On the outskirts of the city is Hegewisch, Chicago’s “most isolated neighborhood.” Hegewisch is so far south, it borders Indiana and is separated by freeways, nature, and industrial areas.
But the neighborhood itself is close-knit with lifelong residents and their families staying in the area for generations.
Emily O’Keefe Davenport knows this after making Hegewisch home more than five years ago. Since then, she has planned tours for Chicago for Chicagoans and Read & Run Chicago. These are the spots she says to check out before, during, or after Hegewisch Fest next week.
Something to Eat
Try the butter pizza from Pudgy’s or the chicken alfredo pizza from Doreen’s, both longtime establishments. Steve’s Lounge has a wonderful fish fry on Friday evenings. Other options include a healthy smoothie at Hegewisch Nutrition or tacos or chilaquiles at El Forastero.
Something to See
Learn about Hegewisch’s strong ties to labor and steel mills at a memorial paying tribute to strikers who lost their lives during the Memorial Day Massacre of 1937 and at the Southeast Chicago Historical Society. Plus, the Hegewisch Tank Memorial honors locals’ military contributions.
Something to Do
Old Time Tap is a fun and welcoming local bar. Wolf Lake is a great spot for picnics, walking, running, and biking. Mann Park offers sports and classes. The Hegewisch branch of the Chicago Public Library is nearby.
Boundaries of Hegewisch. (Google Maps)
Need more to do? The Hegewisch Times is a quarterly newspaper with lots of information on local events, history, and activities.
