McCook IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near McCook, Illinois.
1. Max McCook Athletic & Exposition
PREMIER SPORTS COMPLEX
Max McCook Athletic & Exposition is a state-of-the-art sports facility featuring two full-size soccer/football fields and four volleyball courts. Visitors can enjoy watching sporting events or participate in recreational activities throughout the year. The complex also includes dedicated pitching and hitting areas, making it a versatile destination for athletes and sports enthusiasts.
2. JC's Pub & Ristorante
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
JC's Pub & Ristorante offers a welcoming atmosphere and delicious Italian-American cuisine in the heart of McCook. Visitors can enjoy classic comfort foods alongside specialty dishes in a casual, family-friendly environment. The restaurant has become a community gathering spot for locals and travelers alike exploring the McCook area.
3. McCook Bohemian American Family Restaurant
TRADITIONAL CULTURAL DINING
McCook Bohemian American Family Restaurant serves authentic Czech-inspired dishes alongside American classics in a homey setting. The restaurant celebrates the area's cultural heritage through its menu offerings and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can experience traditional flavors and generous portions that have made this establishment a staple in the McCook community.
4. Steak n Egger
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 DINER
Steak n Egger is a classic American diner located along historic Route 66 that was formerly known as Snuffy's. The restaurant offers hearty breakfast staples and comfort food in a nostalgic setting that captures the essence of roadside Americana. Travelers along Route 66 often stop here to experience the diner's retro charm and satisfying meals that have been served for generations.
5. Fabulous McCook Sign
ICONIC ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
The Fabulous McCook neon sign stands as a colorful beacon along the historic Route 66 corridor through McCook. This vintage roadside attraction captures the nostalgic essence of America's Mother Road and has become a popular photo opportunity for travelers. The well-preserved neon sign represents the golden age of automobile travel and serves as a reminder of McCook's place in Route 66 history.
6. Matilda's Bar
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Matilda's Bar offers visitors a genuine slice of local culture and hospitality in McCook. The establishment serves cold drinks and provides a friendly atmosphere where travelers can mingle with locals and hear stories about the area. As a longtime fixture on Route 66, Matilda's represents the community spirit that made roadside establishments essential stops along America's historic highways.
7. Historic Limestone Quarry
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The tremendous limestone quarry in McCook has been an impressive industrial landmark since at least the 1930s. Visitors can observe the massive operation that was once described as having narrow-gauge trains that looked like toys scooting about the quarry floor. This working industrial site represents an important part of McCook's economic history and continues to shape the local landscape.
8. Wrigley Field
ICONIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Wrigley Field is a historic ballpark and the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs, located just a short drive from McCook. The stadium's ivy-covered brick walls, hand-operated scoreboard, and intimate atmosphere have made it one of America's most beloved sporting venues since opening in 1914. Visitors can take tours of the facilities or attend games to experience the unique charm of this baseball cathedral.
9. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Navy Pier extends into Lake Michigan as Chicago's premier waterfront destination offering shopping, dining, and family entertainment near McCook. Visitors can ride the iconic Centennial Wheel for panoramic views of the city skyline and lake, or enjoy numerous attractions including a children's museum and theater. The pier hosts seasonal festivals, fireworks displays, and boat tours that make it a must-visit destination for travelers to the Chicago area.
10. Michigan Avenue
MAGNIFICENT MILE SHOPPING
Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile offers world-class shopping, dining, and architecture just a short drive from McCook. This prestigious stretch features luxury retailers, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks that represent Chicago's cosmopolitan character. Visitors can shop at flagship stores, admire architectural masterpieces like the Tribune Tower, and experience the vibrant energy of downtown Chicago.
11. Grant Park
CHICAGO'S FRONT YARD
Grant Park spans 319 acres of green space along Lake Michigan and serves as Chicago's ceremonial front yard near McCook. The park houses famous attractions including Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean), and the Art Institute of Chicago. Visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, open spaces for recreation, and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline framed by Lake Michigan.
12. Soldier Field
HISTORIC SPORTS STADIUM
Soldier Field stands as a striking blend of classical architecture and modern design as the home of the Chicago Bears football team. The stadium, originally opened in 1924, underwent a major renovation that preserved its historic colonnades while adding contemporary facilities. Visitors can tour the venue to learn about its rich history hosting everything from military events to major sporting competitions and concerts.
13. Six Flags Great America
PREMIER AMUSEMENT PARK
Six Flags Great America offers thrill-seekers an exhilarating destination featuring world-class roller coasters and family attractions within driving distance of McCook. The park boasts more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions spread across themed areas that provide entertainment for visitors of all ages. During the summer season, the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park offers refreshing aquatic attractions to complement the main park experience.
14. McCormick Place
MASSIVE CONVENTION CENTER
McCormick Place stands as the largest convention center in North America, hosting major trade shows, expositions, and events throughout the year. The facility encompasses multiple buildings with over 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space along Chicago's lakefront. Visitors can attend diverse events ranging from auto shows to industry conferences, making it a hub of business and cultural activity near McCook.
15. Former Whoopie Auto Coaster Site
UNIQUE HISTORICAL ATTRACTION
The former Whoopie Auto Coaster site at 47th Street and Lawndale Avenue marks where a novel roller coaster for automobiles once thrilled visitors in the 1920s. This unique attraction featured a wavy timber track where drivers paid admission to experience the undulating roadway in their own vehicles. Though dismantled during the Great Depression, this site represents the innovative entertainment that once drew travelers to the McCook area along Route 66.