African American Itinerary

CHECK OUT OUR CHICAGO SOUTHLAND TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS

Itineraries - For the Young or Young at Heart

Itineraries - African American Heritage Tour

EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE DESTINATION VIDEO

CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH IN CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

African American Itinerary

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park - University Park
Situated outdoors over some 300 acres, the 22-piece collection contains monumental works by many of this century's most important sculptures, including works from the two famous African American sculptures Richard Hunt and Marin Puryear. Your group will be able to walk on a path alongside the sculptures and experience the magnitude and size of each artist's creation.
*Group tours by appointment; self-guided tours anytime.
Approximate drive time: 30 minutes
Drive-by: Mt. Glenwood Memorial Gardens - Glenwood
Mt. Glenwood Memorial Gardens is the first African American cemetery in Illinois and has been in existence since 1920. This cemetery is the burial site of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam's famed leader; Fred "Duke" Slater, the first African American elected to the National Football League Hall of Fame; Dr. Charles Gavin, the first African American admitted to the National College of Orthodontic Surgeons; and Nijon Taylor, the world's fastest bicycle racer at the end of the nineteenth century.
*Walking the grounds of the cemetery is permitted.
Approximate drive time: 15 minutes
11:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Hooters Restaurant - Lansing
Known for their "Casual" Care Free Dining - your group will enjoy Hooters' nearly world famous wings, sandwiches, seafood and salads, all served by the famous Hooters Girls! While enjoying their lunch, the group will be entertained by 50's and 60's Jukebox music. Approximate drive time: 20 minutes
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Pullman Historic District - South Chicago
Employer of the Pullman Porters, George Pullman created the landmark Pullman Historic District, an 1880's model industrial town. After exploring the Historic Pullman Visitor Center and watching the 20-minute video, guided tours of the District are available. The Historic District includes a Clock Tower and Factory Complex, Hotel Florence, Arcade Park, Greenstone Church, Market Hall, Pullman Stables, Community Center and the Pullman School. Approximate drive time: 5 minutes
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.: A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum - South Chicago
This facility was designed to educate the public about the legacy and contributions made by African Americans in America's labor history. The Pullman Porters, known as "The Ambassadors of Hospitality", contributed to the success of the passenger rail. The permanent collection displays exhibits, which are pertinent to the study of the Pullman Historic District, the Great Migration, American Labor History, A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters, and the American Civil Rights Movement. Approximate drive time: 15 minutes
4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.: African American Images - South Chicago
Your group is sure to enjoy shopping at one of the largest black-owned bookstores in the country. This store has over 10,000 square feet of space and over 4,000 titles. If it is Africentric material, any topic, title, or author related to black studies, black economics, or anything relating to African or African American Experience, you will probably find it here. Your group can also purchase a wide variety of gifts and collectables such as art prints and figurines. Approximate drive time: 15 minutes
Drive-by: Burr Oak Cemetery - Alsip
Emmett Till, victim of the infamous racially motivated 1955 killing in Money, Mississippi was buried here before his body was exhumed in June of 2005. Due to new evidence surfacing, the case was reopened in September of 2004. Also buried in this cemetery is the Chicago Defender's maverick publisher Robert S. Abbott and three musical greats: songstress Dinah Washington; blues songwriter, producer and musician Willie Dixon; and blue pianist Otis Spann (a key member of the muddy Waters Band).
*Walking the grounds of the cemetery is permitted.
Approximate drive time: 5 minutes
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Maple Tree Inn - Blue Island
Sit Long, Talk Much! That is the request of Chicagoland's finest Creole and Cajun restaurant. The customer's Zagat food rating is 24! Menu choices include, but are not limited to, Hickory Buttered Shrimp, Crawfish Etouffee, Creole Jambalaya and a variety of Gumbos. Eat inside or enjoy a cool breeze on the outside veranda. Or
International House of Pancakes IHOP - Crestwood
If it is American food, your group is craving, IHOP has a wide variety of mouthwatering selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From pancakes, omelets and egg breakfasts to burgers, chicken and steak, they've got something for just about everybody. This breakfast favorite also makes a good lunch or dinner choice.

Please Note: This tour is not handicap accessible.

Previous Page | Print Itinerary

FREE TRAVEL GUIDE

VIEW / REQUEST OUR VISITORS GUIDE!

RECEIVE OUR MONTHLY CHICAGO SOUTHLAND E-NEWSLETTER PACKED WITH EVENTS, THINGS TO DO AND TRAVEL PLANNING!