Underground Railroad Memorial: A Testament to Freedom
Honoring the courageous individuals who sought freedom on the Underground Railroad at the site of the Ten Mile Freedom House in Maywood, Illinois.
Located in Maywood, Illinois, the Underground Railroad Memorial marks the site of the former Ten Mile Freedom House, a safe haven for those escaping slavery in the mid-1800s. The memorial features repurposed railroad tracks, broken shackles, and a plaque honoring Harriet Tubman and the courageous individuals who sought freedom.
A brief summary to Underground Railroad Memorial
- 11 W Lake St, Maywood, Illinois, 60153, US
Local tips
- Visit the memorial at any time; it is accessible year-round.
- Take a moment to reflect on the history and significance of the site.
- Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Maywood Public Library to learn more about local history.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Chicago, take the Metra train on the Union Pacific West Line to the Maywood station. From the Maywood station, walk north on 5th Avenue, then turn left on Lake Street. The memorial is a short walk away, located at the McDonald's on the southeast corner of 1st Avenue and Lake Street. A one-way Metra ticket from Chicago to Maywood costs approximately $2 to $6. Alternatively, Pace buses 309, 313, and 331 stop near the memorial. Bus fares are around $2.50 with a Ventra card.
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Car
If driving from Chicago, take I-290 W towards Cicero Avenue. Merge onto IL-64 W/Lake Street and continue westbound. Turn left onto 1st Avenue, and the Underground Railroad Memorial will be on your left, in the McDonald's parking lot. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots, but be sure to check for any parking restrictions to avoid fines. Limited street parking is available. Metered parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $1-2 per hour.
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Ride Share
Another option is to use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Simply set your destination to 11 W Lake St, Maywood, IL 60153. The cost will vary based on your starting location and the time of day, but expect fares to be around $20-$30 from central areas in Chicago.
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