Attractions and Places To See around Lemont - Top 20

Lemont offers a variety of trails for both hiking and cycling. The Cal-Sag Trail is a popular paved multi-use path spanning 16.2 miles, connecting to the John Husar I&M Canal Trail. Another great option is the Centennial Trail, a 30-mile paved bike trail tracing a former railway line through scenic farmland and along creeks. For a more natural experience, explore the trails within Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve or the Lemont Heritage Quarries Recreation Area.

Lemont is rich in history, particularly its past as a canal town and quarrying hub. You can explore the Lemont Downtown Historic District, which features well-preserved 19th-century architecture, much of it built from local limestone. The Lemont Area Historical Society and Museum, housed in the historic Old Stone Church (dating back to 1861), offers insights into the village's heritage. The Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal itself is a historical landmark, crucial to Lemont's early development, and now a recreational area.

Yes, Lemont has several family-friendly outdoor options. The Cal-Sag Trail and the Centennial Trail are both suitable for families to enjoy cycling or walking. The Lemont Heritage Quarries Recreation Area offers a 3.8-mile hiking and biking trail, and within it, The Forge: Lemont Quarries provides adventurous activities like climbing, zip-lining, and kayaking. Many forest preserves, such as Waterfall Glen, also offer easy, accessible trails for all ages.

For scenic views, consider visiting Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, known for its picturesque waterfalls and bluffs overlooking the Des Plaines River. Black Partridge Woods also offers bluffs with views of the Des Plaines River and ravine forests. The Wooden Bridge on DuPage River Greenway provides peaceful views of the DuPage River and surrounding woods.

Lemont boasts diverse natural landscapes. The Lemont Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, a former limestone quarry, features clear freshwater lakes and a 3.8-mile trail. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is known for its waterfalls and extensive trail system. Black Partridge Woods is an Illinois Nature Preserve with bluffs, ravine forests, and spring-fed streams. The Palos Preserves, just outside Lemont, are designated as the world's largest Urban Night Sky Place, offering unique stargazing opportunities and a thriving ecosystem.

Many of Lemont's outdoor areas are dog-friendly. For instance, the West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve allows dogs on leashes under 10 feet long. Generally, forest preserves and multi-use trails like the Cal-Sag Trail and Centennial Trail welcome leashed dogs. Always check specific preserve rules before visiting.

The spring and fall seasons are ideal for outdoor activities in Lemont. In spring, areas like Black Partridge Woods are particularly beautiful with blooming wildflowers. Autumn is excellent for experiencing vibrant fall colors, especially in the forest preserves where maples turn gold. The trails are generally accessible year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures and scenic beauty.

Beyond exploring the attractions themselves, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Cycling is popular, with routes like the 'Centennial Trail loop from Lemont' and 'Cal-Sag Trail – Saganashkee Slough loop from Saint James at Sag Bridge Catholic Church' available. For hiking, consider easy routes such as the 'Heritage Quarries Recreation Area loop' or the 'Yellow Single Track Trail'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the cycling guide, easy hikes guide, and road cycling guide for Lemont.

Yes, Lemont's forest preserves are home to diverse wildlife. The West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve, for example, is known for its variety of habitats that support reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds, including grassland birds and migrating and nesting shorebirds. Keep an eye out for local fauna while exploring trails in areas like Waterfall Glen and Black Partridge Woods.

Beyond its historical district, Lemont features unique cultural and architectural landmarks. The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago is an impressive spiritual center known for its oriental design. St. James at Sag Bridge is another historic landmark, representing an important piece of Lemont's religious and architectural heritage. Additionally, the Argonne National Laboratory, a significant scientific institution, is located in Lemont and played a role in the Manhattan Project.

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance in Lemont. Many enjoy the peaceful sections of trails like the DuPage River Greenway and the scenic views along the Cal-Sag Trail. The charm of spots like the Sawmill Creek Bridge, with its damselflies, also receives positive feedback. The community values the well-maintained trails and the opportunity to connect with nature and history.

Yes, Lemont's downtown area offers unique shops and restaurants. For those interested in local brews, Pollyanna Brewing Company provides tours and a taproom to sample traditional German and experimental beers. Many cafes and pubs can be found within the village, especially near the historic district, offering convenient options after exploring the trails and historical sites.