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Five Things You Must Do in Lombard

A suburb of Chicago, the town of Lombard, Illinois affords a distinct, small-town, Midwestern flavour that is often overshadowed by the bright lights and bustle of the big city. Originally home to the Potawatomi Indians, New England merchant families settled in the area in the middle 1800s, and courted commerce and industry until 1869, when Lombard was incorporated into the city of Chicago.

Lombard offers the following attractions to visitors from around the world:

1) The ‘Little Orphan Annie” House: The “Little Orphan Annie” house takes its name from cartoonist Harold Gray, author of the “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip. Gray lived and wrote in the home throughout much of his career. The house dates back to 1881, and was built in an Italianate style by Dr William LeRoy, who pioneered development of prosthetics for veterans of the American Civil War.

2) The Sheldon Peck House: Built in 1839, the Sheldon Peck house is the oldest standing structure in Lombard. The house holds a unique place in the town's history, having served as its first public school, as well as a stop for the Underground Railroad that smuggled fugitives from the antebellum South. The home is now a museum, and opens its doors on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

3) The Lombard Historical Museum: The town museum features Victorian furnishings and artefacts that were characteristic of the late 19th Century middle classes. It is open Wednesdays and Sundays, and offers a variety of tours and educational programmes.

4) Lilacia Park: Lilacia Park was designed by Jens Jensen, renowned for his work with the Chicago Parks District. Lilacia Park is known for the unusual splendour of its landscape design, and attracts visitors from around the world. For more information on the Park click on the link.

5) The Enchanted Castle: A favourite for children of all ages, the Enchanted Castle amusement park is a massive family entertainment centre, complete with funfair rides, mini golf, children's play areas, entertainment halls and live stage shows. For more information on the Castle click on the link.

Lombard's location in the greater Chicago area affords the traveller an abundance of options for accommodation and dining.