Travelers from all over the world appreciate Riverdale's attractions because the inconspicuous suburb feeling is paired here with a surprising layer of history. I remember driving over the old railway bridge that was built in 1880 by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad – a relic that today still decorates the cityscape and at the same time carries the echo of a time when Riverdale was still a mere piece of farmland in the Township of Thornton.
The city was officially convened in 1895, and since then it has developed from a pure working-class colony to a mixed residential area that benefits from the proximity to Chicago without taking over the entire city. When you drive to the south with the Metra-Bergedorf line, you can immediately feel that the tracks transport more than just commuters – they carry stories from immigrants looking for a new life here.
A short detour to the I-94, which intersects the township, brings a rapidly pulsating heart of Cook County, while the local bus lines (CTA-Route 352) connect the city centre with the quiet residential streets – practical if you want to sniff a little “real” suburban flair. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the modern shopping malls, but the small family-run cafés along Riverdale Avenue are really great and give the place the certain something that you rarely find at the usual tourist destinations.
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Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Riverdale, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop is the unsightly, slightly rusty jewel on the edge of the city: the Calumet River-Ufer, where on a rainy afternoon I was almost overrun by a horde duck, because I roared too loud over the bridge. The river itself is not exactly a tourist magnet, but if you bring some patience, you can observe the rare beavers that hide between the old industrial plants – a sight that is almost as rare as a parking space on Saturday night in Riverdale.
A short jump over the road leads to Thornton Quarry, the largest quarry in the USA. I once made a picnic there, while an excavator in the background went out loudly his morning ritual. The place looks like a post-apocalyptic film set, and the echo of your voice between the cliffs is a real mood brightener – at least if you are not being persecuted by a swarm pigeons that hold the terrain for their personal flight field.
Just a couple of miles away Pullman National Monumentwhere I was lost in an old building because I thought it was a hip airbnb. Instead, I met a museum that tells the history of the workers' movement with a mixture of dusty photos and interactive displays. I don't understand the hype about the historical trains, but the small café next to the visitor center serves the best black coffee I've been drinking in the call center since my first shift.
If you have enough of concrete and history, it is worth a detour to Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. I spent an afternoon there while I tried to turn the perfect Instagram story – and was almost disturbed by a group of yoga enthusiasts who practiced their asanas in the middle of the rose garden. The garden is huge, the paths are well signposted (except when you come in autumn and the leaves cover the signs) and parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't come to the main event.
Another highlight is the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park. I spent a day there because I thought the huge submarine exhibition would be a good place to overcome my fear of water. Spoiler: That was not the case, but the interactive experiments and the old aircraft that hangs inside have distracted me from reality for at least a few hours. Practical: Public transport takes you there, and parking is a maze that only locals seem to see through.
For those who prefer to walk in the fresh air, Chicago Lakefront Trail A must. I straightened the trail on a sunny Saturday morning, just to see that a marathon race blocked the entire route. Nevertheless, if you are lucky to catch a quiet moment, the view over Lake Michigan offers an almost meditative tranquility that you rarely find near Riverdale.
A little further south lies Indiana Dunes National Park, a place I call the forgotten oasis. I was there once to feel a bit of sand between my toes, and was overrun by a group of families with picnic blankets that occupied the whole shore. The park is well preserved, the trails are clearly marked, and swimming in the lake is refreshing – provided you are not afraid of jellyfish that occasionally appear here.
Whether you're looking for industrial charm, botanical splendour or a touch of history, Riverdale's surroundings offer more than just the usual suburbs. My personal favorites are Calumet River-Ufer for the calm nature, the Pullman National Monument for a look into the past and the Indiana Dunes National Park for a little adventure on the water. All this makes Riverdale Attractions to a surprisingly diverse experience that even the most cynical travelers can unleash a smile.
This guide invites you to take a look behind the gray suburbs of Chicago, where I discovered my favorite places in Riverdale – and yes, I know you're thinking that this is just another suburb, but wait.
First of all, Riverdale Parkthat hides right on the main street where I tried my first baseball bats as a child. The lawn is not exactly a golf course green, but the fields are well maintained and the small Skate Board ramp system is a real secret tip for young people who do not have a bump on expensive indoor halls. Parking is usually easy, except Saturdays, when local football teams storm the field and you find yourself between 20 cars and a stray ice car.
A short walk further Riverdale Cemetery, a historical cemetery ensemble that tells more stories than some museum text. I found the tomb of John H. McCarty, a former mayor, whose stone inscription is almost poetic. The cemetery is freely accessible, and the quiet green offers a surprisingly beautiful place to think – or just let the soul dangle while you hear the quiet rustling of the leaves.
If you're looking for a place where you can feel a bit like a real local, look at this. Riverdale Community Center on. I took part in a free yoga course led by a retired teacher who knew more about the history of the neighborhood than any city tour. The Center has a small swimming pool, a gym and an event room where local bands regularly occur – this is my personal definition of “support the local cultural life”.
Another jewel is the Riverdale Public Library, an inconspicuous construction, which has a surprisingly extensive range of local archives. I found an old urban planning document that shows the original division of the village from the 1920s – a real treat for history freaks. The library has free Wi-Fi, comfortable reading chair and a small café that serves the best coffee in the area when you are ready to sacrifice a few dollars for a latte.
For those who seek the word “nature” not only in Instagram hashtags, there is Calumet River Walk, a narrow path along the river that is perfect for a quiet walk or a little bird watching. I have seen rare rows there, and the water has in some places an almost mystical mirror smoothness that dips the cityscape into a gentle blue. Access is free, and you can take your bike – this is a plus if you don't want to sit in the car all day.
A short detour leads you to Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canalwhere you can feel the industrial heritage of Chicago. I visited an old lock house, which today serves as a viewpoint. The view over the vast water that is traversed by load ships is a bit like a film set from the 1950s – only that you don't see actors here, but real workers who do their shifts. Parking is a bit tricky here because the area is mostly reserved for traffic, but a few free places can be found when you arrive early enough.
And because I must not forget, here is a short hint for the search engine drivers among you: Riverdale Attractions are not just a keyword, but a real promise that you have more to discover in this small village than you suspect at first sight.
Finally, a personal tip: If you're in Riverdale the next time, just take your time to talk to the locals – most of them have a story to tell that's not in every guide. And believe me, this is often the most interesting thing you can find here.
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