vicinity of the city center as long as you don't come too late, because then the city residents claim the places for their own barbecue evenings.
The Fabyan Forest Preserve, with its historic villa and artistically landscaped gardens, is a little bit off but absolutely worthwhile. I spent a weekend exploring the labyrinth created by the original owners – a bit like an escape room, only without the annoying time limit. The terrain is relatively quiet, and parking is free at the main entrance, which is ideal for a bit of relaxation after a long day.
Last but not least, if you're looking for a place to get out of the comfort zone, check out the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette. I was there at a meditation, and the architecture has completely knocked me down – the building looks like a huge crystal that breaks the light in all directions. It is not a typical tourist destination, but the peaceful atmosphere is a welcome counterpart to the otherwise so loud attractions. Admission is free, parking is a bit more difficult on weekends because many visitors come from Chicago, but a short walk from the street is still feasible.
Whether you're looking for historic museums, lush green spaces or unusual architectural highlights – the environment of Manhattan, Manhattan Township, Will, Illinois has more to offer than you would suspect at first glance. These Manhattan Attractions show that a short trip from the small town can lead to real discoveries that appeal to both the spirit and the senses.
This guide invites you to stroll with me through the inconspicuous but self-willing heart of Manhattan, Illinois – yes, just the small town you would easily overlook if you don’t accidentally walk along Highway 55 and suddenly discover a sign with “Welcome to Manhattan”.
I must admit right at the beginning that I don't understand the whole hype around the huge metropolises, but that Manhattan Historical Museum Here's a real secret tip. The old school building, which now serves as a museum, houses dusty school books from the 1920s, a few yellowed photos of horse carriages and a tiny diorama of the first harvest festivals. I spent almost an hour there because I wondered why someone put so much effort in the storage of coffee cups from the school cafeteria – but then I realized that these little things are drawing the image of a community that you find nowhere else. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturdays, when the museum is overrun by a local flea market and you are looking for a free parking space between old tractors and vintage dresses.
A short walk leads you to Manhattan Town Hall, a building that has more charm than any modern glass facade. The red bricks and the cracking wooden window give you the feeling of landing in a movie from the 1950s. There you often meet the mayor, who always speaks a bit too enthusiastic about the “new green spaces” – a sentence that I respond every time with a quiet “real?” while reviewing the freshly sown rose beds.
If you're looking for a place where you can really feel like a local, that's it. Manhattan Community Center Your goal. The swimming pool is small, but the water is surprisingly warm, and the swimmaster knows every visitor by name – a luxury that is missing in the crowded halls of large cities. I once won a spontaneous Badminton tournament with a few teenagers from the area; that was not a joke, and the prize money consisted of a bag of rubber bears, which I no longer got out of my mouth until the next day.
A little further north, along the Des Plaines River Trail, lies the Manhattan River Trail. The path is well developed, ideal for a morning jogging round or a cozy walk with the dog. I met an older gentleman there who told me that he has been jogging here for over 30 years and that the noise of the river is the only sound he still knows about his youth. Practical: Parking at the trail entrance is usually free, except when a local running event takes place – then the whole becomes a small mess of treadmills and water bottles.
For those who need a little green, Manhattan Park A must. The baseball fields are not of a professional standard, but the local teams give their best, and the audience – mostly parents with barbecue pliers in hand – ensures an atmosphere that is otherwise found only in small suburbs. I once made a picnic with a group of friends complaining about the “big” urban planning, while we discussed the best hot-dog stands nearby.
Another highlight that I do not want to conceal is the St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The church is not only a place of prayer, but also an architectural gem with a stone facade that almost glows in the sunset. I have once witnessed a concert of a local jazz quartet – a surprisingly good mix of sacral music and improvised soli, which brought the otherwise so quiet community to a nap.
And yes, if you have a list of Manhattan Attractions Looking for, you will not find the usual tourist magnets here, but rather what life is in a small city: honest people, a bit of dust, a touch of history and a lot of opportunity to ask you why you have been pushed away from Chicago at all. I'm not closing up with a conclusion because this is a conversation among friends – so, grab your car, your bike or your running shoes and experience what Manhattan, Illinois has to offer.
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