Lockport, Illinois, is a charming small town situated just outside of Chicago. It is home to a variety of attractions, activities, and events. Whether you’re looking for a bit of cultural exploration, some outdoor fun, or just a day of leisurely shopping, Lockport has something to offer. Here are some of the top things to do in Lockport, IL:
1. Gaylord Building
The Gaylord Building is a historic commercial building located in Lockport, Illinois. Built in the late 19th century, the building is a two-story red brick structure with Romanesque Revival details.
It was originally built for the Gaylord Manufacturing Company and has been used for a variety of businesses since then. It is now home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a theater.
Visitors can explore the unique architecture of the building, or take in a show at the theater.
2. Lincoln Landing
Lincoln Landing is a popular park located in Lockport, IL. It features a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy.
There is a large boat launch for fishing, boating, and other water activities, as well as a picnic area with tables and grills. Visitors can also find a playground, a walking path, and a basketball court.
The park also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including an annual car show, craft fairs, and live music. There is also a boat storage facility available for use.
3. Illinois State Museum – Lockport Gallery
The Illinois State Museum – Lockport Gallery is located in Lockport, Illinois, and is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area.
The museum features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Illinois River Valley, the Native American history of the region, and local history.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s collections of artifacts, photographs, and archival documents. The museum also offers educational programs and special events, as well as a gift shop.
4. Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail
The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail is a scenic and historic pathway located in Lockport, Illinois. Stretching 28 miles, the trail runs along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal and is a popular spot for biking, walking, running, and birdwatching.
Along the trail, visitors can explore the historic locks, the I & M Canal Museum, and the two locks of the I & M Canal State Trail.
The trail also offers access to several parks and recreation areas, such as the Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, the Centennial Park, and the Des Plaines River Trail.
There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking along the route.
5. Lockport Canal Days
Lockport Canal Days is an annual festival held in Lockport, Illinois, located about 25 miles southwest of Chicago. It celebrates the city’s history and cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on the Illinois & Michigan Canal which runs through Lockport.
The four-day festival includes a variety of activities, such as a parade, a car show, live music, a carnival, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a beer garden, and a variety of food vendors.
The festival also includes a fireworks display, a 5K run, and a kids’ fishing derby. Lockport Canal Days is a great way to learn about the history of the city and have some fun at the same time.
6. Dellwood Park
Dellwood Park is a beautiful park in Lockport, IL. It is situated on the banks of the Des Plaines River.
The park features a large boat launch, two fishing piers, two playgrounds, two sand volleyball courts, and two pavilions with picnic tables. There are also plenty of trails for walking and biking, as well as a disc golf course with 18 holes.
The park also has a host of other amenities, such as a skate park, an outdoor pool, and a waterfall. Dellwood Park is a great spot for a picnic, a family reunion, or just a day of outdoor fun.
7. HellsGate Haunted House
HellsGate Haunted House is a thrilling attraction located in Lockport, IL. It is a multi-level, multi-scene fright fest filled with ghastly ghouls, blood-curdling screams, and terrifying surprises around every corner.
The attraction features indoor and outdoor entertainment, including a variety of special effects and animatronics.
The haunted house offers a unique experience for brave visitors, with a range of scenes and activities to entertain and scare.
From traditional haunted houses to interactive terror rooms and even a cemetery, HellsGate offers plenty of spine-tingling fun for those brave enough to venture inside.
8. Old Joliet Prison
Old Joliet Prison is a historic prison located in Lockport, Illinois. It was built in 1858 and operated as a correctional facility until 2002. The prison is now a museum and tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore its history and the stories of those who lived and worked there.
The prison is made up of four cell blocks that are connected by a central hub. The walls are made of limestone and brick, and the cell blocks feature a variety of cells ranging from single occupancy to four occupancies.
The prison also includes a chapel, an auditorium, and several other unique features. Visitors can take guided tours of the prison and can explore the prison’s history through interactive exhibits.
There are also special events held throughout the year, such as ghost tours and haunted nights.
9. Will County Historical Museum and Research Center
The Will County Historical Museum and Research Center is a museum located in Lockport, IL that offers a variety of educational and entertaining programs and exhibits. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts and documents that date back to the early 19th century.
Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which cover topics such as railroads, Native Americans, and the history of Lockport and the surrounding area. The museum also offers special programs, such as lectures, workshops, and field trips, as well as special events throughout the year.
There is also a research center for those interested in conducting genealogical or historical research.
10. Legacy Adventure Park
Legacy Adventure Park is a family fun center located in Lockport, IL. It features a variety of outdoor activities and attractions such as an 18-hole mini golf course, a 3-acre paintball facility, a large outdoor go-kart track, batting cages, a climbing wall, and a trampoline court.
The park also includes a snack bar and a party area for birthday parties, special occasions, and other celebrations. Legacy Adventure Park offers something for all ages and is a great place to spend an afternoon with family or friends.
11. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest is an annual event held in Lockport, Illinois. Visitors to the farm can pick out the perfect pumpkin, explore the farm’s amazing corn maze, enjoy a hayride, and partake in a variety of activities such as a petting zoo, face painting, and a haunted barn.
The fall fest also offers a variety of food, music, and festive decorations to make it a fun experience for the whole family. The event is typically held in October, and visitors can enjoy the fall weather and scenery while having a great time.
12. Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve
The Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve is a scenic park located in Lockport, Illinois. The preserve encompasses over 450 acres of prairie, wetlands, and woodlands, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Visitors can explore the preserve on foot or by bicycle, enjoying the beauty of the natural landscape. There are several trails to explore, including a half-mile loop that takes visitors through the prairie and a four-mile loop that takes visitors through the preserve’s wetlands.
Other attractions include a lake, fishing, bird watching, and educational programs. Visitors can also explore the nearby Lockport Historic District and take in the local history.
13. Prairie Bluff Preserve
Prairie Bluff Preserve is a nature preserve located in Lockport, IL. It is a beautiful site that features a variety of unique habitats.
Visitors can explore the preserve’s wetlands, savannas, meadows, and woodlands, as well as view many species of birds and animals.
The preserve also features walking trails, bird-watching towers, and picnic areas. Prairie Bluff Preserve is an excellent location for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
14. Gladys Fox Museum
The Gladys Fox Museum is a museum in Lockport, Illinois. It is dedicated to the history of Lockport and the surrounding areas.
The museum is located in a historic building and features exhibits on local history, including Lockport’s canal, the early settlers, and the I&M Canal. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, documents, and maps that tell the story of the city’s development.
The museum also has an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to explore the history of the area through interactive media. In addition, the museum offers educational programs and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
15. Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is an outdoor adventure park located in Lockport, Illinois. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including a corn maze, petting zoo, hayrides, pony rides, and more.
The park is open seasonally, with different events and activities offered depending on the time of the year. The park also hosts special events, such as festivals and concerts.
Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s picnic areas, playgrounds, and other amenities. Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is an excellent destination for family fun and outdoor recreation.
16. Downtown Historic District of Lockport
The Downtown Historic District of Lockport is a historic district encompassing the traditional heart of Lockport, Illinois. Located along 9th Street, the district spans from the Illinois & Michigan Canal to the east, State Street to the south, and North Street to the north.
The district includes a variety of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Italianate and Second Empire style commercial architecture from the mid-19th century, and early 20th century examples of the American Foursquare and Bungalow styles.
The district is home to the Lockport Township Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other attractions in the district include the Lockport Gallery, the Gaylord Building, the Gaylord Block Historic District, and the Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride.
17. Central Square
Central Square is a vibrant, historic downtown district in Lockport, Illinois. It is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
The square is surrounded by restored brick buildings with Victorian-style facades, as well as a few more modern structures.
The square also has an outdoor performance area, as well as a weekly farmers market during the summer.
There are also a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Lockport Independence Day celebration.
Visitors can also visit historic buildings, such as the old post office, the old jail, and the old courthouse. Central Square is a great place to visit for a day of shopping and entertainment.
18. Tallgrass Restaurant
Tallgrass Restaurant is a family-run restaurant located in Lockport, IL. Offering locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, Tallgrass offers a unique dining experience.
The menu items feature American and European cuisine, with the chef changing up the selection often to keep things interesting. The restaurant also offers a selection of beers and wines, including locally crafted brews.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with an open kitchen, exposed brick and wood accents, and cozy seating.
Tallgrass is the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic dinner or a family gathering.
19. Legacy Ranch
Legacy Ranch is a family-owned and operated farm located in Lockport, IL. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, hayrides, and more.
The ranch also offers pony rides, mini-golf, an arcade, and a petting zoo. The ranch also features a restaurant and bar, as well as a store where visitors can purchase souvenirs and products related to their visit.
20. Lambs Woods
Lambs Woods is an outdoor oasis located in Lockport, IL. It is a peaceful park with a variety of activities, including a walking and biking trail, a fishing pond, picnic tables, and a playground.
The park also has a community garden, which is a great way to get involved in the local community. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife and trees, making it a great place for bird-watching and photography.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and admission is free.
Final Thoughts
Lockport, Illinois is a great city to visit and explore. With a variety of activities, attractions, and restaurants, there is something for everyone in Lockport. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, outdoor activities, or just somewhere to relax, Lockport has it all.
From the historic downtown area to the nearby parks and recreational activities, Lockport is a great destination for everyone. With a wide range of activities, attractions, and restaurants, Lockport is the perfect place to visit for a day trip or an extended stay.
