Limestone IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Limestone, Illinois.
1. Joliet-Lemont Limestone Landmarks
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE TOUR
Joliet-Lemont Limestone Landmarks showcase the rich architectural history rooted in Chicago's limestone quarries. The native stone from Lemont was used to construct iconic buildings throughout Chicago, including the Water Tower and Pumping Station, as well as numerous local churches and civic structures. Visitors can discover these treasures through walking tours or guided excursions focusing on these distinctive, historic sites.
2. Our Limestone Legacy: Lemont Bus Tour
GUIDED ARCHITECTURE EXPERIENCE
Our Limestone Legacy: Lemont Bus Tour offers a guided exploration of Lemont's most significant limestone-derived buildings and landmarks. The tour provides insights into how Lemont's stone shaped Chicago's architectural landscape, including masterpieces along Michigan Avenue and in the West Loop. Participants enjoy a blend of local history, architectural appreciation, and storytelling from expert guides.
3. Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area
HISTORIC CANAL CORRIDOR
Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area stretches for 100 miles, linking Lake Michigan to the Mississippi and passing through towns like Lockport and Lemont. The site features walking and cycling paths, fishing, kayaking, and historic canal boat rides, highlighting the region's importance to commerce and Chicago's development. Visitors can explore canal-side towns, local museums, and immerse themselves in 19th-century history and architecture.
4. Downtown Lemont
CHARMING HISTORIC DISTRICT
Downtown Lemont is celebrated for its quaint shops, antique stores, and historic limestone architecture. The area invites visitors to stroll the picturesque streets, enjoy boutique shopping, and take in the canal-side scenery. Its rich heritage and local charm make it a destination for history buffs and those seeking a glimpse into Illinois' small-town past.
5. Water Tower and Pumping Station
ICONIC STONE STRUCTURE
The Water Tower and Pumping Station in Chicago are historic landmarks constructed with Lemont limestone, symbolizing the city's resilience during the Great Chicago Fire. Their unique architecture and stonework make them standout features in the cityscape, often included in architecture tours. These structures highlight the crucial role that regional limestone played in Chicago's recovery and growth.
6. Holy Name Cathedral
GOTHIC REVIVAL MASTERPIECE
Holy Name Cathedral stands as an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its foundation and façade featuring Lemont limestone. The cathedral is a vital place of worship and a marvel for architecture enthusiasts, drawing visitors to admire its striking stone, intricate woodwork, and stained glass. Its proximity to downtown makes it a must-see for those interested in religious and architectural heritage.
7. Joliet Area Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE HUB
The Joliet Area Historical Museum celebrates the region's history, with special exhibits on the local limestone industry's impact on Joliet and Chicago's architecture. Interactive displays and historic artifacts help tell the story of immigrants and industry shaping the area. The museum also serves as a starting point for self-guided tours of Joliet's limestone-rich downtown.
8. Lemont Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
SCENIC OUTDOOR PARK
Lemont Heritage Quarries Recreation Area offers outdoor adventures amidst a landscape shaped by the region's historic quarrying. Visitors can hike, kayak, or birdwatch, all while surrounded by scenic bluffs and tranquil waters. Interpretive signs explain the quarries' history and importance to local and Chicago architecture.
9. Starved Rock State Park
DRAMATIC RIVER CANYONS
Starved Rock State Park is renowned for its impressive sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and sweeping vistas along the Illinois River. The park is a favorite destination for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation, attracting visitors from across the Midwest. It stands as one of Illinois' premier outdoor attractions, blending natural beauty with deep-rooted history.
10. The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park
ADVENTURE SPORTS PARK
The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park is a sprawling outdoor adventure park built around historic limestone quarries. It features ziplines, ropes courses, mountain biking, and paddling, offering thrilling challenges for all ages. The park's activities are set against the backdrop of scenic natural and industrial history.
11. Gaylord Building Historic Site
CANAL-ERA LANDMARK
The Gaylord Building Historic Site is a restored 19th-century warehouse along the Illinois & Michigan Canal, built from native limestone. Today, it houses exhibits on canal history, a heritage restaurant, and event space. The building's architecture and riverside setting transport visitors back to the canal's bustling heyday.
12. Pilcher Park Nature Center
ECOLOGICAL EXPLORATION SPOT
Pilcher Park Nature Center is a comprehensive environmental education center in a forested setting, just outside downtown Joliet. It features nature trails, interpretive displays, and hands-on exhibits about the local ecosystems. The park is a favorite for families and nature lovers interested in experiencing the area's natural history.
13. Lockport Gallery
ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM
Lockport Gallery is located in the historic Norton Building and showcases collections of fine art and exhibits exploring Illinois' cultural and industrial heritage. The museum is especially known for its focus on the transformation brought by the canal and limestone industry. Visitors enjoy both contemporary and traditional art in an architecturally significant setting.
14. Old Joliet Prison
INFAMOUS HISTORIC PRISON
Old Joliet Prison is a storied correctional facility built in the 19th century using Joliet limestone, famed for appearances in movies like The Blues Brothers. Tours reveal the prison's fascinating, sometimes chilling history and its role in local industry. The imposing limestone walls make it a dramatic attraction and a symbol of Joliet's past.
15. DuPage Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER
The DuPage Children's Museum in nearby Naperville offers hands-on exhibits focused on science, art, and math, making it an ideal destination for families. The museum encourages creativity and critical thinking in children, with experiences designed for a range of ages. Its bright, contemporary facility is a lively hub for educational play and discovery.