A couple days ago I blogged about the neat Google Maps image of Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. When I began my search for this image I stupidly typed in "Grant Park" into Google Maps. Clearly it was an exercise executed without much thought. Interestingly enough though, Google gave me the map of Grant Park, Illinois.
I wonder how the folks of Grant Park, IL feel about Grant Park in Chicago. Did anyone from Grant Park, IL travel to Grant Park in Chicago last week for Taste of Chicago? What unique perspective does a Grant Park native have on the Taste of Chicago? Perhaps I will contact the city council or mayor of Grant Park, IL and ask them how they feel about the controversial underground Children's Museum being placed in Grant Park. Oh, maybe I'll throw in a question about the new developments of a Daniel Burnham memorial being planned for Grant Park.
The office of the Mayor of Grant Park, IL is here if you would like to ask where to find Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, IL (I'm sure they LOVE that question):
106 W Taylor St
Grant Park, IL 60940-7171
(815) 465 - 6531
In case you're curious about Grant Park, IL, here's some info:
It takes about an hour to drive from Grant Park, IL to Grant Park in Chicago (68 minutes per Google Maps' suggestion. Basically it's taking Route 1 N to 394 N to I-94 W.)
It's directly south of Chicago in Kankakee County. It's not too far from the Indiana border.
As seen in the map accompanying this blog post, the city of Grant Park, IL is rather small, 0.66 square miles to be exact. There's a little more than a dozen streets. I bet Lake Metonga is a popular place to hang out. I love saying "Metonga". Metonga! Metonga! Metonga! As if the Grant Park Chicago/Grant Park, IL comparison isn't confusing enough; there's also a Lake Metonga in Wisconsin which has far more photos on flickr than the Lake Metonga in Illinois.
Grant Park, Illinois events
Grant Park Oktoberfest is an annual event that includes: "Carnival, arts and crafts, car judging show, pork chop dinner, and lighted parade!"
Date: October 2-4, 2009
Location: Community Center-Grant Park
209 W Dixie Hwy
Grant Park, Illinois 60940
Phone 815 - 465 - 6531
Place of interest in Grant Park, Illinois
RESTAURANTS
Bandits Bar & Grill
101 S Main St
(815) 466-0048
Bennett Curtis House
302 W Taylor St
(815) 465-2288
Casey's General Store
12545 E State Route 1 17
(815) 466-0157
Traxx Sports Bar & Grill
400 S Main St
(815) 465-2000
USA Family Restaurant (shown in photo above)
102 E Taylor St
(815) 465-2196
GROCERY/CONVENIENCE STORES
Casey's General Store
12545 E State Route 1 17
(815) 466-0157
Circle K
319 S Main St
(815) 465-2088
PUBLIC BUILDINGS Grant Park Public Library
107 W. Taylor
email: mmwilkening -at- grantpark.lib.il.us
Yellowhead Twp Office
113 W Curtis St
(815) 465-6308
Grant Park Maintenance Dept
205 N Stanley
(815) 465-2264
OTHER BUSINESS Lalich Resources, Inc. (advertising agency)
Steve Lalich, 105 N Main Street, PO Box 711
(815) 465-2070
boring stats:
Population in July 2007: 1,630.
Population change since 2000: +17.4%
Grant Park, IL median resident age: 36.0 years
Illinois median resident age: 34.7 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $58,288 (it was $52,153 in 2000)
Grant Park: $58,288
Illinois: $54,124
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $183,199 (it was $125,900 in 2000)
Grant Park: $183,199
Illinois: $208,800
I had the distinction of driving through Grant Park, Illinois today and last Thursday (via Route 1)! I did not know that our new traveling route would take us through Grant Park until we arrived. I was very excited.
When driving up Route 1 North, there are two signs to greet motorists. I did not stop to take any photos because our 8 hour trip turned into an 11 hour trip.
The first thing I noticed after the greeting signs was the fact that Grant Park, Illinois has curbs. Nice curbs, too. I like curbs. I refuse to live in a city that doesn't have curbs.
We drove by USA Family Restaurant which looks like your prototypical small town restaurant. Bandits Bar & Grill is only about a block away from USA Fam. Restrnt. and it looks like it's relatively new.
I remember driving by a True Value store. I don't know why I remember that. My brain was mush about that point because of our extended car ride.
Momence is south of Grant Park (about 5 miles) and seems to be quite a bit more lively. The downtown of Momence looks like a nice place to check out.
Wait. So you are telling me you drove through Grant Park? (haha. it's funny saying that). AND you didn't ask anyone, "where is buckingham fountain?" You should have stopped off at a gas station and asked for directions to Buckingham Fountain.
Alas, I shouldn't chastise you. This is funny you drove through Grant Park. I'm glad they have curbs. Curbs are nice. How can a town not have a curbs? And sidewalks. Did they have sidewalks?
It never entered my mind to pull up and ask someone about Buckingham Fountain. That wudda been HILARIOUS! Man. Maybe next time we drive to Ohio, we will take Route 1.
I live in Grant Park. We get asked about Buckingham Fountain all the time, as well as if the small park we have is Millenium Park. We get a good laugh out of it. You would be surprised on how many people ask us how we have an address in Grant Park Chicago. I would tell them i live on the third park bench to the right of the fountain. It's a small town that is for sure, but has lots of spirit.
Posted by: Princess on Aug 12, 09 | 5:13 pm
Way to have a sense of humor Princess. Plus it's nice to see you speaking up on behalf of your town.
Posted by: Mark R on Aug 13, 09 | 9:48 am
Hello Princess! Thanks for leaving a comment. I am very happy to have Grant Parkers come to my blog. I fee a bit sheepish now that you say that visitors make jokes about Buckingham Fountain all the time. I can see how it might get annoying, but I'm glad you take it all in stride. Keep your pride of your town strong. It's a great thing.
