Attractions and Places To See around Maywood - Top 20

Maywood is rich in history. You can visit the historic Maywood Fire Department Building, a Dutch Revival-style structure from 1904, or the Maywood Public Library, one of Illinois's functional Carnegie libraries. The village also features the Forest Home Cemetery & Haymarket Martyrs' Monument, a significant site for late 19th-century history, and the West Town Museum of Cultural History, focusing on Black heritage in Chicago's west suburbs.

Absolutely. Maywood offers several natural spaces. You can explore Brookfield Woods, a serene nature reserve with winding trails, or visit Maywood Grove along the Des Plaines River. Nearby, the Trailside Museum of Natural History and Thatcher Woods provide opportunities to experience oak woodlands and diverse plant and bird species. Miller Meadow is also great for picnics, hiking, and in winter, cross-country skiing.

Maywood is a great starting point for trails. The Illinois Prairie Path, the first 'rail-to-trail' conversion in the U.S., begins here, offering 61 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For cycling, the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is a 25-mile multi-user path suitable for various bike styles. You can also find trails like Bemis Woods North Trail, which has both paved and dirt sections.

Yes, Maywood and its surroundings offer family-friendly options. Brookfield Woods and North Island in Fullersburg Woods are both noted as family-friendly natural areas. Veterans Memorial Park features a playground and picnic area, along with the Fred Hampton Pool. Additionally, the renowned Brookfield Zoo, known for its ethical animal treatment, is only about ten minutes away.

Maywood boasts a rich architectural heritage with 17 properties on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find a variety of styles, including Italianate, Queen Anne, Prairie School, and Craftsman. Notable examples include the Winslow House, Frank Lloyd Wright's first major commission, and the Jennie S. Thompkins House, one of Maywood's oldest residences.

Beyond exploring the attractions themselves, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The area is excellent for cycling, with numerous road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking routes. Check out the Road Cycling Routes around Maywood, MTB Trails around Maywood, or Gravel biking around Maywood guides for detailed routes.

Yes, Maywood has a unique connection to the Underground Railroad. There is a memorial at the former site of the 'Ten Mile House,' an inn that served as a crucial safe house for enslaved people seeking freedom. The memorial features repurposed railroad tracks, broken shackles, and a commemorative plaque.

The best time to visit Maywood's outdoor attractions largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water activities on the Des Plaines River and enjoying parks, while winter provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and sledding in places like Miller Meadow.

Yes, for scenic views, consider visiting North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, which offers picturesque surroundings along Salt Creek. Many of the trails along the Des Plaines River, such as Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River, also provide enjoyable views and sounds of the river.

The Fred Hampton House is the childhood home of civil rights activist Fred Hampton. It is currently being transformed into a community center and museum, serving as an important site to honor his legacy and his struggle for social change. The Fred Hampton Pool in Veterans Memorial Park is also named in his honor.

The Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is noted as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for those seeking paved and accessible routes for cycling or walking. Many of Maywood's parks and public spaces also offer accessible pathways.