After spending an exciting week in Brookfield while the kids attended the Milwaukee Bucks camp (you can read our full review here and our visit to the team shop here), we decided to cap off the trip with a memorable stop: the house from the movie Home Alone.
Why We Made the Detour
We were already in Wisconsin, immersed in basketball excitement, so switching gears to movie-magic felt like the perfect family twist. The kids loved the idea of visiting the famed McCallister home — it’s one of those pop-culture landmarks that brings a sprinkle of nostalgia and fun to travel.
Where It Is & What to Expect
- The house is located at 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, Illinois.
- It’s a private residence, so there’s no official tour inside. Most visitors stop by, take photos of the exterior, and continue on.
- As noted in reviews: “We parked at end of street and walked up. Great photo ops.”
- Tip: Be respectful, keep the noise down, avoid lingering too long, and follow neighborhood parking rules.
Our Visit – What We Loved
- The exterior photo moment: Seeing the familiar façade instantly brought movie memories to life — the front gate, the big staircase inside (which you can glimpse through the windows), the tree-lined street.
- Walking the neighbourhood: We discovered some of the neighbour homes featured in the film too, and strolled around the quiet, elegant Winnetka suburb (which the film references).
- Family fun twist: After the week of hoops and drills, this stop added a creative, relaxed layer to the trip. The kids had fun pretending they were under the booby-trap watch of little Kevin (Macaulay Culkin).
- Capturing content: As travel content creators (with our blog and your Instagram feed in mind), this stop offered a perfect backdrop for storytelling – from “Brookfield camp intensity” to “movie-house calm.”
Practical Tips For Your Visit
- When to go: Mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday tends to be quieter. If you visit in winter or near holidays the décor adds charm but parking might be tighter.
- Parking: There’s no dedicated visitor parking. We parked a few blocks away and walked in — that made it easy.
- Respect the homeowner: Many reviews highlight that, while photo-stop friendly, the homeowners appreciate respectful behaviour.
- Time needed: You don’t need more than 20-30 minutes for a photo stop and a brief walk. If you pair it with a neighbourhood walk or nearby lakeside view, plan 1-2 hours.
- Combine with something else: Since you’re already in the region, you could combine this visit with a stroll by Lake Michigan or a stop at the Winnetka town centre for coffee or a snack (though our focus was the house and filming location!).
- Content tip: For Instagram reels or blog photos, try capturing the staircase through a window or the house by dusk when lights are on. Use the context of your week (kids’ basketball camp) to show variety in your travel story.
Why It’s Worth the Visit
Even though it’s not an amusement-park style attraction, the “Home Alone house” holds a special place in pop culture. The film’s exterior scenes were shot here.
It adds a fun, light-hearted moment to a trip, especially with kids who might appreciate the movie connection. And for you as content creators, it’s a story angle you don’t see every day: from youth basketball camp to cinematic icon.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the “Home Alone house” was a fun, nostalgic conclusion to our week of basketball camp in Wisconsin. It tied together sport, family travel, and pop-culture in a way that resonated with all of us — from the kids who were diving deep into hoops, to the creatives (you!) looking for unique content. If you find yourself in the Chicago/North Shore area or nearby, it’s absolutely worth the brief stop. And if you pair it with your broader travel narrative (as you do brilliantly on your blog and Instagram), it becomes more than a photo: it becomes a story.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Home Alone House 🏨
The Home Alone house is located in Winnetka, one of Chicago’s most beautiful North Shore suburbs. Most travelers visit it as part of a bigger Chicago itinerary, combining it with attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, museums, and the city’s famous food scene.
For most visitors, staying in downtown Chicago offers the best experience because you can easily explore the city while making a half-day trip to Winnetka.
Here are some family-friendly hotel options to consider:
⭐ Best Choice for First-Time Chicago Visitors
The Langham, Chicago
Located along the Chicago River, this luxury hotel offers an amazing base for families wanting to explore the city in comfort.
Why it works well for families:
- Excellent downtown location
- Close to Riverwalk and major attractions
- Spacious rooms
- High-quality service
Perfect if your Chicago trip combines sightseeing, food experiences, and special family moments like visiting the Home Alone house.
⭐ Family-Friendly Stay With More Space
Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North
When traveling with kids, having extra space can make a big difference.
Great for families because:
- Suite-style accommodation
- More room compared with standard hotels
- Kitchen facilities available
- Convenient location for exploring Chicago
⭐ Convenient Option Near the Magnificent Mile
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
A popular choice for families who want to be close to Chicago’s biggest attractions.
Highlights:
- Fantastic river views
- Walking distance to many attractions
- Large rooms suitable for families
- Easy access to restaurants and entertainment
⭐ Staying Near Winnetka (North Shore Area)
If your main goal is exploring the Home Alone filming locations and spending more time in the suburbs, you can also consider staying closer to the North Shore.
This option works well if you:
- Have a rental car
- Prefer quieter surroundings
- Want to explore Lake Michigan beaches and charming suburbs
However, for first-time visitors to Chicago, downtown usually offers better value because you’ll have more restaurants, attractions, and transport options nearby.
Tips for Choosing a Chicago Hotel for a Family Trip
When planning a Chicago itinerary that includes the Home Alone house, consider:
✅ Location: Downtown hotels make sightseeing easier
✅ Parking: Important if you rent a car for Winnetka and other day trips
✅ Room size: Families often appreciate suites or connecting rooms
✅ Breakfast options: Helpful before a busy day exploring
✅ Public transportation: Useful for avoiding downtown parking costs
You can compare Chicago hotels and find accommodation that fits your family trip here:
👉 Find the best Chicago hotels for your Home Alone adventure and family getaway
Make It Part of a Bigger Chicago Family Itinerary
The Home Alone house is a quick stop, so it works best when combined with other experiences.
A possible family itinerary:
🏠 Morning: Visit the Home Alone house in Winnetka
🌊 Explore Lake Michigan shoreline or nearby parks
☕ Stop for coffee or lunch in the North Shore
🏙️ Return to Chicago for Riverwalk or downtown attractions
If you are visiting Chicago with kids, this mix of movie nostalgia, city exploration, and family experiences creates a much more memorable trip than simply checking off famous landmarks.
FAQ – Visiting the Home Alone House
- Is the house open for tours?
- No. The property is a private residence and there are no formal tours or visitor access inside. You can view and take photos from the outside respectfully.
- What is the exact address?
- 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, 60093, USA.
- Can we park right in front of the house?
- Parking can be limited. We parked a short walk away and approached on foot to reduce disruption to the neighbourhood.
- Is there an entrance fee?
- No. There is no fee for visiting the exterior; it’s simply a photo-stop in a residential area.
- How long should we plan for the visit?
- Around 20-30 minutes is sufficient for a photo stop. If you include walking around the area, allow 1 hour.
- Is the house decorated at Christmas?
- Yes — during the holiday season the whole area becomes even more festive, but also busier. Be mindful of crowds and parking then.
