Harvey Travel Guide

Looking for a travel guide to Harvey? Look no further! Check out our comprehensive guide to all the best places to visit, food and drink to try, and cultural insights to uncover in Harvey, Illinois.


Introduction to Harvey

Harvey is a city located in the South Suburbs of the Chicagoland area in Illinois, Midwest, United States of America, in North America. With a population of just under 25,000, it’s a vibrant and culturally rich destination for travelers looking to experience a different side of Illinois. From cultural attractions to natural trails, Harvey offers a range of activities for every traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Harvey

When it comes to things to see and do in Harvey, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Harvey Historical Museum - This museum chronicles the history of Harvey, from its founding to its contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Pullman National Monument - Just a short drive from Harvey is the Pullman National Monument, a national monument commemorating the 19th-century company town of Pullman.
  • The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park - This outdoor sculpture park features more than 25 outdoor sculptures spread across 100 acres of prairie landscape.

Natural Attractions of Harvey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Thornton- Lansing Road Nature Preserve - This 2.5-mile trail provides stunning views of the nearby wetlands.
  • Wampum Lake Woods - This forest preserve offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails with scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Harvey

Looking for some outdoor adventure in Harvey? Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes to explore:

  • Thorn Creek Trail - This 22-mile paved trail runs through a variety of landscapes, including forests, prairies, and wetlands.
  • Munster Trail - Just a short drive from Harvey, this 5-mile gravel trail is perfect for mountain bikers seeking a challenge.

Best Things to Do in Harvey: Activities and Tours

From brewery tours to axe throwing, there’s always something fun to do in Harvey:

  • Route 66 Brewery - Take a tour of this local brewery and sample some of their award-winning craft beers.
  • Peep Hole Chicago - Take a fun and unique tour of Chicago’s lesser-known sites with this quirky tour company.
  • WhirlyBall Chicago - Fun for all ages, WhirlyBall is a unique game that combines basketball, hockey, and bumper cars.

Week-Long Itinerary for Harvey

If you’re planning to spend a week in Harvey, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 Harvey Historical Museum
Day 2 Pullman National Monument
Day 3 Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park + Thornton-Lansing Road Nature Preserve
Day 4 Wampum Lake Woods + Munster Trail (day trip)
Day 5 Route 66 Brewery Tour
Day 6 Peep Hole Chicago Tour
Day 7 WhirlyBall Chicago

Food and Drink Scene of Harvey

Harvey’s food and drink scene is a mix of local favorites and newer establishments. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Jerk Chicken from Lee’s Hot Spot - Lee’s Hot Spot is a local staple, and their jerk chicken is a must-try.
  • Chicago-Style Hot Dogs from Gene & Jude’s - Located just a short drive from Harvey, Gene & Jude’s is known for their famous hot dogs.
  • Italian Beef Sandwiches from Al’s Beef - Another Chicago classic, Al’s Beef offers some of the best Italian beef sandwiches in the city.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer from One Allegiance Brewery - This local brewery offers a range of craft beers, including their popular “SWAB” beer (Southwest Ale Brewery).
  • Wine from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant - This winery and restaurant offers a selection of award-winning wines and delicious food.

Where to Stay in Harvey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

While Harvey doesn’t have many options for accommodation, nearby areas such as Tinley Park and Homewood offer a range of options:

  • Tinley Park Convention Center Hotel - This hotel is located just a short drive from Harvey and offers comfortable and affordable hotel rooms.
  • La Banque Hotel - Located in Homewood, this boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 1920s bank building.

What to Buy in Harvey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for a souvenir or local product to bring home from Harvey? Here are some options:

  • Local Art from Thornton Township Art Gallery - This art gallery features the work of local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
  • Homemade Candles from Harvey’s Stray By Design - This local store offers a range of unique candles, made with natural ingredients.

Local Culture and Customs of Harvey

Harvey has a diverse population, and visitors should be respectful of the cultural customs of the people who live there. Some things to keep in mind include:

  • Respect personal space - It’s important to be mindful of personal space, especially in crowded areas.
  • Be respectful of cultural practices - Harvey has a diverse population with different cultural practices, so it’s important to be respectful and open-minded.

Best Time to Visit Harvey

The best time to visit Harvey is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures and high humidity levels.

Do’s and Don’ts of Harvey

Do:

  • Explore the surrounding areas - Along with Harvey, the surrounding areas offer a range of attractions and activities to explore.
  • Try new foods and drinks - Harvey offers a range of unique and delicious foods and drinks to try.

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful of others - Visitors should be respectful of the diverse population of Harvey and the various cultural customs of the people who live there.
  • Leave valuables in plain sight - As with any travel destination, visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and keep their valuables hidden and secure.

Safety and Health

Safety in Harvey

While Harvey is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety:

  • Avoid walking alone at night - Try to walk with a friend or group, especially at night.
  • Stay in well-lit areas - When walking at night, try to stick to well-lit areas.

Health in Harvey

Harvey has several hospitals and medical centers, including Ingalls Memorial Hospital and Advocate South Suburban Hospital.

Getting to Harvey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Harvey is located just 25 miles south of downtown Chicago and can be easily accessed by car or public transportation:

Airports Near Harvey

  • Chicago Midway International Airport - This airport is located just 15 miles from Harvey and offers a range of domestic and international flights.
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport - Located 41 miles from Harvey, this airport is one of the busiest in the world, with flights to and from major cities around the globe.

Bus Stations Near Harvey

  • Harvey Transportation Center
  • Homewood Metra Station

Other Options

  • Rental Cars
  • Taxi Services

How to Get Around in Harvey

While Harvey is a small city, visitors can get around by using public transportation or by renting a car:

  • PACE Bus Service - This bus service provides transportation to and from Harvey and the surrounding areas.
  • Rental Cars - Visitors can rent a car from one of the many rental car agencies located in the area.

Where to Go Next from Harvey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the Midwest, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Chicago - Just a short drive north of Harvey is Chicago, a vibrant and bustling city with a range of attractions and activities.
  • Indiana Dunes National Park - Located just 40 miles southeast of Harvey, this national park offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscapes.

Conclusion

Harvey may be a lesser-known destination, but it’s one that’s full of surprises. From its cultural attractions to its natural trails, Harvey offers a range of activities for every traveler. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the best of what Harvey has to offer!

Harvey Metra station Harvey Metra station