Things To Do
in Calumet City

Calumet City is a suburban city located in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is situated along the Illinois-Indiana border and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Known for its diverse community and historic significance, Calumet City offers a range of amenities including parks, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Residents enjoy easy access to Chicago and nearby attractions while still maintaining a distinct small-town charm.

Prices

  • 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
  • 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
  • Coffee: $3 - $6
  • 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
  • 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
  • 🏋️‍♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Welcome to Calumet City!
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local diner, enjoying classic American fare. Visit the nearby Calumet Park for a refreshing morning stroll.

afternoon
:

Explore the local shops along Sibley Boulevard and pick up some unique souvenirs. Have lunch at a family-owned restaurant known for its hearty portions.

evening
:

Wind down with a visit to the local cinema for a movie. Enjoy dinner at a popular pizzeria with delicious toppings and friendly service.

day 2
Nature and Leisure
morning
:

Begin your morning with a visit to the Beaubien Woods for hiking and wildlife watching. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.

afternoon
:

After lunch, rent a bike and explore more of the scenic trails in the area. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a refreshing drink.

evening
:

As the sun sets, relax with a picnic at the park. Share stories and enjoy local snacks as you watch the sky transition to dusk.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Chicago, providing easy access to urban amenities and job opportunities.
  • Diverse community with a mix of cultures and backgrounds.
  • Affordable housing relative to nearby Chicago suburbs.
  • Public parks and recreational facilities for outdoor activities.
  • Strong sense of community with various local events and activities.
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding suburbs, which may affect safety perceptions.
  • Limited public transportation options.
  • Some areas may experience economic challenges and a lack of retail options.
  • Public school performance can vary, leading some families to seek alternatives.
  • Infrastructure and local services may struggle to keep pace with population needs.

Best Activities in Calumet City

Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!

Forsythe Park

Forsythe Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a great outdoor destination in Calumet City.

Calumet Memorial Park District

The Calumet Memorial Park District provides various outdoor recreational activities such as sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths.

Burnham Greenway

The Burnham Greenway is a scenic trail that offers opportunities for walking, running, and biking, providing a great outdoor experience in Calumet City.

Tours

Uncover the best of Calumet City with these unforgettable tours.

Places to Visit in Calumet City

Visit one of these nice places.

Veteran's Memorial Park

This park offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the picturesque scenery is perfect for photography.

River Oaks Center

The shopping center provides great opportunities for capturing cityscapes and urban landscapes.

Food in Calumet City

Calumet City, located in the United States, offers a diverse and delicious culinary scene that showcases a mix of flavors and influences. From classic American comfort food to international cuisines, visitors can savor a wide range of dishes and drinks during their stay.

Calumet City Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Italian Beef Sandwich

A Chicago classic, this sandwich features thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef piled high on an Italian roll and often topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers. For a fantastic Italian beef sandwich, head to Johnnie's Beef, a beloved local institution known for its juicy, flavorful beef and delicious sandwiches.

Must-Try!

Deep Dish Pizza

Indulge in the iconic deep dish pizza, featuring a thick crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. For an authentic experience, check out Aurelio's Pizza, a popular spot offering mouthwatering deep dish pizzas with a perfect balance of gooey cheese and savory fillings.

Jibarito

This Puerto Rican sandwich substitutes bread with crispy, fried green plantains and typically contains steak, garlic-flavored mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. For a delightful jibarito, visit Borinquen Lounge, where you can relish this unique and flavorful dish.

Unique Experiences

Get to know Calumet City better with these unique experiences.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Calumet City Farmers Market

Explore the diverse array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts at the Calumet City Farmers Market. Open on weekends, this vibrant market offers a chance to sample delicious street food like gourmet tacos, homemade tamales, and refreshing aguas frescas.

Weather

The climate in this region is classified as humid continental, characterized by four distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and potential snowfall. Summer temperatures typically rise, with warm to hot days that can occasionally reach the 90s°F (30s°C). Spring and fall can be quite variable, with moderate temperatures and changing weather patterns. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, though late spring and early summer can experience heavier rainfall. Overall, the area's climate supports a mix of deciduous and evergreen vegetation, and residents experience a full range of seasonal weather changes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect personal space

In Calumet City, it is important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close when interacting with others.

Be mindful of diversity

Calumet City is a diverse community, so it is important to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different cultural backgrounds.

Politeness in communication

Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Calumet City, and it's important to use respectful language and tone when communicating with others.

Hidden Gems

Discover the hidden gems of Calumet City with these exclusive activities.

Safety

Safety in this suburban area near Chicago is influenced by various factors, including crime rates, community programs, and law enforcement presence. As of the latest data, the city has experienced fluctuations in crime, with certain neighborhoods reporting higher incidents of violent crime and property crime compared to national averages. Residents often rely on local police and community initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, such as neighborhood watch programs and community outreach efforts. Additionally, the city has made investments in public safety resources to address concerns and improve the overall environment. Like many urban areas, it's important for residents and visitors to remain aware of their surroundings, especially in areas known for higher crime rates. Engaging with local resources and staying informed about community safety initiatives can contribute to a more secure living experience. Overall, while there are challenges, efforts from both law enforcement and the community aim to foster a safer environment for everyone.

Tipping in Calumet City

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Calumet City, United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hairdressers. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.

Payment

Payment methods in Calumet City, United States are similar to those in other parts of the country. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, as well as cash. Online and contactless payment options are also becoming increasingly popular.

Top Things To Do

Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Calumet City.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring is one of the best times to visit Calumet City, with pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and events, such as festivals and farmers markets.

Summer

Summer is another great time to visit Calumet City, with warm weather ideal for outdoor adventures, water sports, and enjoying the Lake Michigan beaches.

Fall

Fall is known for its beautiful foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit Calumet City. The weather is mild, and visitors can partake in fall festivals and apple picking.

Winter

Winter in Calumet City brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. It's a quieter time, but visitors can still enjoy indoor attractions and holiday events.

Calumet City at Night

Nightlife in Calumet City offers a mix of local bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that cater to a variety of tastes. While it may not be as bustling as larger cities, it provides a cozy and engaging atmosphere for residents and visitors. You can find several neighborhood pubs where locals gather for good food, drinks, and conversation. Live music is often featured at some spots, giving patrons a chance to enjoy performances by regional bands and artists. For those who enjoy dancing, a few nightclubs offer a lively environment with DJs spinning tunes late into the night. Sports fans can catch their favorite games at sports bars equipped with big screens and plenty of seating. Additionally, some venues host events like karaoke nights, trivia contests, and themed parties, adding variety to the nightlife experience. If you're looking for a more relaxed evening, a number of eateries and coffee shops stay open late, providing a cozy spot to unwind. Though it may not have the most extensive nightlife scene, Calumet City's offerings are diverse enough to ensure a fun night out for everyone.

Hiking in Calumet City

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bishop Ford Preserve

A natural area offering hiking trails and scenic views, located in the nearby area with diverse wildlife.

Sand Ridge Nature Center

A wildlife sanctuary featuring miles of trails for hiking and observing native flora and fauna.

Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Featuring a mix of wooded and open spaces, this area offers hiking trails along with opportunities for fishing and picnicking.

Tall Grass Prairie Preserve

A beautiful landscape filled with native grasses and wildflowers, providing a peaceful environment for hiking.

Little Calumet River Trail

This trail follows the Little Calumet River and provides a scenic route ideal for hiking and biking.

Unforgettable Journeys

Delve deeper into Calumet City through these rare and unique activities.

Aiports

How to reach Calumet City by plane.

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago's primary airport and one of the busiest in the world, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Calumet City.

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Located roughly 20 miles west of Calumet City, it serves as a major airport for domestic flights.

Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)

Located about 10 miles from Calumet City, it offers limited commercial flight services primarily in the Chicago area.

South Bend International Airport (SBN)

Situated approximately 90 miles east, it provides flights to various destinations primarily in the Midwest.

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Located around 70 miles north in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it serves as a significant transportation hub for the region.

Walkability

Walkability in this area can be characterized by several factors, including the availability of sidewalks, the density of destinations within a reasonable walking distance, safety, and connectivity of pathways. The urban layout includes a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial zones, but it often lacks comprehensive pedestrian infrastructure. Many neighborhoods have sidewalks and some pedestrian crossings; however, the overall design can be car-centric, making it less inviting for pedestrians. Local amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and schools may not always be easily accessible on foot, which can reduce the incentive to walk. Safety is also a concern in some areas, with traffic volume and speed potentially posing risks to pedestrians. Efforts to improve walkability could include better lighting, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures. Overall, while certain pockets of this community may be more walkable, the overall experience can vary significantly depending on the specific location and infrastructure in place. Enhancements to sidewalks, pathways, and public spaces could greatly improve the walkability and encourage more foot traffic in the area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

African American

The largest demographic group in Calumet City, making up a significant percentage of the population.

White

The second largest group, consisting primarily of non-Hispanic whites.

Hispanic or Latino

A growing demographic group, including individuals of various cultural backgrounds.

Asian

A smaller group compared to others, but includes various nationalities and ethnicities.

Other races

Includes individuals from multiple ethnic backgrounds classified as 'other.'

The Soul of Calumet City

Discover the essence of Calumet City through these truly unique experiences.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is a popular sport in Calumet City, with many youth and adult leagues available for participation.

Soccer

Soccer is widely played among children and adults, featuring various local clubs and teams.

Baseball

Baseball has a strong presence in Calumet City, with Little League teams and recreational leagues for all ages.

Football

American football is popular at both the youth and high school levels, with community support for local teams.

Track and Field

Track and field events are commonly practiced in schools and community sports programs in the area.

Traffic

Located just south of Chicago, this suburban area experiences a mix of residential and commercial traffic. Major thoroughfares, such as State Line Road and 159th Street, often see significant congestion, especially during rush hours when commuters travel to and from the city. The proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area means that many residents rely on vehicles for commuting, contributing to heavier traffic patterns. Public transportation options are available, including local bus services that connect to nearby train stations, which can alleviate some vehicular congestion. However, for those using personal vehicles, traffic can be particularly dense around shopping centers and popular local businesses. Weekend traffic may increase as visitors come for recreational activities at nearby parks and events. Overall, while the area has a suburban feel, the traffic dynamics are influenced by its location near a major urban center, making it a blend of local and commuter traffic patterns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Calumet City.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Many eateries in Calumet City cater to vegetarian and vegan preferences, with a range of dishes featuring fresh produce, plant-based proteins, and innovative flavors. Additionally, restaurants like Soul Vegetarian specialize in offering a variety of satisfying vegetarian and vegan options.

Gluten-Free Choices

Visitors with gluten restrictions can find accommodating options at several establishments in Calumet City. Many restaurants are attentive to dietary needs, offering gluten-free versions of popular menu items or crafting specialized dishes to ensure a delightful dining experience for all guests.

Cultural Immersions

Experience the heart and soul of Calumet City with these cultural adventures.

Healthcare

Healthcare in this region is characterized by a mix of medical facilities and services available to residents. The area features several clinics, hospitals, and specialized healthcare providers that cater to the needs of the community. Access to healthcare services is facilitated by both private and public options, including family medicine practices, urgent care centers, and specialist clinics. Local hospitals provide a range of services, including emergency care, maternity services, and surgical procedures. Community health initiatives often aim to address preventative care and health education. Collaborations with local health departments frequently focus on addressing public health challenges and enhancing overall community health. Insurance coverage varies among residents, influencing access to healthcare services. Efforts are made to improve healthcare access for underserved populations, including programs aimed at reducing barriers to care. Overall, the healthcare landscape in this area is shaped by a combination of local facilities, community health resources, and ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all residents.

Fresh off the press

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2024 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide