Harwood Heights IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Harwood Heights, Illinois.
1. North Shore Channel
HISTORIC WATERWAY TRAIL
The North Shore Channel, constructed between 1907 and 1910, offers a well-maintained bike trail along its scenic waterway. Visitors can enjoy cycling on this straight, maintained path that was originally built to flush sewage from the North Branch of the Chicago River. The channel trail, when combined with the lakefront path, creates an excellent roundtrip route for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. North Branch Trail System
MILES OF SCENIC PATHS
The North Branch Trail System provides over 20 miles of winding trails through various preserves and along the North Branch Chicago River. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose between paved and unpaved trails, making it suitable for different experience levels and preferences. The extensive network connects multiple natural areas, offering a respite from urban life just minutes from Harwood Heights.
3. Bur Oak Grove
RIVERSIDE NATURAL OASIS
Bur Oak Grove features a magnificent collection of ancient bur oak trees along the North Branch of the Chicago River near Harwood Heights. During spring, visitors can witness the spectacular blooming of wild hyacinth that carpets the forest floor. The grove provides a glimpse into the region's native ecology and offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
4. Marshalls
DISCOUNT DESIGNER SHOPPING
Marshalls is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Harwood Heights, offering brand-name clothing and home goods at discounted prices. Shoppers can browse through an extensive selection of designer merchandise, accessories, and household items for significant savings. The store's ever-changing inventory ensures that each visit offers new discoveries for bargain hunters.
5. Burlington
BUDGET-FRIENDLY RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Burlington provides Harwood Heights shoppers with a diverse selection of clothing, home décor, and gifts at reduced prices. The spacious store features departments for the entire family, from fashion and accessories to toys and seasonal items. Visitors appreciate the store's organization and the opportunity to find quality merchandise at affordable prices.
6. Sanna MedSpa Massage
LUXURY WELLNESS RETREAT
Sanna MedSpa Massage offers premium relaxation and therapeutic services in the heart of Harwood Heights. Visitors can indulge in a variety of massage techniques administered by skilled professionals in a serene environment. The spa's holistic approach to wellness makes it a favorite destination for both locals and travelers seeking rejuvenation.
7. Crossfit Harwood Heights
DYNAMIC FITNESS COMMUNITY
Crossfit Harwood Heights offers high-intensity functional fitness training for visitors looking to stay active during their time in the area. The facility welcomes athletes of all levels with scalable workouts and a supportive community atmosphere. Travelers appreciate the opportunity to maintain their fitness routine while experiencing the camaraderie that defines the CrossFit experience.
8. Hookah Kingz
SOCIAL SMOKING LOUNGE
Hookah Kingz provides a relaxed social atmosphere where visitors can enjoy flavored tobacco in traditional water pipes. The lounge offers a variety of tobacco blends and comfortable seating for groups to gather and converse. The establishment's ambient lighting and music create an inviting environment for both hookah enthusiasts and newcomers to the experience.
9. Soldier Field
HISTORIC SPORTS VENUE
Soldier Field, located a short drive from Harwood Heights, serves as an events center, NFL stadium, and historic landmark all in one impressive venue. Home to the Chicago Bears, this iconic stadium combines classical architecture with modern facilities following its 2003 renovation. Visitors can take tours of the facility or attend one of the many sporting events, concerts, or special events held throughout the year.
10. Carl Cassata Lane
HISTORIC VILLAGE LANDMARK
Carl Cassata Lane marks the location of the historic school building that has been central to Harwood Heights' development since the 1920s. The current four-story structure, built in 1929 after a fire destroyed the original schoolhouse, stands as a testament to the community's resilience during the Great Depression. Visitors can appreciate this piece of local history while strolling through the neighborhood that grew around it.
11. Chicago Lakefront Trail
SCENIC URBAN WATERFRONT
The Chicago Lakefront Trail, accessible from Harwood Heights, offers an 18-mile paved path along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors can walk, run, or cycle while enjoying breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline and the vast expanse of the lake. The trail connects numerous beaches, parks, and cultural attractions, making it perfect for a day of exploration outside Harwood Heights.
12. Harlem Avenue Commercial District
HISTORIC SHOPPING CORRIDOR
Harlem Avenue, one of Harwood Heights' earliest paved roads from the 1920s, now serves as a vibrant commercial corridor with numerous shops and restaurants. This historic thoroughfare represents the growth of the village from its early days as a farming community to its current status as a suburban destination. Visitors can shop, dine, and appreciate the blend of historic significance and modern commerce that defines this main street.
13. Village Hall Historical Exhibit
LOCAL HERITAGE DISPLAY
The Village Hall Historical Exhibit chronicles the fascinating journey of Harwood Heights from its incorporation in 1947 to the present day. Visitors can learn about founding mayor Herbert Huening and the community's growth from a population of just 400 residents within its original boundaries. The exhibit provides insight into local government and the development of this unique village that began when Chicago declined to annex the small cluster of homes.
14. North Branch Chicago River
URBAN WATERWAY ESCAPE
The North Branch Chicago River flows near Harwood Heights, offering peaceful riverside trails and natural areas within an urban setting. Visitors can observe local wildlife, including migratory birds and native plants that thrive along its banks throughout the seasons. The river corridor provides a green respite and recreational opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and nature photography just minutes from the village.
15. Historic Roadside Market Area
GREAT DEPRESSION ERA LEGACY
The Historic Roadside Market Area commemorates the ingenuity of local farmers during the Great Depression who set up produce stands along major roads near what is now Harwood Heights. These markets allowed farmers to sell directly to passing motorists when traditional distribution channels were disrupted by economic hardship. Today, the area honors this agricultural heritage with seasonal farmers markets that continue the tradition of connecting local producers with consumers.