Thornton Quarry is one of the largest aggregate quarries in the world, located just south of Chicago. Work at the quarry began in 1924 by Colonel Hodgkins, and since 1938 has been operated by the Material Service Corporation. The quarry is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long, 0.5 miles (1 km) wide, and 400 feet (125 m) deep. Gallagher Asphalt Corporation has been operating on the grounds of the quarry since 1928. A dry-land dike carries Inter-State 80/Inter-State 294/Tri-State Tollway over the quarry.
Specialty: Limestone Quarry
Hours:
Open every Saturday in May thru September
1st and 3rd Saturdays January - April
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Other times by appointment
Two tours per year:
1st Saturday of June and October
Cost: $20.00 per person