Olmsted IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Olmsted, Illinois.
1. Historic Riverside Village
OLMSTED'S SUBURBAN MASTERPIECE
Historic Riverside Village stands as Frederick Law Olmsted's first planned suburb, designed in 1869 with gently curving streets that follow the contours of the land and the winding Des Plaines River. Visitors can explore the village's two square miles featuring 19th century gas lamps and tranquil parks and forests covering almost half its land area. The entire village was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 for its beautiful, flowing landscape design and rich architectural history.
2. Olmsted Society Historic Walking Tour
GUIDED ARCHITECTURAL EXPLORATION
The Olmsted Society Historic Walking Tour offers visitors a chance to experience Frederick Law Olmsted's vision for suburban living through guided explorations of Riverside. These two-hour tours depart from the main Riverside Train station and showcase the village's flowing landscape design and over 150 years of rich architectural history. Visitors gain insights into Olmsted's concern for humanity, nature, community, and the innovative essence of his work.
3. Grand Park System
NATURAL URBAN OASIS
The Grand Park System in Riverside represents a cornerstone of Olmsted's suburban planning vision, featuring several large parks connected with 41 smaller triangular parks and plazas located at intersections throughout the town. This innovative design enhances the community's connection to nature while promoting a sense of openness and tranquility for residents and visitors alike. The park system allows visitors to experience Olmsted's goal of removing residents from the stresses of modern urban life through close harmony with nature.
4. Frank Lloyd Wright Homes
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECES
Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural contributions to Riverside include several landmark homes that showcase his revolutionary Prairie Style design. These architectural treasures can be viewed during walking tours of the village, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate Wright's organic architecture philosophy. The homes represent an important part of Riverside's status as an open-air architecture museum.
5. Louis Sullivan Designed Buildings
FATHER OF MODERNISM
Louis Sullivan's architectural works in Riverside represent significant examples of early modern American architecture by the man often called the 'father of modernism.' His buildings showcase his philosophy that 'form follows function' while incorporating his distinctive ornamental details. Visitors can observe Sullivan's innovative approach to architecture that influenced generations of architects to follow.
6. William Le Baron Jenney Structures
SKYSCRAPER PIONEER'S WORK
William Le Baron Jenney, known as the father of the skyscraper, designed Riverside's first water tower and train depot along with elaborate Victorian homes for the town's founders. His architectural contributions represent an important part of Riverside's rich historical fabric and development. Visitors can appreciate Jenney's influence on both the town's infrastructure and residential character.
7. Riverside Train Station
HISTORIC TRANSPORT HUB
The Riverside Train Station serves as both a functional transportation link to downtown Chicago and a historic landmark within Olmsted's planned community. Located at Bloomingbank Road at Riverside Road, the station is the starting point for many historical walking tours of the village. The station exemplifies Olmsted's vision of combining modern conveniences with natural surroundings, allowing residents to enjoy a mere 20-minute train ride to downtown Chicago.
8. Central Village Square
COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE
The Central Village Square in Riverside features a multi-business structure located at the main railroad station, serving as a focal point for community life. This design element reflects Olmsted's emphasis on creating spaces that foster community interaction and civic engagement. The square represents an important component of Olmsted's overall vision for a harmonious suburban community.
9. Des Plaines River Trail
SCENIC WATERSIDE PATH
The Des Plaines River Trail winds through Riverside, following the natural contours of the waterway that inspired Olmsted's curving street design. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides along this scenic corridor that showcases the natural beauty of the area. The trail embodies Olmsted's philosophy of integrating natural features into community design.
10. Riverside Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Riverside Historical Museum preserves and presents the unique story of this National Historic Landmark village and its significance in American suburban planning. Exhibits highlight Olmsted's revolutionary design, the architectural treasures within the community, and the notable residents throughout its history. Visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of why Riverside represents such an important chapter in American urban planning and architecture.
11. Howard Van Doren Shaw Homes
ARTS AND CRAFTS BEAUTY
Howard Van Doren Shaw's architectural contributions to Riverside showcase his mastery of the Arts and Crafts style that became popular in the early 20th century. His homes feature thoughtful craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. Visitors can appreciate Shaw's approach to creating residences that balance elegance with comfort within Olmsted's planned community.
12. White Crane Canoe Rentals & Guide Service
RIVER ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES
White Crane Canoe Rentals & Guide Service offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the waterways around Olmsted, Illinois. With a high rating of 4.9 from 38 reviewers, this service provides guided river experiences that showcase the region's scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore the water routes that have shaped the development and character of the area.
13. Mound City National Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Mound City National Cemetery serves as a solemn tribute to those who served in America's armed forces, earning a 4.7 rating from visitors. The cemetery's peaceful grounds offer a place for reflection and honoring military service members. Visitors can explore the historical significance of this memorial site within the context of the region's heritage.
14. Henry N Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center
NATURAL WETLAND EDUCATION
The Henry N Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center provides educational resources about the important ecosystem of the Cache River wetlands near Olmsted, Illinois. With a 4.7 rating from 12 reviewers, the center offers insights into local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of wetlands while experiencing the natural beauty of the area.
15. Riverside Historic Gas Lamps
VICTORIAN ERA ILLUMINATION
The historic 19th century gas lamps of Riverside create a charming atmosphere throughout the village that transports visitors to a bygone era. These carefully preserved lighting fixtures line the gently curving streets designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, enhancing the historical character of the community. The gas lamps serve as a distinctive feature that sets Riverside apart as a living museum of suburban planning and historical preservation.