Located 45 minutes just outside Chicago, the southwestern suburb of Lockport has a remarkable history. With the Illinois and Michigan Canal serving as a vital waterway link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, some may even say that Lockport is the “the city that made Chicago famous.”
Today, Lockport invites all to experience the small town feel and join the many community events. Find history in their backyard with the historic I&M Canal, enjoy a fun-filled day at the park or farm, or explore historic downtown with good food and good people. Small town vibes. Big time heart. That’s what you’ll find in Lockport.
Eat
Sizzles
- Address: 110 MacGregor Road, Lockport
The family-friendly restaurant boasts hearty portions of food like burgers and sandwiches all served with a smile from the friendly owner. Dining in is actually fun with books (and a Frankenstein!) to keep kids entertained. Or, if you prefer, a drive-thru option is also available.
Cool Creations
- Address: 937 S. Hamilton St., Lockport
Cool off with homemade ice cream at Cool Creations. If you’re lucky, it may have a few ice cream tacos for you. Brownies are also a big hit and a bargain at just a dollar.
The Cupcakery Bakery
- Address: 1022 S. State St., Lockport
The adorable small bakery offers delicious handmade cupcakes made with love daily. Other goodies include danishes (try the almond ones!), apple fritters, and macarons.
The Lock and Mule
- Address: 1025 S. State St., Lockport
Come here with the family for a great vibe, good brews and good food.
Shop
Amazing Fantasy Books & Comics
- Address: 113 E. 9th St., Lockport
Comic book lovers will geek out browsing through the comics, mangas, books, board games, and Funko Pop figures.
Beanie’s Candy Store and Ice Cream
- Address: 1011 S. State St., Lockport
Follow your sweet tooth to Beanie’s, offering Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, sundaes and all the candy.
Hollingworth Candies
- Address: 926 N. State St., Lockport
Follow the sweet smell of chocolate and toffee to Hollingworth Candies, a Lockport staple. Find melt-in-your-mouth toffee and other homemade candies or watch them make chocolates in the back.
Play
Dellwood Park
- Address: Route 171 and Woods Drive, Lockport
Families can easily spend a few hours at Dellwood Park between two really fun playgrounds, an award-winning disc golf course, trails, creek stomping, beautiful scenery, and more.
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
- Address: 17250 Weber Road, Lockport
Plan to spend a fall fun day on the farm with two mazes (the giant corn maze’s theme will be Super Mario Brothers while the smaller one celebrates Spookley the Square Pumpkin’s 20th birthday), pumpkin picking, and of course, fresh apple cider doughnuts.
Explore
I & M Canal
- Address: Access at 10th Street, Lockport
Without the birth of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, the Chicagoland area as we know it would not exist. Until 1933, this waterway was crucial for transporting goods. Today, the canal serves as an outdoor retreat for bicyclists, walkers, joggers, or those looking for a relaxing stroll. The 11-mile Gaylord Donnelley Trail connects Lockport to Joliet.
Lincoln Landing
- Address: 9th Street and Canal Street, Lockport
Explore the open-air park and museum right by the canal and learn how Lincoln was connected to Lockport. Make sure to snap a pic with Abe’s statue!
The Gaylord Building
- Address: 200 W. 8th St., Lockport
The historic limestone building originally held construction materials, today it’s a great spot to learn more about the canal with exhibits as well as changing programs.
Illinois State Museum – Lockport Gallery
- Address: 201 W. 10th St., Lockport
Located at the historic Norton Building on the banks of the I&M Canal where they once processed grain, the Illinois State Museum – Lockport Gallery showcases different exhibits throughout the year. From now until December, it is featuring “Rock and Rolled,” a neat exhibit celebrating music rockstars and nature’s rocks.
Walk downtown and spot murals
- Address: 9th and Main Street, Lockport
Feel the charm as you take a stroll downtown. Take in the interesting historic architecture from buildings built in the 1830s and made out of limestone and brick. Notice many of the murals sprinkled around downtown.
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