Pullman National Monument

Things To Do Near Pullman National Monument

Pullman National Monument includes several different sites, many located within walking distance of each other. The visitor center is a convenient and central place to park. Some spots, including the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, offer limited street parking. The South Chicago metro area surrounds this historic community, ensuring that you're always close to a great restaurant or shopping experience. 

Hiking Trails

• Circle Park Trails

  Stretch your legs on the trails at Circle Park, which sits adjacent to Pullman National Monument. The park is small and pretty, with plenty of trees and benches. The paths are paved and flat, so they're a breeze to navigate with kids, strollers, and wheelchairs. Leave your car in the monument parking lot, and walk across E 111th Place to reach the trails.

  Location

  E 111th Place and S St. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60628

  Length

  Varies

  Intensity

  Easy

• Palmer Park Trails

  A short walk from Pullman National Monument, you'll find Pullman Park. A network of paved and packed-dirt trails runs through this large park, which is popular with local families. Enjoy a breezy walk under the trees, or take little ones to the playground and large, open fields.

  Location

  201 E. 111th St., Chicago, IL 60628

  Length

  1 mile round trip

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Hotel Florence

  Walk through Circle Park from the visitor center to reach the Hotel Florence, which was built in 1881. When the Pullman factory was in operation, company executives often stayed at the luxury hotels. The ornate structure and large, wraparound porch are remarkably well-preserved. Artifacts and furniture from the hotel are on display in the visitor center.

  Location

  11111 S. Forrestville Ave., Chicago, Illinois

• Pullman Administration Clock Tower Building

  During the height of Pullman's productivity, the Pullman Administration Clock Tower Building was the center of business. The grand stone building is a short walk from the visitor center. Although it's not open to the public, you can admire the architecture from the sidewalk. Walk north along Cottage Grove Avenue to see the manufacturing section, which extends for hundreds of feet.

  Location

  11057 S Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL

• Historic Pullman Employee Housing

  When Pullman was founded, factory workers in Chicago were often housed in poorly maintained tenements. The historic Pullman homesoffered significantly better living conditions; built in rowhouse style, the buildings incorporate Queen Anne architectural elements and grand red-brick facades. To see some of the homes, head over to the remains of the Market Hall on the corner of E 112th Street and S Champlain Avenue, and walk north.

  Location

  11159 S Champlain Ave, Chicago, IL 60628

Museums

• National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum

  Learn about the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters union at the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. Many of the museum exhibits are dedicated to the union, which was made up of African American men; it was the first of its kind to gain recognition from the American Federation of Labor. In 1937, the union succeeded at reaching a labor agreement with Pullman. The museum also explores the role of African Americans in the labor force throughout the history of the United States.

  Location

  10406 S.Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60628

• Bronzeville Children's Museum

  If you're visiting the Pullman National Monument with kids, drive 3 miles north, and spend a few hours at the Bronzeville Children's Museum. Using interactive exhibits and play areas, this museum brings African American history to life. Visit the ComEd gallery to learn about African American inventors, or head to the STEM Tour area to discover science, technology, engineering, and math exhibits. With its wide range of topic areas and experiences, this museum is fun and engaging for kids of all ages.

  Location

  9301 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Underground Bookstore

  If you're in the market for campfire reading material, Underground Bookstore is the place to go. Located about 4 miles north of Pullman National Monument, this locally owned spot has an excellent collection of literature from African American authors and writers from the African Diaspora.

  Location

  1727 E 87th St, Chicago, IL 60617

• City Sports

  Pick up a pair of comfortable shoes or outdoor clothing at City Sports, which is located less than 1 mile from Pullman National Monument. The inventory includes items for women, men, and children, so you can shop for the entire family.

  Location

  11102 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628

• Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream

  Cool off on a steamy Chicago summer day with a visit to Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream. A local favorite, this friendly shop offers unique flavors and enormous desserts. Don't miss the banana pudding and sweet potato pie flavors.

  Location

  11033 S Langley Ave, Chicago, IL 60628

• Majani Restaurant

  Serving some of the best vegan food in South Chicago, Majani Restaurant is always busy. The menu offers vegan twists on classic dishes, including black eye pea tacos and lentil sloppy Joes. If you're in the mood for something sweet, make sure to leave room for a cookie or cupcake.

  Location

  756 E 111th St, Chicago, IL 60628

• Cal-Harbor Restaurant & Lounge

  Enjoy the friendly diner atmosphere at Cal-Harbor Restaurant & Lounge, a casual spot with a low-key vibe. The menu is large and varied with options ranging from enormous egg breakfasts to stir fry dinners.

  Location

  546 E 115th St, Chicago, IL 60628

How To Get To Pullman National Monument

Pullman National Monument is located on the south side of the Chicago metro area. To get there from downtown Chicago or Indiana, take I-94 to Exit 66A. Drive west on E 111th Street for 0.7 miles, turn left on S Cottage Grove Avenue, and you'll see the signs for the park on the left.

Address

11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Pullman National Monument offers an interesting glimpse at life in a historic company town. Wear comfortable shoes, and spend a few hours exploring the district on foot; the architecture alone is worth a visit. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors during a trip to the busy Chicago area, an RV is a wonderful way to camp in comfort.