Attractions and Places To See around Hazel Crest - Top 7

The most popular trails include the Old Plank Road Trail, a 22-mile paved path known for wildlife viewing like bald eagles and beavers. Another favorite is the Illinois Pennsy Greenway, a well-maintained paved path traversing scenic areas south of Chicago. The Major Taylor Trail is also popular, offering a 14.8-mile route through urban and natural landscapes with forest preserves and murals.

Yes, a significant historical site is Batchelor’s Grove Cemetary, recognized as the oldest cemetery in Cook County and known for its ghostlore stories. The Hazel Crest Village Hall is also a historic building serving as the center of local government, and the Hazel Crest Water Tower is a prominent landmark.

Hazel Crest is characterized by woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, many of which are part of the extensive Cook County Forest Preserves system. You can explore areas like Hazel Crest Open Lands, which aims to increase tree canopy diversity and offers recreational opportunities. Trails like the Old Plank Road Trail provide opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Absolutely. The Hazel Crest Park District offers a range of recreational activities, and the Hazel Crest Aquatic Center is a popular spot for families during summer. Many trails, such as the Old Plank Road Trail and the Major Taylor Trail, are considered family-friendly for cycling and walking.

The Hazel Crest Public Library serves as a community hub with various programs. An emerging cultural development is the Hazel Crest Creative Arts District, with plans for a Creative Art Center to host different artistic disciplines. The village also celebrates its diverse culture through various events, festivals, and community programs, including the Hazel Crest Art Fair and Harvest Fest.

Yes, the Illinois Pennsy Greenway is a well-maintained paved path that is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to traverse scenic areas south of Chicago comfortably.

For runners, there are several options within the nearby forest preserves. Popular routes include the Tinley Creek Red Loop, Midlothian Meadows Green Paved Loop, and the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Brown Paved Loop. You can find more details on these and other running routes on the Running Trails around Hazel Crest guide.

Road cyclists have excellent options, including the Old Plank Road, Cal-Sag & Centennial Trail Loop, and the Sauk Trail Forest Preserve – Glenwood Woods loop. These routes offer varying distances and difficulties. Explore more road cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Hazel Crest guide.

The Cal-Sag Channel SEPA Station 3 Cascades are pretty man-made cascades that contribute to the health of aquatic life in the Cal-Sag Channel. Additionally, the Major Taylor Trail Bridge features murals showcasing the career of champion cyclist Major Taylor, offering a unique blend of art and history.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the forest preserves. Summer is also popular, especially for family activities at the Aquatic Center and enjoying the paved trails. Winter can be suitable for specific activities, though some trails might be less accessible depending on snow conditions.

Many of the trails within the Cook County Forest Preserves system, including sections of the Old Plank Road Trail and Illinois Pennsy Greenway, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific regulations for each preserve or park you plan to visit.

For easy walks, consider shorter loops within the various forest preserves, such as the Midlothian Meadows Green Paved Loop or the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Brown Paved Loop. The paved sections of the Old Plank Road Trail and Illinois Pennsy Greenway also offer accessible and relatively flat terrain for leisurely strolls.