There are several ways to plan a stay in Hazel Crest: research at the South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society library; attend its monthly genealogy and history programs; fish at Lake Owens and Dynasty Trails; or travel by METRA. Preparations vary depending on the purpose of your visit. For the library, on-site use is key; for fishing, the season and permit matter; and for train travel, you should check the schedule for your travel dates.
Library and Local History
The South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society library is a free public reference and research library. Its materials can only be used on site and may not be taken out of the room. If you plan to do research there, make it part of your stay: the materials are available for use in the library, not to take with you to other stops.
Access is also subject to specific instructions: visitors enter through the door at the far west end of the building and ring the doorbell at the library door. Keep this in mind when you arrive if research is the main purpose of your visit.
The society offers monthly genealogy and history programs for the Chicago Southland. This is a different focus from individual research using the library’s materials. If you plan your trip around a particular program, check the date in advance, as program schedules may change.
An Illinois Tourism listing notes that the library’s collection includes 15,000 volumes. The society also publishes two issues of Where the Trails Cross each year. Together with the programs, these offer several ways for visitors interested in genealogy and history to get involved: conduct their own research on site, attend a monthly program, or read the society’s publications.
Fishing: Seasons and Permits
The fishing season at Lake Owens and Dynasty Trails runs from April 1 through October 31. Permits issued by the Hazel Crest Park District are required for fishing at both locations. They are sold during regular business hours at the Park District Community Center.
Planning therefore involves two related questions: Do your preferred fishing days fall within the season, and have you planned to obtain a permit? Season dates and permit availability may change. Check the current rules and permit requirements before fishing, especially if your visit is close to the beginning or end of the season.
Scenery and Getting There
Dynasty Trails Park is located in Hazel Crest on the banks of Cherry Creek. This adds a specific local landscape to the area’s offerings of libraries, history, and fishing.
Hazel Crest is served by the METRA commuter rail system. If you are considering taking the train, check the schedule and connection for your travel day. This will help you plan around your specific travel dates.
When choosing your travel dates, it helps to weigh the different requirements: for library research, on-site use is essential; for a program, the date must work; and for fishing, the season and permit matter. If you plan to travel by METRA, you will also need to check the schedule for your chosen days.
Discover more destinations: Homewood, Barrington, Elk Grove Village, Lyons, La Grange, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Niles
For the broader travel overview: Cook.
