Crest Hill, IL
- About the City
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions
Crest Hill is a city in Will County, Illinois, part of the Chicago metropolitan area with a population of about 20,000 known for its local parks and proximity to Joliet.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: City of Crest Hill.
- Administrative Role: Crest Hill is a city in Lockport Township and is not a county seat. It was officially incorporated on January 22, 1960, a decision made to avoid being annexed by the neighboring city of Joliet .
- Regional Context: The city is located in Will County in northeastern Illinois. It is part of the southwestern suburbs within the vast Chicago metropolitan area .
Historical Names and Nicknames
The most significant historical event for the area involves the neighborhood of Stern Park Gardens. In 1942, following the tragic Lidice massacre in Czechoslovakia, this neighborhood was renamed Lidice in a powerful act of solidarity. Former presidential candidate Wendell Willkie and Czechoslovak president-in-exile Edvard Beneš spoke at the dedication ceremony .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Official Incorporation: January 22, 1960 .
- Age: The city will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2025.
- Origin: Crest Hill was formed specifically to resist annexation by the City of Joliet, choosing to become its own incorporated municipality .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 41°33′52″N 88°6′31″W (41.5645, -88.1089) .
- Position: Crest Hill is located in northeastern Illinois, approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. It is situated just a few miles west of the Des Plaines River .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 640 feet (about 195 meters) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Crest Hill is primarily a residential suburb within the Chicago metropolitan area. Its economy is local in nature, providing services for its residents. A notable feature is the presence of the Stateville Correctional Center, a major state prison facility, which is a significant employer and institution within the city limits . The city's economy also includes retail and local services.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, Crest Hill had a population of 20,459 residents .
- Population Class: This makes Crest Hill a medium-sized city (or a large town) within the context of Illinois suburbs.
- Demographic Features: The city has a diverse population. A significant demographic note is that according to the 2010 U.S. Census, 15.2% of the city's population was institutionalized, primarily consisting of the incarcerated population at the Stateville Correctional Center . The city saw a population boom of 56.3% between 2000 and 2010 .
City's "Calling Card"
Crest Hill offers a quiet, suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the larger cities of Joliet and Chicago. It is a community known for its local parks, such as McCaslin Park, and its unique historical gesture of solidarity with the Czechoslovak village of Lidice during World War II .
Landmarks and Attractions
McCaslin Park
This is the city's premier public park, offering a wide variety of recreational activities for residents and visitors .
- Recreation: The park features extensive facilities for sports, including soccer, volleyball, and baseball fields. It also has a lake where visitors can enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating, several playgrounds, and numerous picnic areas .
- Walking and Nature: McCaslin Park has several walking trails, providing opportunities for nature lovers to observe local wildlife throughout the year .
- Veterans Memorial: A key point of interest within the park is the Veterans Memorial, which honors men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces .
- Community Events: During the summer, the park hosts popular community events, including concerts and festivals .
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm
Located at 17250 Weber Road, this fourth-generation working farm, established in 1909, is a major seasonal attraction .
- Spring & Early Summer: The farm opens with a garden center selling flowers, shrubs, and plants .
- Summer: From June through October, the farm is available for company picnics, group outings, and corporate events. When the crop is ready, they sell extra-sweet corn .
- Fall - Pumpkinfest: The highlight of the year is Pumpkinfest, featuring playlands, cornfield mazes, a climbing wall, gem mining, and other attractions .
- Haunted House: The farm is also known for its award-winning haunted prison attraction, "Statesville" .
Stateville Correctional Center
While not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, this maximum-security prison is a significant landmark within the city. It is a facility of the Illinois Department of Corrections . Notably, infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy was executed here by lethal injection in 1994 .
Transport
Main Highways and Roads
Crest Hill is car-friendly and well-connected for drivers. The city is served by the historic Lincoln Highway, which is designated as U.S. Route 30 within the state . Major interstate highways are also located nearby, including Interstate 55, Interstate 80, and Interstate 355, providing easy access to Joliet, Chicago, and other parts of the region .
Public Transit (Bus)
Public transportation is available via the Pace bus system, which is the suburban bus division of the Regional Transportation Authority in the Chicago area .
- Routes: Pace provides bus service on Routes 505, 507, and 832, connecting Crest Hill to downtown Joliet and other destinations .
- Key Stops: Major bus stops are located near the intersection of Plainfield Rd & Larkin Ave and Larkin/Theodore .
Train
While there is no train station directly within Crest Hill, Metra commuter rail service is accessible in the neighboring city of Joliet, which is less than five miles away. The Joliet stations provide service on the Heritage Corridor and Rock Island District lines, offering connections to Chicago .
Nearest Airports
- Major International: The nearest major international airport is Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) . It is the primary air hub for the region.
- Regional/General Aviation: The Lewis University Airport is also located nearby, serving general aviation and some commercial cargo flights .
Geography
Water Bodies
- Des Plaines River: This significant river flows near Crest Hill, just to the east. It is a key waterway in the region, a tributary of the Illinois River, and plays a role in the area's natural drainage and history .
- Lake Michigan: Although the city is not on its shores, Crest Hill is considered to be located near Lake Michigan, which is the dominant geographic feature of the entire region and a source of drinking water for many communities .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Crest Hill experiences a humid continental climate, characteristic of the Midwest United States. This means four distinct seasons, with long, warm and humid summers, and cold, snowy winters . The city enjoys a fair amount of sunshine in the summer but can be quite cloudy during the late fall and winter months .
Average Temperatures Throughout the Year
- Warmest Month: July is the warmest, with average high temperatures reaching 29°C (84°F) and average lows around 18°C (64°F) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average high temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and average lows dropping to -9°C (16°F) .
- Seasonal Shift: Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with temperatures transitioning between the summer heat and winter cold.
Precipitation and Humidity
Crest Hill receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging about 1,248 mm (49.1 inches) annually .
- Wettest Month: June is typically the wettest, with an average of 162 mm (6.4 inches) of precipitation, often in the form of rain from thunderstorms .
- Driest Month: January is the driest, with average precipitation of about 69 mm (2.7 inches) , which includes rain and snow .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with the most snow falling in January and February, where it can make up over 30% of the month's total precipitation .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Clear Skies: The sunniest and clearest skies are from mid-June through mid-October, with August and September being the most cloud-free months .
- Daylight: The longest day of the year is around June 19th, with approximately 15 hours and 12 minutes of daylight. The shortest day is around December 18th, with only about 9 hours and 12 minutes .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Crest Hill for general outdoor activities is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is warmest and skies are clearest .
- Spring (April-May): Temperatures warm up considerably, but this is also a very wet time of year with the highest chances of rain .
- Summer (June-August): Warm to hot, humid, and the sunniest time of year. Perfect for enjoying McCaslin Park and local events.
- Fall (September-October): Mild temperatures and crisp air make this another excellent time for outdoor activities. September can still see significant rainfall .
- Winter (November-March): Cold and often cloudy with significant snowfall. This season is best for indoor activities or appreciating the winter landscape. The wind can also be quite strong, especially in April .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Merichka's Poorboy Sandwich
The most iconic and historic dish in Crest Hill is the "poorboy" sandwich served at Merichka's . This is not just a local favorite but a state-recognized culinary treasure. The sandwich consists of two long slices of French bread, generously seasoned with Merichka's signature garlic butterine, and filled with your choice of sandwich steak or chicken . The spicy chicken poorboy sandwich is also a popular variation .
The story of this sandwich is deeply intertwined with Crest Hill's history. The restaurant was founded by Merichka "Mary" Zdralevich, who began selling sandwiches from her porch in 1933 to feed factory workers . The poorboy recipe itself was brought back by the founder's son, Joe Zdralevich Sr., after a trip to the Kentucky Derby in 1959 . This dish is so central to the restaurant's identity that Merichka's sells about 3,000 of these sandwiches per week . In January 2015, Merichka's was honored with the "Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination" award, cementing its status as a place people travel to for an authentic Illinois dining experience . It is a classic, beloved destination dish that has been a family affair for four generations .
The Southern Cafe's Shrimp and Grits
A more recent culinary phenomenon in Crest Hill is the Shrimp and Grits at The Southern Cafe . This dish has achieved legendary status, with food lovers from across Illinois making the drive to this unassuming spot for a taste . The dish features plump, perfectly cooked shrimp served over a bed of creamy, stone-ground grits . It's elevated by a savory sauce with hints of garlic, butter, and a whisper of heat, all complemented by smoky Andouille sausage . The grits themselves are a point of pride, cooked low and slow to achieve a perfect, buttery consistency .
The Southern Cafe serves this Southern classic in a modern farmhouse setting, far from its Gulf Coast origins, yet locals swear it's the best in the state . It's the kind of dish that has turned a modest strip mall restaurant into a destination for comfort food pilgrims .
Other Notable Dishes at The Southern Cafe
While the shrimp and grits are the headliners, The Southern Cafe's entire menu is a tribute to Southern comfort food and is worth exploring .
- Chicken and Waffles: A perfect example of the sweet-savory combination, featuring crispy fried chicken atop a Belgian waffle, all drizzled with warm maple syrup .
- Biscuits and Gravy: The biscuits are described as tall, flaky, and buttery, served with a rich, peppery sausage gravy .
- Country Benny: A Southern twist on Eggs Benedict, replacing the English muffin with a buttermilk biscuit, Canadian bacon with thick-cut country ham, and hollandaise with rich country gravy .
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Tangy green tomatoes encased in a crunchy cornmeal crust, served with a creamy remoulade sauce .
Historic Dishes at Merichka's
Beyond its famous poorboy, Merichka's offers other classic dishes that have kept customers coming back for generations .
- Onion Rings: A fan-favorite appetizer, these are made with a special touch—the onions are soaked in water for a full day before being fried, ensuring top quality and flavor .
- Hand-Cut Steaks: The restaurant has had its own butcher shop on-site since 1970, where they cut their own Choice USDA meat, guaranteeing freshness and quality for their steaks .
Museums
Antique and Collectible Shopping
For those interested in history as told through objects, Crest Hill offers a destination for antique lovers.
- Gallery 1700: Located at 1700 Plainfield Road, this 20,000-square-foot facility is a treasure trove of unique antiques, furniture, collectibles, art, crafts, and clothing . It operates with multiple vendors who fill rented booth spaces, making it a diverse and ever-changing place to explore and find a unique piece of history .
Sport and Sports Legends
Nearby Sporting Destinations
While Crest Hill itself does not have major professional sports stadiums, its location in the Chicago metropolitan area puts world-class sports venues within an easy drive. Residents and visitors are approximately an hour from Chicago, giving them access to all of the city's legendary teams and stadiums, such as Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs) and Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox) .
Universities and Academic Institutions
Higher Education Nearby
Crest Hill is situated in an area with access to several institutions of higher education. A notable presence is the University of St. Francis (USF) , which has a significant footprint nearby.
- University of St. Francis St. Clare Campus: This campus is actually located in neighboring Joliet, but it is situated very close to the Crest Hill border . It is near landmarks like Crest Hill City Hall and Joliet Catholic Academy, making it a key educational institution for the area .
Local Medical Education and Practices
- Silver Cross Medical Group - Crest Hill: Located at 1640 Willow Circle Drive, this practice is part of the larger Silver Cross Hospital network . It brings family medicine and primary care services directly to Crest Hill residents and serves as a local hub for healthcare education and practice .
- Edward Medical Group: The major Edward-Elmhurst Health system has a presence in Crest Hill with the Edward Medical Group, offering access to a vast network of physicians and specialists .
Healthcare Institutions
Major Hospital Systems Serving Crest Hill
Crest Hill is served by two of the largest and most reputable healthcare systems in the Chicago suburbs. While the main hospital campuses are in nearby cities, their networks extend directly into Crest Hill.
Edward Hospital (Edward-Elmhurst Health): Based in Naperville, Edward Hospital is a major non-profit healthcare provider that serves a large swath of the southwest suburbs, including Crest Hill . It is a 309-bed general hospital with a Level II trauma center and is renowned for its cardiac care, having been ranked #1 for cardiac surgery in the Chicago area by HealthGrades . It also holds the prestigious Magnet designation for nursing excellence . Edward-Elmhurst Health has a local facility, Edward Medical Group, located in Crest Hill, providing residents with direct access to this extensive network .
Silver Cross Hospital: Based in New Lenox, Silver Cross Hospital is another leading healthcare provider with a direct presence in Crest Hill. The Silver Cross Medical Group - Crest Hill is located at 1640 Willow Circle Drive, offering family medicine services to the community . This practice includes providers like Dr. Azeem M. Ahsan, who accepts new patients and is part of the larger Silver Cross network .
Specialized Medical Practices in Crest Hill
- Complete Child Health: This is a specialized pediatric practice located at 16003 Executive Drive in Crest Hill . It offers a range of services with five practicing physicians and accepts a wide variety of insurance plans, making it a key resource for families in the area .