UNIQUE VENUES - CHICAGO SOUTHLAND WHERE BORING DOESN'T EXIST

Say goodbye to dull venues and hello to the unexpected in the Chicago Southland! This lively and diverse region—encompassing over 400 square miles of vibrant urban landscapes and scenic open spaces—offers event planners traditional event spaces and a treasure trove of unique locations that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a wedding, or a special celebration, the Chicago Southland is home to a variety of venues and hotels equipped with the services and support you need for an unforgettable event. Just 25 minutes from downtown Chicago and easily accessible from both Midway and O’Hare International Airports, this region is perfectly connected by major highways like Interstates 55, 57, 80, 94, 294, and 355. With its prime location within a five-hour drive of eight states—Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin—traveling to the Southland is quick and easy. Plus, as Chicagoland’s most affordable region, you’ll enjoy the added perk of free parking at hotels and most venues, making your event even more stress-free compared to downtown Chicago. 

Looking for an indoor, French motif? La Banque Hotel in Homewood is a stunning property. Featuring 18-state-of-the-art guest rooms, La Banque is an excellent choice for company retreats, board meetings and other small gatherings. The hotel is located just steps from the Homewood Metra and Amtrak station, making commuting to and from the city quick and easy. La Banque also features an on-site fine-dining restaurant, 69 Prime. And if you prefer meeting on the links, La Banque will shuttle you to the Donald Ross designed Ravisloe Country Club which is seconds away. 

Want a more historic, industrial experience? Try the Historic Ford Hangar. Built in 1926, the historical landmark was Henry Ford’s aviation vision with pioneering features for its time. Today, events of all kinds fill the 13,000 square foot airplane hangar’s newly renovated interior.  

If you’re looking for a teambuilding component for your next event, Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center is the ideal venue. Irons Oaks offers a 1,300 square foot conference room and can be coupled with a fun, safe environment to take your group members to the next level of achievement. Irons Oaks features 38-acres of team building atmosphere including a high ropes course, climbing wall and crate stacking.  

To get the creative juices flowing, add an element of art by holding your event at Governors State University offering up to 29,000 square feet of space. Take in a show at the Center for Performing Arts or enjoy guided walks in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, where you’ll find yourself in selfie heaven while viewing over 30 permanent world-renowned sculpture installations.  

Fresh ideas and fresh air go hand in hand with over 40,000 acres of forestry. Take your meeting and event outdoors at one of the many Chicago Southland nature centers, where you can get outside and kayak, canoe, fish, bike or hike. There are so many places from which to choose including The Center, Monee Reservoir, Sand Ridge Nature Center, Lake Katherine Nature Center and Plum Creek Nature Center are just a handful of wonderful options to explore. 

Animal lovers can rejoice at the world-famous Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Brookfield holds Cocktails with the Animals themed private events for groups 30 to 2,000 ranging from Tropic World to Habitat Africa to Seven Seas among others. 

Outdoor concerts are aplenty with Fox Pointe in downtown Lansing and Centennial Park West in Orland Park. Fox Pointe has both an outdoor amphitheater and an open-air pavilion with state-of-the-art amenities. This multi-million-dollar venue is a splendid location for groups of all sizes and can accommodate 2,000 people in a lawn-type setting. Centennial Park West is Orland Park’s jewel hosting their outdoor Concert Series. 

If you want to add a sports flavor to your next meeting, the Chicago Southland has a lineup of venues offering both event space and an opportunity to take in a game. SeatGeek Stadium, in Bridgeview is the home to the Chicago Hounds rugby team and the Chicago Red Stars NWSL women’s soccer team. Ozinga Field is a great choice as the Frontier League baseball team Windy City ThunderBolts call it home. The Major League Baseball south side team Chicago White Sox play at Rate Field. You can also hit the links at any one of our 30 public and semi-private golf courses. 

Looking for a relaxing location to talk shop while enjoying a freshly brewed beer? The Chicago Southland has eight breweries, all with distinctly delicious, crafted offerings that will certainly impress your group attendees. Try the new Homewood Brewing Company and area staple Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery which aligns with the town’s train station. The region also includes three distilleries and eight wine bars. 

Want to add delicious food and wine into your meeting? Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Orland Park is ideal! Private events can be hosted in semi-private rooms or The Barrel Room and accommodate up to 72 people. The original Aurelio’s Pizza of Homewood is Illinois’s largest pizzeria as it rests in a 1927 barrel warehouse. 

If non-traditional space is what you desire, check out Thornton Distilling Company in Thornton. This industrial chic gem is in Illinois’ oldest standing brewery (1857) and was once Al Capone’s largest production facility. Thornton Distilling can accommodate up to 600 guests. 

Add a bit of child’s play to your day with Dave & Buster’s, Haunted Trails Amusement Park, In the Game Hollywood Park, Badlandz Paintball Field, Big Marsh Bike Park, and Ball Fore Mini Golf & Batting Cages to name a few.  

For a more adult vibe, the new Wind Creek Chicago Southland is Illinois’ first AAA Diamond casino with a 12,000 square foot conference and banquet facility. The casino has over 70,000 square feet of gaming space including 56 table games, over 1,400 state-of-the-art slot machines, sportsbook, and poker room. The hotel holds 255 rooms, 43 suites, full-service spa, indoor pool, fitness center, restaurants, and bars galore. 

Host an event with a movie at Marcus Theatres which is a premiere entertainment destination featuring 16 auditoriums, one of which is a UltraScreen DLX® concept with a massive screen, heated DreamLounger leather recliners and Dolby® Atmos® multidimensional sound. 

If you’re just looking for a mobile activity to enhance your next meeting, Visit Chicago Southland can provide information on mobile teambuilding activities, sip and paint options, as well as social responsibility ideas. 

Download our Unique Venues and Activity Guide for a comprehensive list of unique venues and mobile activities. If traditional spaces are more your venue of choice, the Chicago Southland has you covered. Traditional meeting spaces include ten full-service hotels, 19 select service hotels, and four colleges/universities. 

Not only does Visit Chicago Southland help plan events, but we also offer a wide variety of complimentary event services from pre-event services, brochure distribution, event listings, supplies, itinerary planning, marketing assistance, and promotional signs. 

Contact Visit Chicago Southland Meetings Market Manger Jen Ziltz at 708-895-8200 or [email protected] to customize your next meeting or event. We take great pride in being a one-stop resource for all your needs. Whether it’s sourcing your request to our hotels or coordinating site inspections, the Visit Chicago Southland Sales Team is here to assist! Also, ask about our complimentary event services and current meeting incentives making the Chicago Southland affordable and the perfect place to hold your next meeting or event. 

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