Where is Palos Heights, Illinois

Palos Heights is a suburban city in Cook County, Illinois, located southwest of Chicago. It is about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago and sits near the Palos Forest Preserves. The city is known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, shopping areas, parks, and access to the extensive forest preserve system. Its location provides convenient connections to Chicago and nearby communities.

Location Map of Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Palos Heights in Cook County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Palos Heights Map, Illinois

Where is Palos Heights Located?

Palos Heights is a city located in Cook County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago and roughly 10 miles west of the Illinois-Indiana border. Palos Park is immediately west, while Worth is around 3 miles north. Palos Heights is positioned near 41.667° North latitude and 87.796° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 12,515 residents. The city covers about 3.78 square miles, or 9.79 square kilometers. Palos Heights developed as a suburban community during the 20th century and is surrounded by the forest preserves of the Palos area. The nearby Palos Preserves include forests, lakes, trails, and open spaces that provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and birdwatching. The city also has a central commercial district along Harlem Avenue and College Drive. Palos Heights was incorporated in 1935. A unique feature of the city is its close proximity to the largest concentration of forest preserve land in Cook County, giving residents easy access to a large natural landscape despite being part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The city is also near Moraine Valley Community College and several regional recreation facilities.

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Palos Heights City Facts

Distance from Palos Heights, IL to Nearby Cities

• Palos Park, IL – 2 miles (3 km)
• Worth, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
• Palos Hills, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
• Alsip, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Orland Park, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
• Oak Lawn, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
• Hickory Hills, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Bridgeview, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
• Chicago Ridge, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Tinley Park, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Blue Island, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Evergreen Park, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Chicago, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Joliet, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Naperville, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Gary, IN – 35 miles (56 km)
• Aurora, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Rockford, IL – 75 miles (121 km)

Top Attractions in Palos Heights

• Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens – A nearby natural area with a lake, wetlands, walking paths, gardens, and wildlife habitat.
• Palos Forest Preserves – A large network of forest preserves surrounding the community, offering hiking, cycling, fishing, horseback riding, and birdwatching.
• Palos Heights Recreation Center – A community recreation facility with fitness programs, sports activities, pools, and public events.
• Moraine Valley Community College – A nearby community college campus with educational facilities, cultural programs, and recreational opportunities.
• Swallow Cliff Woods – A popular forest preserve area with hiking trails, wooded landscapes, and a large historic staircase.
• Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center – A nearby nature center offering educational programs, trails, wetlands, and wildlife exhibits.
• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve – A large nearby preserve with trails, prairies, woodlands, and a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Willow Springs Woods – A nearby forest preserve area featuring wooded trails, open spaces, and access to the extensive Palos-area natural landscape.

Airports Near Palos Heights, IL

• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 15 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 30 miles
• Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) – 35 miles
• Lewis University Airport (LOT) – 25 miles
• Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 35 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Palos Heights city website and local government records.

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