Sycamore Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Welcome to Sycamore, a charming city located in the heart of the Illinois region in the United States. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant community, Sycamore offers a memorable experience for all travelers.

One of the highlights of Sycamore is its historic downtown area. As you stroll along the tree-lined streets, you'll discover beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 19th century. The architecture reflects the city's past, with Victorian and Greek Revival styles dominating the scene. Take a leisurely walk and explore the unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries that line the streets. Don't forget to stop by the local farmers market, where you can sample fresh produce and homemade treats.

Nature lovers will find solace in the abundance of parks and outdoor spaces in Sycamore. The city is home to the Sycamore Forest Preserve, a tranquil haven where you can immerse yourself in nature. Explore the winding trails, go birdwatching, or have a picnic by the serene lake. For a more active adventure, head to the nearby Kishwaukee River State Park, where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the Midwest Museum of Natural History, located in Sycamore. This family-friendly museum offers a glimpse into the region's natural and cultural history. Explore the exhibits showcasing fossils, taxidermy animals, and artifacts from Native American tribes that once inhabited the area.

Sycamore is also known for its vibrant community events and festivals. The annual Pumpkin Festival is a must-visit, featuring a grand parade, pumpkin-themed activities, and delicious treats. During the summer months, the city comes alive with outdoor concerts, art festivals, and farmers markets.

Alternative names: Population: 17.7 thous.Area: 9.71 mi²Elevation: 850 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°59'2"N, 88°41'39"W

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IllinoisUnited States

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Sycamore Top Attractions

Sycamore Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sycamore offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sycamore Public Library, Civil War Memorial, Midwest Museum of Natural History, Elmwood Cemetery Gates. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Library
Sycamore Public Library
The Sycamore Public Library, in Sycamore, Illinois, was erected in 1905 in the former location of Mansion House, Sycamore's oldest structure. Construction began in May of that year and the library officially opened to the public on Thanksgiving Day, 1905.
Memorial
Civil War Memorial
The Civil War Memorial, in the DeKalb County county seat of Sycamore, Illinois, United States, is located in front of the DeKalb County Courthouse on a public square. The memorial was erected in 1896 and dedicated in 1897. The structure is a memorial to the thousands of DeKalb County residents who served in the American Civil War.
History museum • Natural history museum • Museum
Midwest Museum of Natural History
The Midwest Museum of Natural History was a 5013 organization located in Sycamore, Illinois, United States. In 1875, the structure was built as the home of the Universalist Church in Sycamore.

Monuments and statues
Elmwood Cemetery Gates
The Elmwood Cemetery Gates mark the east and north entrances to the Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore, Illinois. The cast iron gates were likely built in 1865, the year the cemetery opened and the one emblazoned on the gates, though records of their construction have been lost.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
DeKalb County Courthouse
The DeKalb County Courthouse is located in the county seat of DeKalb County, Illinois, U.S. the city of Sycamore. The Classical Revival structure sits on a square facing Illinois Route 64 as it passes through the city.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Carlos Lattin House
The Carlos Lattin House was built by Sycamore, Illinois' first permanent settler, Carlos Lattin. It lies within the boundaries of the Sycamore Historic District and is listed as one of the contributing structures in the district.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Charles O. Boynton Carriage House
The Charles O. Boynton Carriage House is a prominent structure in the Sycamore Historic District, located in Sycamore, Illinois. The Sycamore Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Charles O. Boynton House
The Charles O. Boynton House is located in the DeKalb County, Illinois, city of Sycamore. The home is part of the Sycamore Historic District which was designated and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1978.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
D. B. James House
The D. B. James House is located in Sycamore, Illinois and is part of the Sycamore Historic District. The district was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Frederick B. Townsend House
The Frederick B. Townsend House is located in the DeKalb County, Illinois county seat of Sycamore. The home is within the boundaries of the Sycamore Historic District.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Adolphus W. Brower House
The Adolphus W. Brower House, in Sycamore, Illinois, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February 14, 1979. The home is located on Illinois Route 64 as it passes through the DeKalb County seat of Sycamore as DeKalb Avenue.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Chauncey Ellwood House
The Chauncey Ellwood House is a 19th-century Italianate residence in the DeKalb County, Illinois city of Sycamore. It is a contributing property to the Sycamore Historic District; added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
George's Block
The George's Block, once known as the James Block, is a 19th-century structure located in Sycamore, Illinois, along Illinois Route 64 as it passes through the DeKalb County seat.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
David Syme House
The David Syme House is located in Sycamore, Illinois and is part of the Sycamore Historic District. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1978. The Queen Anne style home was constructed sometime around 1880.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Peter Johnsen Rooming House
The Peter Johnsen Rooming House is an historic building near downtown Sycamore, Illinois. The red brick structure stands in the 100 block of South Main Street and is considered a contributing structure to the overall historic integrity of the Sycamore Historic District.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Old Sycamore Hospital
Old Sycamore Hospital is two-story brick structure in downtown Sycamore, Illinois, United States. It is a contributing structure within the Sycamore Historic District.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Row houses
The Row Houses in Sycamore, Illinois are a small collection of historic terraced homes near the city's downtown. The building is considered by the National Register of Historic Places to be a contributing structure to the overall historic nature of the Sycamore Historic District.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
Frederick Townsend Garage
The Frederick Townsend Garage is located in Sycamore, Illinois and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Sycamore Historic District.
41°59'2"N • 88°41'39"W
William W. Marsh House
The William W. Marsh House in Sycamore, Illinois, the county seat of DeKalb County, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. The 1873 house was home to William W. Marsh, an inventor and is located along Illinois Route 64 as it passes through Sycamore.

Day trips

Sycamore – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sycamore, it's worth seeing attractions such as: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago (Bartlett), Farnsworth House (Plano), Bess Bower Dunn Museum (Wauconda).

25 milesE
Temple
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago, Bartlett
Nestled in the suburb of Bartlett in DuPage County, Illinois, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago is an architectural marvel and a beacon of spirituality. This traditional Hindu place of worship, inaugurated in 2004, is not only a sanctuary for the local Indian...
25 milesS
Historical place, History museum, Museum
Farnsworth House, Plano
The Farnsworth House, a quintessential icon of modernist architecture, is nestled in the verdant landscape of Plano, Illinois. Designed by the legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this museum in Kendall County is not merely a house but a work of art that...
36 milesNE
History museum, Museum
Bess Bower Dunn Museum, Wauconda
Bess Bower Dunn Museum, formerly known as the Lake County Discovery Museum, is an interactive museum of history, art, and popular culture located in Libertyville, Illinois. The museum was established in 1976 in Wauconda, IL and sited in Lakewood Forest Preserve as part of the larger Lake County Forest Preserve District.
30 milesE
5 acres of native Illinois animals
Cosley Zoo, Wheaton
Nestled in the charming city of Wheaton, Illinois, Cosley Zoo stands as a delightful attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. This quaint zoo offers a unique experience, giving visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with native wildlife...
31 milesE
Museum, History museum
DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton
Nestled in the heart of Wheaton, Illinois, the DuPage County Historical Museum stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of local history. This cultural institution offers a deep dive into the past, showcasing the evolution of DuPage County from its early pioneer days...