Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Maywood, IL

Established in 1868 by Colonel William T. Nichols, a veteran of the Civil War, Maywood is a western suburb of Chicago, located along the west bank of the Des Plaines River.

This village boasts an extensive array of historic architecture, featuring 17 residences and properties recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright operated in close proximity at Oak Park, contributing a significant number of houses and important landmarks to the area.

Additionally, a notable figure associated with Maywood is the 1960s activist Fred Hampton, who tragically lost his life to authorities while at rest, and whose childhood residence is currently being transformed into a community center and museum.

An earlier historical event that had far-reaching implications was the Haymarket Affair of 1886, with five individuals executed in its aftermath interred at Forest Home Cemetery in the southeastern region of the village.

1. Illinois Prairie Path

The nearby CTA Station in Forest Park serves as the eastern trailhead for a network of paved paths that extend through the western suburbs between the Des Plaines River and the Fox River.

The Illinois Prairie Path primarily follows the former right-of-way of the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad, established in 1902.

Proposed by prominent naturalist May Theilgaard Watts (1893-1975), this trail served as a model for rail-to-trail initiatives across the nation.

As it traverses various parks and numerous dining options, the trail winds through Maywood on its route to Wheaton, where it splits into two and subsequently four spurs, each concluding at the eastern bank of the Fox River.

2. Fred Hampton House

Fred Hampton (1948-1969), the left-wing activist and chair of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, resided in Maywood from the age of ten.

Dedicating himself to social justice, Hampton sought to foster harmony among Chicago street gangs and initiated the anti-racist and anti-class Rainbow Coalition.

During a tactical raid in 1969 by the Cook County State Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Chicago Police Department and the FBI, he was drugged and assassinated in his sleep.

As of the current date, a fundraising effort led by Fred Hampton Jr. to convert Hampton’s childhood residence at 804 South 17th Ave. into a community center and museum has succeeded. Thus, they should remain vigilant as plans progress.

3. Maywood Grove

Located within walking distance from various dining establishments near the Maywood Metra station is a serene natural area governed by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Maywood Grove features a vast grassy area surrounding a shelter that can accommodate 200 individuals. Adorned with magnificent oak woodlands, the Des Plaines River flows along the eastern border of the preserve.

If equipped with your own vessel, a carry-in canoe landing is available at this site. Additionally, the Winslow House can be found just around the corner; it is Frank Lloyd Wright’s first major commission as an independent architect, completed in 1893.

4. Forest Home Cemetery

Adjacent to the Des Plaines River on the eastern side of Maywood is a cemetery that includes sections dating back to the 1870s.

Among these is the historic German Waldheim cemetery, which was founded in 1873 as a non-denominational burial ground, welcoming individuals irrespective of race, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

This site emerged as the sole cemetery in the Chicago area willing to accept the remains of the five defendants sentenced to death following the Haymarket Affair in 1887.

Consequently, it became a final resting place for influential leftist thinkers, writers, and activists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visitors may locate the graves of numerous notable figures from this period, including Emma Goldman (1869-1939), Lucy Parsons (1851-1952), Voltairine de Cleyre (1866-1912), Joseph Dietzgen (1828-1888), Elizabeth Gurley Flynn (1890-1964), and William Z. Foster (1881-1961).

Additionally, Forest Home Cemetery is the burial site of Billy Sunday (1862-1935), a significant evangelist known for his advocacy in favor of Prohibition.

5. Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument

The Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument has established Forest Home Cemetery as a destination for union members, anarchists, and various leftist groups.

Here lie George Engel, August Spies, Adolph Fischer, Albert Parsons, and Louis Lingg, who were executed for their alleged involvement in a bombing during a 1886 labor demonstration, which resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including seven police officers.

The Haymarket Affair, referring to the consequences and fallout of this bombing, is believed to have originated International Workers’ Day, celebrated on May 1. The monument was constructed in 1893, designed by German-American sculptor Albert Weinert.

6. Trailside Museum of Natural History

Situated just across from Maywood Grove is a natural history museum established in 1931.

The museum’s main building, a distinguished Victorian mansion constructed in 1876, was acquired by the Forest Preserves in 1919.

In this elegant setting, visitors can learn about the ecology of the Des Plaines River and view various species up close through live animal exhibits.

Outside, an array of trails invites exploration through ancient oak forests and the museum’s exquisite wildflower gardens, alongside a 1.5-acre pond, a remnant oxbow from the river.

For information regarding museum programs, such as guided bird walks and pond paddles, consult the FPDCC website.

7. Thatcher Woods

Northward of the Trailside Museum lies Thatcher Woods, a stunning area comprising prairie, savanna, and floodplain forest along the Des Plaines River.

This preserve is home to over 250 plant species; following seasonal flooding in spring and summer, the banks become a feeding area for kingfishers, painted turtles, and great white egrets.

Moreover, red-shouldered hawks and sharp-shinned hawks are known to nest within the quieter woodland regions.

Thatcher Woods features nearly five miles of unpaved trails, which culminate in scenic river bluffs at the northern end of the preserve.

Following Thatcher Avenue northward to Evans Field allows access to the southern trailhead for the Des Plaines River Trail, which extends largely uninterrupted to the Wisconsin border.

8. Brookfield Zoo

One of the major family attractions in the Chicago area is located merely a ten-minute drive from Maywood. Opening its doors in 1934, Brookfield Zoo has long been recognized for its ethical treatment of animals, having pioneered the use of moats and ditches for enclosures rather than conventional cages.

Highlights include Tropic World, home to gorillas, and Pachyderm House, which features rhinoceroses alongside the penguins at Living Coast and the giraffes at Habitat Africa! The Savannah.

For younger visitors, the Hamill Family Wild Encounters allows opportunities to hand-feed pygmy goats.

A convenient way to enhance a visit is through the Motor Safari, a tram tour that familiarizes guests with the zoo’s important conservation efforts and the rich history of the Chicago Zoological Society.

9. Veterans Memorial Park

This expansive public area, located at 5th Avenue and Oak Street, is in close proximity to the Metra station, Maywood’s public library, and police department facilities.

Veterans Memorial Park serves as a fitting tribute to Fred Hampton, a notable figure in the fight against segregation, featuring an outdoor pool named in his honor, complete with a bust of Hampton.

This pool is typically open from mid-June to mid-August; however, it is advisable to consult the Maywood Park District website for specific information.

The park also encompasses a playground, a picnic area, facilities for baseball/softball, two full basketball courts, and fields designated for football and soccer.

In the southeast corner, a memorial stands in remembrance of the Bataan Death March (1942), which involved soldiers from the 33rd Tank Company based in Maywood.

10. Chicken Factory

Chicago-style fried chicken is characterized by its light, crunchy batter and a simple, peppery seasoning.

While numerous esteemed establishments have gradually diminished or compromised their quality, Chicken Factory remains a cherished independent venue in Maywood.

The Chicken Factory prepares each meal to order, frying wings, legs, thighs, liver, gizzards, tenders, whole birds, and assorted family platters.

Similar to most Chicago chicken eateries, offerings also include various fish options, ranging from catfish to tilapia, in addition to sandwiches like Italian beef and shrimp po’ boy.

11. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Located a brief bus or Metra ride away, the suburb of Oak Park boasts the highest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s (1867-1959) work globally.

Wright resided there with his first wife and family from 1889 to 1909, after borrowing $5,000 from his employer to construct a residence.

Over the years, the house was modified, particularly in 1898 when he added his studio. Touring the guest’s property provides insights into the architect’s evolving design philosophy.

Signature elements of Wright’s work, such as open interiors, emphasis on geometric forms, thoughtful use of natural materials, and integration with the landscape, are evident throughout.

Highlighting this property is the children’s playroom, added to the rear of the house in 1895, which features a remarkable barrel vault illuminated by a continuous skylight.

12. Unity Temple

Among the multitude of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Unity Temple (1905-1908) stands as an irreplaceable landmark.

Frequently regarded as the first true modern structure, it is included in a national UNESCO World Heritage Site honoring Wright’s most significant contributions.

Wright received the commission after the prior structure succumbed to a lightning strike in 1905 and was tasked with adhering to a limited budget.

To achieve this, he utilized concrete, an economical material, and employed consistent molds.

The exterior is austere and monolithic, while the sanctuary’s interior strikes a balance of intimacy and grandeur.

Illumination comes from a system of 25 skylights in the ceiling coffers, with amber glass that creates a warm glow, simulating sunlight even during overcast days.

13. Oak Park Architecture Tour

As anticipated, the majority of structures designed by Wright in Oak Park are inaccessible to the public.

Nevertheless, visitors can still witness key examples during a walking or cycling tour, observing the evolution of Wright’s Prairie School style.

This exploration can be undertaken simply by downloading an itinerary online for a self-guided experience, although the Frank Lloyd Trust provides a selection of guided tours as well.

The 75-minute “Wright in the Neighborhood” tour is conducted on foot and includes notable homes such as Nathan Moore House (1895), Arthur Heurtley House (1902), and Laura Gale House (1909), among others.

This tour runs throughout the year, while during warmer months, “Wright Around Oak Park” (2.5 hours) and “Pedal Oak Park” (2 hours) are also available.

14. Forest Park Aquatic Center

A short five-minute drive away in Forest Park, one can discover an outdoor pool complex featuring a variety of amenities.

Typically accessible from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, the Forest Park Aquatic Center is open to non-residents (consult the schedule for specifics) and includes a substantial 367,000-gallon pool with a combination of zero-depth entry and swimming lanes.

This center provides an entertaining day for toddlers, young children, and teens, featuring a sprayground, interactive play structure, sand play area, two flume slides, and two drop slides. Adults can also enjoy designated swim times for exercise without interruptions.

15. Miller Meadow

Miller Meadow, another appealing forest preserve along the Des Plaines River, is located just southeast of Maywood and offers four picnic groves, accompanied by two shelters.

For dog owners, this area provides an off-leash section spanning seven acres, though membership is necessitated.

This designated area includes a shelter and access to approximately two miles of on-leash trails suitable for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing in winter.

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot deer during early mornings or late afternoons at Miller Meadow. Additionally, if you are in search of a place to use your drone, a model aircraft field is situated on the preserve’s southern edge.