Maywood IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Maywood, Illinois.
1. Canvas Junk
LOCAL ART GALLERY EXPERIENCE
Canvas Junk is an art gallery in Maywood that showcases works from local artists. Visitors can explore various artistic styles and creative expressions in this community-focused venue. The gallery offers a unique cultural experience in this Chicago suburban village.
2. Memorial Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Memorial Park serves as a central green space for recreation and relaxation in Maywood. The park features open areas, walking paths, and facilities for community gatherings and activities. This historic park is an important part of Maywood's community landscape.
3. Maywood Historic Homes
CENTURY-OLD ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES
Maywood boasts 17 century-old homes and properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These well-preserved historic homes offer visitors a glimpse into the architectural styles and history of early Maywood settlement. Walking tours of these properties provide insight into the village's rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1881.
4. Loyola University Medical Center
HISTORIC AVIATION SITE
Loyola University Medical Center sits on the historic site of a former airport used by Charles Lindbergh during his days as an airmail pilot. Though now a medical facility, the location holds significant aviation history as part of Maywood's past. The transformation from airfield to medical center represents the evolution of this Chicago suburban community.
5. Checkerboard Field Forest Preserve
HISTORIC RACING GROUNDS
Checkerboard Field Forest Preserve is located on the site of a former private airfield and automobile board racetrack where famous racer Barney Oldfield once competed. Now transformed into a peaceful forest preserve meadow, the area offers a natural escape within the village. This green space preserves both natural beauty and an important piece of Maywood's transportation history.
6. Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Hospital
HISTORIC MEDICAL FACILITY
The Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Hospital in Maywood serves veterans with comprehensive medical care while carrying historical significance. One of its buildings was constructed on the foundation of a former racing grandstand, connecting Maywood's past and present. The hospital represents an important community institution and a link to the area's transportation history.
7. Bowlero
MODERN BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Bowlero offers a premium bowling experience with modern lanes and shoe rentals near Maywood. This family-friendly venue combines classic bowling with contemporary entertainment options for visitors of all ages. The facility provides a fun indoor activity option for both locals and visitors to the Chicago suburbs.
8. In The Game Hollywood Park
FAMILY FUN CENTER
In The Game Hollywood Park in nearby Crestwood offers multiple attractions and game credits for family entertainment. Located about 16 miles from Maywood, this venue features gaming, prize opportunities, and interactive experiences. Visitors can enjoy a day of indoor fun with various activities suitable for different age groups.
9. Brookfield Zoo
WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Brookfield Zoo is a renowned zoological park located near Maywood that houses thousands of animals across 216 acres. Visitors can explore numerous exhibits including the tropical world of rainforests, African savanna, and the popular Hamill Family Play Zoo. This major Chicago-area attraction offers educational programs and conservation initiatives year-round.
10. Oak Park Historic District
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ARCHITECTURE
The Oak Park Historic District near Maywood features the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of these architectural masterpieces that showcase the Prairie School style. The neighborhood's historic homes and buildings represent an important chapter in American architectural history.
11. Garfield Park Conservatory
URBAN BOTANICAL PARADISE
Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest botanical conservatories in the United States, located a short distance from Maywood. The facility houses thousands of plant species across eight indoor display gardens and outdoor landscapes. Visitors can experience diverse ecosystems from desert cacti to lush tropical palms in this urban oasis.
12. Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum
LITERARY HISTORICAL SITE
The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum preserves the childhood home of the famous American author just a few miles from Maywood. Visitors can tour the restored Victorian house where Hemingway was born in 1899 and lived for his first six years. The museum offers insight into the early influences that shaped one of America's most celebrated writers.
13. Columbus Park
HISTORIC LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Columbus Park is a historic urban park designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, located near Maywood. The park features Jensen's signature prairie-style design with a lagoon, waterfalls, and natural stone work. Visitors can enjoy the golf course, walking paths, and recreational facilities in this National Historic Landmark.
14. Cernan Earth and Space Center
EDUCATIONAL ASTRONOMY EXPERIENCE
The Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College in nearby River Grove offers planetarium shows and interactive exhibits about astronomy and space exploration. Named after astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last person to walk on the moon, the center provides educational programming for visitors of all ages. The facility includes a state-of-the-art projection system that creates immersive celestial experiences.
15. Forest Park Amusement Center
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Forest Park Amusement Center offers a variety of family-friendly activities including mini-golf, arcade games, and batting cages near Maywood. The center provides affordable entertainment options for families and groups looking for recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy both indoor and outdoor attractions at this local entertainment venue.