Between Chicago And Starved Rock State Park Is Illinois' Quaint Village With Scenic Parks

Some destinations don't scream out for attention, choosing instead to sit inconspicuously on a Google Maps route, their exit signs on the highway offering mere names that remain anonymous. But taking the time to detour often pays dividends, as is the case with Rockdale, a quaint Illinois village with scenic parks that offers a worthwhile pit stop for travelers perusing the Windy City's outskirts. It sits right between Chicago and Starved Rock State Park, with both destinations just under an hour in either direction.

The 1.4-square-mile village along the Des Plaines River is home to 2,500 residents. It was originally a destination for immigrants from Slovenia and Lithuania, who moved there en masse in the 19th century. It was a short-lived shipbuilding haven, with newly built U.S. Naval vessels shoving off Rockdale's shores along the Des Plaines River in the 1930s. That industry's arrival didn't create an expected boom, and Rockdale remains a quaint village — with all the benefits, and downsides, that come with the designation.

The naval ships are long gone, leaving behind a riverfront that serves as the village's natural southern border. Yet the culture has expanded beyond the original Eastern European wave, with a strong Hispanic community. This means visitors can get a fill of Mexican food at El Comal Tacos, a joint that serves $1.50 tacos every Wednesday. Meanwhile, the well-regarded Roc City Bar & Grill offers the calorie-dense goodness you'd expect from a grill and bar (locals swear by the signature beef roll).

The village's scenic parks offer an outlet into tranquility in an otherwise low-humming village. Rockdale's eponymous park offers a ballpark and the usual playground offerings, with the added peace that comes with the local police station looming in the distance. West Park, on the town's northeast border with Joliet, mixes serene greenery with a disc golf course to burn additional calories.

Rockdale is also a bookend on the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, a 96-mile waterway with an accompanying trek covering 61 miles of bucolic views of the Illinois and Des Plaines rivers. Rockdale's portion starts the canal's National Heritage Area, stretching onward towards state parks along its route. The trek is ideal for a relaxing stroll or a good bike workout. "The history of the canal is interesting if you are new to the area," one local wrote in a review on Google. "We saw many turtles and several heron on our 7 mile round trip walk."

Visitors bringing the kids along should stop by Crawler Canyon RC Park, a small hobby shop dedicated to making off-road radio-controlled cars. The small store carries parts for assembling bespoke RC racers. The cars can then hit one of Crawler Canyon's several off-road courses. "Awesome place to crawl," one visitor wrote in a review on Google. "It's become a new favorite place for my friends and kids to go when they have open play days." Note that the shop's hours can vary, so it's best to call or check online before your trip.

By itself, Rockdale merits a day trip or drive, but it is not worth the hassle of hopping aboard a plane. But when merged with nearby Illinois destinations, it can quickly become a weeklong adventure. You can add a serene city break at a restored prairie reserve called Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which is only 20 minutes away by car. Combining that outdoor gem with a trip to Rockdale can justify booking a flight to the closest major transit hub, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), which is simultaneously one of America's most convenient airports and one of its worst.

A small location like Rockdale isn't exactly bursting with hotels. In fact, it has none, as of this writing. Nearby Joliet, a town on Route 66 packed with Americana charm and shopping, offers a mix of budget motels only 3 miles away.

The weather can be a major factor in deciding when to visit. Rockdale has very few days of guaranteed sunshine, and they're all bunched together into the peak summer months. Those would ideally be the best days to visit the small town, especially if you want to take advantage of the parks and outdoor activities.