Lockport is a city in Illinois, located just off the Illinois and Michigan Canal. It is well known as the “city that made Chicago famous”, due to its proximity to the canal, which connected Illinois with the Great Lakes. This connection that paved the way for development helped build Chicago into the flourishing city it is today.
Due to its proximity to Chicago, many people visit Lockport to see its beautiful parks and historical museums. Here is a list of the top eight attractions in and around the area.
1. Dellwood Park
Dellwood Park is situated on 150 acres (60.7 hectares) of land and has many fun amenities, such as a soccer field, tennis courts, and an inline skating rink. It is now also equipped with a 27 basket disc golf course, for people looking to improve their frisbee skills. If you are interested in exercising outdoors, there are also many nature trails to choose from. For those looking to participate in an event, this lively park holds various sports tournaments and even has an annual World War II re-enactment.
Dellwood Park
Address: Route 171 & Woods Drive, Lockport, IL 60441
Website: Dellwood Park
2. Prairie Bluff Preserve
The Prarie Bluff Preserve is a 680-acre (275.2-hectare) piece of land dedicated to protecting wetland habitats and the animals that live there. Visitors are allowed on the premises to enjoy the paved trails that are perfect for biking, hiking, running, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. For those who would like to bring their furry friends along for an adventure, the preserve does allow dogs on most of the trails. Refer to the website for specific regulations.
Prairie Bluff Preserve
Address: 20205 W Renwick Rd, Crest Hill, IL 60403, USA
Website: Prairie Bluff Preserve
3. Old Joliet Prison Park
Are you ready to be locked up in prison? Thankfully, you won’t be really going into a prison cell here. Old Joliet Prison Park, formerly known as Collins Street Prison, was transformed into a park and picnic area in 2009. Now it is a popular place for tourists and Lockport residents to take photos and share a meal with a unique prison backdrop.
Old Joliet Prison Park
Address: 1125 Collins Street, Joliet IL 60432
Website: Old Joliet Prison Park
4. The Gaylord Building
In 1838, the Gaylord Building was the headquarters for the Illinois and Michigan Canal and has been an important landmark in Illinois, ever since. In 1983, the building was renovated and transformed into an exhibition hall and the Illinois and Michigan Canal museum. Guests can also dine at the attached Public Landing Restaurant, for lunch and dinner.
The Gaylord Building
Address: 200 W 8th St, Lockport, IL 60441, USA
Website: The Gaylord Building
5. Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery
Come say "hello" to our extern, Abby Englund, a student from SIU-Carbondale. Here she is talking about the work of Robert Paulson (former SIU professor of art) with Director John Lustig (SIU-C alum).
Posted by Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery on Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Get a glimpse into Illinois history at one of the exhibitions at Lockport Gallery. The gallery offers different art forms, such as paintings, sculptures, quilts, and drawings, created by both past and contemporary Illinois artists. Each piece tells a story about the rich culture and history of the state.
To take part in this history, visitors to the gallery can visit during regular business hours or take part in special events that are held each month. Be sure to take a look at the events schedule online.
Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery
Address: 201 West 10th Street, Lockport
6. Siegel's Cottonwood Farm
Spend a day with your family picking pumpkins at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm. The mission of this real, operating farm is to educate children on how food is grown. In addition to pumpkin picking, families with children will enjoy the many other activities here, such as Mia and Miley’s Mountain Slide, Giant Checkers & Tic Tac Toe, and Fly'n Farmer’s Ziplines.
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm
Address: 17250 Weber Road, Lockport, Illinois 60441
Website: Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
7. Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park
Great week for private play! Thanks to @Triangle IIT for coming out! #legacypaintball #paintball #chicago #play #outdoors
Posted by Legacy Paintball + Airsoft Park on Wednesday, 2 November 2016
Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park offers a unique paintball experience for its customers. Groups of 10 or more people can opt for private play to ensure a fun game for you and your friends. And there’s no need to worry about showing up alone. The staff will set you up for open play with other single players.
Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park is constantly monitoring the safety of its guests. They provide all of the equipment you need to stay protected during your exciting game.
Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park
Address: 2807 Canal St, Lockport, IL 60441
Website: Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park
8. HellsGate Haunted House
The Zombies are trying to get in, The Darkness is trying to get out, and the House Staff is trying to hold it all...
Posted by HellsGate Haunted House on Tuesday, 19 September 2017
You’re in for a fright when you visit HellsGate Haunted House. After a walk through the woods, you’ll experience the haunted house and its many surprises. Since the house is very frightening, staff urge visitors to stay with their groups on the path.
In order to visit HellsGate, you should buy your tickets in advance and arrive early, to avoid waiting in long lines. It is also recommended that visitors come on Thursday or Sunday, when it is less crowded. HellsGate Haunted House parking is located in the Metra parking lot, which is 10 minutes away. Because of this, an interactive shuttle bus will bring guests from the parking lot straight to the house.
HellsGate Haunted House
Address: 3101 Canal St, Lockport, IL 60441
Website: HellsGate Haunted House
Enjoy Lockport, Illinois
Lockport is a progressive city with countless attractions for everyone to enjoy. Get outside for some outdoor activities, have a relaxing picnic in a unique place, or go back in time at a historical art gallery. If you are planning a trip to Lockport, use this list as a guideline to start your adventure. Your vacation days will surely be filled with lots of great activities!
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