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Cicero is a town of about 85,000 people on the western border of Chicago, one of the oldest communities in Cook County. It grew as an industrial center, home to the giant Hawthorne Works of Western Electric, where the famous Hawthorne studies on workplace behavior were carried out, and in the 1920s it gained notoriety as the headquarters of Al Capone.
The Hawthorne Works Museum at Morton College tells the story of the plant and the thousands of workers who built much of America's telephone equipment, and a surviving tower from the old works still stands nearby. Waves of Czech, Polish and Italian immigrants left their mark on the town, seen in landmarks like St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, and today Cicero is a largely Mexican American community with lively taquerias and shops.
Horse racing fans head to historic Hawthorne Race Course, while Cicero Stadium hosts boxing and events. Downtown Chicago, Oak Park's Frank Lloyd Wright homes and Brookfield Zoo are all a short drive away.
A museum at Morton College devoted to the huge Western Electric Hawthorne Works, with telephones, equipment, photographs and stories of the workers and the famous Hawthorne studies. It is a fascinating look at industrial history. Opening hours are limited, so check before visiting.
The tall tower that survived the demolition of the Western Electric Hawthorne Works, now standing beside a shopping center at Cicero Avenue and Cermak Road. It is a reminder of the vast plant that once employed tens of thousands of people. It takes only a few minutes to see and photograph.
A grand Gothic Revival church built by Cicero's Polish community in the early 20th century, with tall twin spires, rich stained glass and an ornate interior. It remains an active parish. Visit respectfully outside service times or attend a Mass to see the interior.
One of the oldest family-owned racetracks in the country, running thoroughbred and harness racing on the Cicero-Stickney border since the 1890s. Watching from the grandstand rail is a fun outing even for non-gamblers. Check the racing calendar before going, as live racing is seasonal.
A historic indoor arena that hosts boxing and wrestling cards, concerts, quinceaneras and community events. Fight nights are loud and full of local color. Check event listings online, as the venue is not open for regular tours.
A community ice arena named after the Chicago Blackhawks legend, offering public skating sessions, skate rentals, hockey leagues and lessons. It is a fun indoor activity for families on a cold day. Check the public skating schedule before you go, as times change often.
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