Things to Do in Lemont, IL: A Local’s Complete Guide

Lemont, Illinois is a small city with a surprisingly rich mix of outdoor adventures, historic charm, world-class golf, and local dining. Whether you’re a longtime resident or thinking about moving to the area, here’s the definitive guide to the best things to do in Lemont, IL.

Outdoor Adventures

The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park

One of the most unique attractions in the entire Chicago metro, The Forge is a massive outdoor adventure park built in a former limestone quarry. Activities include open-water kayaking and paddle boarding, aerial climbing towers, zip lines, trail running, and youth summer camps. It draws visitors from across the region and is a major reason families love living in Lemont.

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

The historic I&M Canal trail passes directly through Lemont, offering miles of flat, scenic trail for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing in winter. The canal corridor is peaceful, shaded, and connects to a larger regional trail network extending from Chicago to LaSalle/Peru.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Just minutes from Lemont, Waterfall Glen is one of the crown jewels of the DuPage County forest preserve system. A 9.5-mile loop trail circles the Argonne National Laboratory campus through varied terrain — yes, including an actual waterfall. Popular year-round with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.

Golf

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

Lemont is home to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, one of the most storied public golf facilities in the United States. With four courses on-site, including the legendary Dubsdread (Course #4) — former host of the BMW Championship PGA Tour event — it’s a bucket-list destination for golfers. The facility is open to the public and hosts thousands of rounds annually.

Historic Downtown Lemont

Downtown Lemont’s Main Street retains its 19th-century limestone building character, giving it a charm you won’t find in most suburbs. Stroll past local boutiques, grab coffee at an independent café, or catch a seasonal farmers market or street fair. The downtown hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including summer festivals and the popular annual Halloween parade.

Dining & Nightlife

Lemont’s restaurant scene punches above its weight for a city its size:

• Duffy’s Tavern — A downtown institution with a classic neighborhood bar atmosphere
• Delia’s Kitchen — Casual American comfort food with a loyal local following
• Buffalo Wild Wings / Chain Restaurants — Along the Route 83 corridor for everyday options
• Nearby Lockport & Homer Glen — Just 10–15 minutes away for additional dining variety

Community Events & Recreation

• Centennial Park Aquatic Center — Olympic-style community pool with waterslides, open Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Lemont Park District — Extensive programming for all ages: sports leagues, fitness classes, summer camps, senior programs
• Lemont Farmers Market — Seasonal Saturday market in the downtown area
• Community Holiday Events — Tree lighting, Halloween parade, Fourth of July celebrations

Day Trips from Lemont

Lemont’s location makes it a great base for exploring the broader region:

• Chicago Loop — ~40 miles, easy Metra Heritage Corridor access
• Starved Rock State Park — ~60 miles west, stunning canyons and waterfalls
• Galena, IL — ~2.5 hours, charming historic river town
• Indiana Dunes — ~1.5 hours, Lake Michigan beach access

Why Families Love Lemont

Beyond the activities, Lemont is a place where people genuinely know their neighbors. The school district is exceptional, the parks are well-maintained, and the community rallies around local events. It’s the kind of suburb that keeps people here for decades — and has a remarkably high rate of residents who grew up here and chose to raise their own families here.

Thinking about making Lemont your home? Browse or contact Dan Krembuszewski at Krembo Group — your local South Suburbs REALTOR®: (708) 921-0035.