Underground Railroad Memorial, Corn Belt Travel Guide

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Honoring the courageous individuals who sought freedom on the Underground Railroad at the site of the Ten Mile Freedom House in Maywood, Illinois.

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Underground Railroad Memorial

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Underground Railroad Memorial.

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.

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Explore Underground Railroad Memorial on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Underground Railroad Memorial, mapped for you.

Getting There

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.
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.
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.

Discover more about Underground Railroad Memorial

The Underground Railroad Memorial in Maywood, Illinois, stands as a tribute to the brave individuals who sought freedom along the Underground Railroad. This unassuming memorial is located at 11 W Lake St, in the parking lot of a McDonald's, a site with a profound history. Here once stood the Ten Mile Freedom House, an inn that served as a crucial safe house for escaping slaves during the mid-1800s. These 'Ten Mile Houses' were spaced approximately ten miles apart, offering weary travelers a place to rest and find refuge on their journey to freedom.The original inn was razed in 1927, its historical significance largely unknown at the time. It wasn't until years later, through the discovery of old photos and maps, that the site's role in the Underground Railroad was revealed. In 2000, community leaders and volunteers collaborated to create the memorial, ensuring that this important piece of history would not be forgotten.The memorial features repurposed railroad tracks, symbolizing the journey to freedom, and broken shackles, representing the escape from slavery. A plaque honors Harriet Tubman and all those who participated in the Underground Railroad's freedom quest. The memorial serves as a place of reflection and remembrance, inviting visitors to connect with the past and appreciate the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and equality.