Lemont (French for “the mountains”) is a quaint village in Cook, DuPage, and Will which are counties of Illinois State. It has a small population mostly of European immigrants. It is home to several industrial sites, one of which was a limestone quarry. It was the settlement of Native American Potawatomi tribe traveling the Des Plaines River to trade with settlers in Lake Michigan and Mississippi River. French voyagers in the 18th-century took over the land and their lifestyle forever.
In northeast Illinois, Lemont remains among the oldest American communities. Historically, it is significant for transforming its frontier settlement into a progressive region that provided Chicago and its areas with its products. Lemont is unique because it retained its authentic historic district since the 19th-century.
Even with the turn of the centuries Lemont remains attractive to a lot of visitors for its variety of scenic places and notable landmarks. Here are a few of the things you must do and see while in Lemont.
1. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club earned the reputation of being among the top 100 golf courses in America. It is located in Cook County, Palos Park village 48 km (30 miles) southwest of Chicago. This public golf course and its country club hosted several golf tournaments. Among them was the BMW championship of PGA Tours in 2009 – 2011 and 16 Western Open tournaments. This is where Tiger Woods won 5 of his golf tournaments.
The property is owned by 3 Coghill brothers – John, Martin and Bert. In 1920 they bought the farmland east of Palos Park and developed it into a golf course. They expanded the property in 1929 by purchasing additional land east side of the Parker Road that belonged to the Reed family. The property was transformed into a posh golf course greens with a luxurious club house. Aside from the refreshing greens you will see, you can enjoy sumptuous meals in the club house where most functions like conventions, weddings and other social events are held.
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Address: 12294 Archer Avenue, Lemont, IL 60439
Website: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
2. Pollyanna Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This is one of the reputable breweries in Lemont that is well visited by tourists. It is also one of the biggest producers of one of the finest beers in the country. You can visit the brewery and have a tour of their facility where they handcraft the beer. You can hang-out at their luxurious taproom where you can have a free taste of their traditional German brews and experimental beer concoctions.
If you want to go on a beer drinking spree, buy their glasses for the howlers (32oz) and growlers (64oz). Their best selling beers are the Eleanor, Lexical Gap, Mazzie, and the Full Lemonty.
Pollyanna Brewing Company
Address: 431 Talcott Avenue, Lemont, IL 60439
Website: Pollyanna Brewing Company
3. 3 Corners Grill & Tap
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Go old school $2 tall boys Eat. Drink. Relax. Call for carry out 630.257.7780 #lemont #eatlocal #carryout #togo #drinklocal
Posted by 3 Corners Grill & Tap Lemont on Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Just follow their advert that says “eat-drink-relax”. This family friendly resto-bar is located on a triangular property situated on McCarthy Road, Derby Road and Archer Avenue. It is nearby the historic city and major golf courses.
It’s a wonderful place to drop by after a golf tournament or when you simply want to enjoy good food and drinks with family and friends. There are 20 flat screen TVs all over the place where you can watch your favorite sports games while dining. You can even celebrate special occasions like birthdays, weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and fundraisers in this spacious restaurant. It’s also perfect to celebrate Oktoberfest in 3 Corners with their vast beer selection.
3 Corners Grill & Tap
Address: 12371 S. Derby Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Website: 3 Corners Grill & Tap
4. Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
The temple is a spiritual center of thousands of Indian-American devotees of Hinduism based in and outside of Lemont, Illinois. Though they don’t have any ties to a particular organization, the temple co-sponsors several religious, educational and cultural events that are held by the local ethnic linguistic groups like Telugu Association of Greater Chicago.
The temple is not only visited by devotees. Its amazing oriental design attracts a lot of foreigners who appreciate architectural landmarks like this.
Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
Address: 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, IL 60439
Website: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
5. Cal Sag Bike Trail
The Cag Sag Bike Trail is one of the popular biking trails that takes you thru the Cook Country Forest Preserves. It connects the I&M Canal and Centennial trails west of Burnham Greenway and east of Chicago Lakefront trails.
The paved trails take you thru the quarries of Palos Park as you bike along a relaxing natural forest environment. The location is ideal for a good exercise if you are into outdoorsy sports like hiking and biking. Don’t forget to bring your own food and snacks because the trail is a pretty long journey!
Cal Sag Bike Trail
Address: 8901 W 123rd Street, Palos Park, IL 60464
Website: Cal Sag Bike Trail
6. Stonehouse Pub
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
One of the popular food and drink destinations of Lemont is the popular Stonehouse Pub. They serve Chicago’s best burger along with other food specialties like pizzas and ribs with sidings of fries, garden salad or soup. They also feature a fully stocked bar and a live band on Fridays and Saturday without a cover charge. They have daily specials that you will enjoy at very reasonable prices. They also feature karaoke every Friday, video slot machines and wide screen TVs showing sporting events.
Stonehouse Pub
Address: 103 Stephen St., Lemont, Illinois 60439
Website: Stonehouse Pub
7. Lemont House Restaurant
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Surprisingly, this family style restaurant that has Westernized exteriors serves Eastern dishes inside. It is a favorite food destination if you are craving for authentic Chinese and Korean dishes. Here is where you can find the best Bim Bop dish in Lemont. You should also try their other Asian culinary specials on the menu. If you’re not feeling experimental, you can have the traditional American burger and sandwiches. Oh, did you know Egg Foo Young is actually a cross between an American and Chinese dish? If you haven’t tried it out, the original version is on the menu!
Lemont House Restaurant
Address: 210 Main Street, Lemont, IL
Website: Lemont House Restaurant
8. SS Cyril & Methodius Church
This Roman Catholic Church is a grand example of the opulent style of a Polish Cathedral. It is one of the monumental religious places of worship that dominates Lemont. In 1860 a lot of Polish people worked on the quarries. In 1884, the parish was founded to serve their spiritual community needs. The church offers masses both in English and Polish. The grandiose façade and interiors are ideal for weddings and other religious ceremonies. Its Romanesque style is frequently pictured by visitors and parishioners alike.
SS Cyril & Methodius Church
Address: 608 Sobieski St, Lemont, IL 60439
Website: SS Cyril & Methodius Church
9. Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
Heritage Quarries Recreation Area is over 65 miles (100 km) of protected forest area ideal for biking and hiking. There are several tourist attractions close by like the Isle a la Cache Museum, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, and Sagawan Environmental learning Center. The development of this area started in 1848 with the digging of the I&M Canal. It was discovered that below the topsoil was an abundant supply of Dolomite Limestone. The turn of the century saw the decline of the limestone quarries which now became the freshwater lakes we see today.
Its historical significance was recognized by the government and made it Illinois’ first National Heritage Corridor. It is now a favorite destination of locals and tourists who want to relax in the well preserved lush surroundings of which were once a significant industrial area.
Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
Address: 975 Main St, Lemont, IL 60439
Website: Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
10. The Vault Cafe and Bar
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
This full-service restaurant serves traditional American dishes that will satiate your palette. They also serve a wide range of drinks from beer and cocktails to wine. The cozy café and bar is also ideal to celebrate special events like birthdays, baptisms, engagement parties, bridal showers and so much more.
The Vault Cafe and Bar
Address: 308 Canal St., Lemont, Illinois 60439
Website: The Vault Cafe and Bar
Beauty in diversity
The beauty of Lemont is that it is rich in history, culture and diversity. Here you will find an interesting mix of different religions, various entertainment, sporting and outdoor activities, lush green scenery, traditional Western edifices, several awesome religious monuments and even a wide range of culinary offerings. Though Lemont appears to be a traditional Western village, once you explore the inside you will see the beauty in its diversity.
History
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