The Forge is famous for outdoor thrills, but the fun in Lemont keeps coming long after you step off the ropes course. This historic canal town is packed with lush parks, riverside trails, quirky public art and unexpected windows into Illinois history, all just a stone’s throw from the action—and all free to enjoy. Whether your ideal outing is a peaceful woodland ramble, window shopping in a charming downtown, or finding local street art for the ‘gram, here are all the best ways to make your Lemont trip memorable without spending a dime.
Stroll the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
Just steps from The Forge Adventure Park, the Illinois & Michigan (I&M) Canal State Trail offers 15 miles of historic towpath. But you don’t need to hike it all to experience its magic. Start in Lemont and you’re instantly flanked by the peaceful canal on one side and limestone bluffs on the other. The crushed-gravel path is ideal for both walkers and casual bikers, offering a flat, shady corridor under arching trees—perfect for a stress-free morning or evening wander.
Along the way, you’ll pass remnants of 19th-century canal engineering: old limestone locks, hand-cut walls and iron bridges, with interpretive signs that tell the story of the workers who built Illinois’ original superhighway. Keep an eye out for turtles and herons; the canal water attracts birdlife year-round, and wildflowers bloom riotously through spring and summer.
Several picnic areas and benches overlook the water, inviting you to stop, snack and soak in the serenity. Feeling energetic? Continue west and you’ll reach quiet stretches where wild blackberries and native prairie plants take over the banks.
Enjoy the views from Lemont Heritage Quay
Right in downtown Lemont, minutes from The Forge, the Lemont Heritage Quay (sometimes called the Lemont Quarries Overlook) gives you a unique chance to survey the area’s geological drama and industrial past. The overlook features a raised wooden platform with interpretive signs pointing out features like the deep blue waters of the former quarry, the canal’s winding path, and the distinctive Lemont limestone buildings peeping through the trees.
Visit at sunrise or sunset for a true wow moment: morning mists rise from the water, while evening light turns both stone and sky golden. There’s always something to see—kayakers gliding below, anglers trying their luck from the banks, or birds of prey circling above. On a clear day, you can spot the Chicago skyline as a faint silhouette to the northeast.
Historic panels and old photos detail the quarry’s place in Illinois’ past, including its surprising role in rebuilding Chicago after the 1871 fire (hint: most old city buildings used Lemont stone). The Quay is perfect for photography, a quiet coffee break or simply letting your thoughts drift with the current.
Explore historic Downtown Lemont
Explore historic Downtown Lemont
Don’t miss a stroll through Lemont’s charming, walkable downtown. Just a short walk from The Forge, the area is one of the oldest canal towns in Illinois, packed with character at every turn. Start at Main Street and you’ll be greeted by blocks of lovingly restored 19th-century storefronts, with original brickwork and decorative cornices—the atmosphere feels a world away from modern suburbia.
Window-shop beneath old iron signage and quirky awnings, or duck down scenic alleys lined with murals, flowers and fairy lights. Many of the local businesses—cafes, boutiques, even a centuries-old bakery—sit in buildings that once served canal workers and quarrymen. The town clock chimes on the hour, and historic plaques on nearly every block offer fun tidbits about Lemont’s various lives: canal boomtown, immigrant melting pot and gateway to the wild west of Illinois.
Keep an eye out for little artistic surprises: colorful murals wrap alley walls, the famous ‘Greetings from Lemont’ painted sign is a selfie hotspot, and sculpture installations by local artists pop up around every corner. Time your visit right, and you might catch a seasonal street fair, classic car show, or outdoor concert—all free and open to the public. Downtown Lemont invites you to linger, explore and imagine yourself in a different era.
Cycle the Centennial Trail
If you’ve brought a bike (or just want a different perspective for your walk), hop directly onto the Centennial Trail just north of The Forge. This well-kept, multi-use path runs for over 10 miles, built on an old canal towpath and abandoned railbed, offering a peaceful, car-free ride or stroll.
The southern stretch near Lemont is especially scenic, cruising past wildflower meadows, expansive wetlands and forested banks alive with birdsong. The signposted trailheads make it simple to choose your distance—do a short loop for a quick escape, or spend a few morning hours riding alongside views of the Des Plaines River and the canal. Along the way, side paths branch off to quiet overlooks, benches and picnic areas shaded by tall cottonwoods.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife: deer, foxes and the occasional soaring heron are regular sights, especially during quieter weekday mornings. For those interested in engineering, you’ll spot several lift bridges and the imposing Lemont Road Bridge, where old canal locks are still visible from a safe distance. The trail is entirely free, open dawn till dusk, and easy to access—making it the perfect way to burn off energy after a morning of adventure at The Forge.
Hike through Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
A 10-minute drive or a longer bike ride from The Forge (and with free parking on site), Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a local favorite for hikers, runners and nature lovers. Its 2,500 acres wrap around Argonne National Laboratory, and its signature waterfall is a rare sight in northern Illinois—a tumbling spillway over limestone rocks shaded by sycamores.
The preserve features over nine miles of well-marked trails, winding through dense woodlands, sunny savannas and restored prairies buzzing with pollinators. Start at the Bluff Road entrance for the quickest access to the waterfall area; the loop trail there passes bubbling brooks and spring-fed streams, with interpretive signs about glacial history and rare wildflowers. The terrain’s gentle grades make for a relaxing outing, while the trails offer widescreen views thanks to occasional overlooks atop the bluffs.
Waterfall Glen is especially lively in May and June, when blooming wildflowers paint the meadows and songbirds flute from the canopy. Bring binoculars for birdwatching—pileated woodpeckers, bluebirds, and migratory warblers all pass through. Families love stopping at the waterfall itself; the rocks here are safe to scramble (with caution), and the quiet of the forest offers a cool refuge from summer heat.
Marvel at historic Lemont quarry buildings
Marvel at historic Lemont quarry buildings
Lemont’s defining natural feature—its distinctive, creamy limestone—has shaped local architecture for more than a century. Dotted around town and especially clustered in the downtown and canal areas, you’ll spot a half dozen historic quarry buildings built from stone quarried right beneath your feet.
Start your own free self-guided tour with St Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Stephen Street, a beautiful 1860s sanctuary renowned for its soaring steeple and weathered limestone blocks. Next, wander north to Lemont’s original train depot, also made of local stone; now restored, it houses interpretive panels and vintage railroad memorabilia in the summer months.
A walk down Main Street will reveal historic limestone shops, banks, and the ‘Old Stone Church’, one of the area’s oldest continuous worship spots with origins that date back to Polish immigration in the late 1800s. The thick walls and arched windows here are not only stunning, but help transport you to Lemont’s earliest days—when most buildings doubled as both homes and businesses for hardworking families.
The Lemont Historical Society’s building, a former church constructed in 1861, stands out with its gothic stonework and pointed arches. Although museum entry sometimes has a fee, admiring the exterior and strolling the grounds is always free, and outdoor historical markers provide a fascinating backstory about the role these quarries played in rebuilding post-fire Chicago and shaping industrial America.
Watch the boats at Lemont Lock and Dam
Just a stone’s throw from the downtown area and The Forge itself, Lemont’s Lock and Dam is a compelling blend of engineering, history and stunning riverside scenery. The lock remains an active part of the Illinois Waterway system, and free public observation decks let you get an up-close look at how boats ‘step’ up and down the Des Plaines River.
It’s great for kids or anyone who loves the mechanics of the river—a steady parade of barges and pleasure boats (plus the occasional kayaker) pass through throughout the day.
Bring binoculars if you like birds: the slow-moving water below the dam draws in herons, kingfishers and, in spring, the occasional bald eagle. Pack a light lunch to enjoy on the riverside benches, or stretch your legs along gentle walking paths that skirt the lock before joining up with the I&M Canal Trail. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the lock in action as gates open, water rushes through, and a barge captain safely navigates their way downstream—a surprisingly satisfying bit of local theater, free and open seven days a week.
Wander Lemont’s arts and murals trail
Downtown Lemont bursts with creative energy, thanks in part to its lively program of public art, murals and sculptures. The Lemont Arts & Culture Commission commissions local artists every year to create (and sometimes update) large-scale works throughout the village—making for a perfect free walking tour that doubles as a hunt for Instagram gold.
Start at the ‘Greetings from Lemont’ mural, with its vintage postcard vibe. Meander east to discover the pop art-inspired ‘Quarry Kids’ mural and other colorful scenes layered onto alley walls and business exteriors. Around corners, you’ll come across metal sculptures—look for the chain-link cyclist, a tribute to Lemont’s love of biking, and several whimsical benches crafted from salvaged limestone and wood.
What’s special is how each piece connects to local history: many murals depict canal scenes, immigrant stonecutters, and natural wonders from the bluffs. The Arts & Culture Commission makes it easy to follow an unofficial “trail”—maps are sometimes posted in local shop windows and on the village website, or just wander and discover for yourself.
Visit St Patrick’s Church and cemetery
St Patrick’s Church, perched on a limestone ridge just north of downtown, is the oldest Catholic parish in Lemont, with roots stretching back to 1839. The current church, with its iconic limestone façade and bell tower, is a gorgeous example of local craftsmanship—and stepping inside, when open, reveals vaulted wooden ceilings, stained glass and a peaceful devotional ambiance.
Even when the church is closed, the adjacent cemetery is open to visitors and offers a surprisingly beautiful and contemplative walk. Early settlers—including canal builders, quarry workers and their families—are buried here, and many of the gravestones are hand-chiseled and tell poignant stories. The oldest markers are weathered but readable, and some bear inscriptions in Polish or Irish, reflecting Lemont’s diverse heritage.
Follow the narrow lanes and you’ll spot ancient oaks and wildflowers blossoming between memorial stones, with occasional views of the river below. You’ll leave with a deeper sense of the community roots that shaped Lemont and the canal corridor.
Explore Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
Explore Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
For a dose of wild Illinois, Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve is just a short drive from The Forge or a slightly longer bike ride for the enthusiastic. This sprawling preserve is over 1,500 acres of forests, wetlands, savannas and tall prairie—all open for free to the public.
Start from the McCarthy Road entrance, where you’ll find plentiful parking and well-marked trails. Long boardwalks cross marshes teeming with frogs and red-winged blackbirds in spring and summer, while steep wooded ridges offer great views of wildflowers and, in October, fiery autumn colors. The trails are a favorite with hikers and runners, with many loops available for different fitness levels.
Deer and foxes are commonly spotted along the trails, particularly early or late in the day. Birders will delight in spotting woodpeckers, bluebirds, and even the elusive northern shrike in winter months. There’s a rustic feel here—no playgrounds, shops, traffic or crowds—just the sounds of the wild.
Spot trains and barges from the State Street Bridge
For engineering buffs, photographers, or just families who love a bit of transportation action, the State Street Bridge in Lemont is a surprisingly fun free stop. The steel truss bridge carries vehicles and pedestrians over both the canal and mainline train tracks and offers wide, safe sidewalks for watching big vessels and freights rumble through town.
Stand mid-span, and you’ll see Metra commuter trains to the north—perfect for a classic train-spotting moment—while, to the south, massive commercial barges slowly churn down the river. The constant motion makes this spot a favorite with kids, but adults enjoy it too—especially with the impressive industrial backdrop of Lemont’s old refineries, steel bridges and, in the distance, the green patchwork of the forest preserves. You’ll hear the clatter of train wheels, the hum of engines, and the sound of waterbirds wheeling over the river.
On the hunt for more things to do in Chicago? Discover free things to do near Shedd Aquarium and check out or pick of the Windy City’s best nighttime attractions.
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!
