Travel Inspirations

The Chicago Southland: Just Beyond the City Limits
Just Beyond the City Limits of Chicago, rests the south and southwest suburbs known as the Chicago Southland. The Chicago Southland is a convenient and affordable destination bursting with outdoor recreation, major attractions, fine dining, lodging and shopping. With interst...

10 Hidden Gems of the Chicago Southland
There are absolutely a massive number of things to see and do in the Chicago Southland’s 60 communities. Many are well known and easy to spot, where you’ll join the crowd to get a look and explore. Others are quieter, less crowded or off the beaten path &nda...

12 Months of the Chicago Southland
No matter what time of year it is, there’s something entertaining or fun or delicious or beautiful to enjoy within the Chicago Southland communities. Indoor or outdoor, on a big stage or intimate theater, on a quiet path or on a bustling main street, in a quaint boutiq...

12 Must Shop Sites
Looking forward to some retail therapy while spending time in the Chicago Southland? These are some places you won’t want to miss: Conservatory Vintage & Vinyl, Flossmoor (ConservatoryVintageandVinyl.com) If you’re a lover of all things vintage, you must ...

20 Places to Take the Kids
Traveling with kids in tow? There’s an array of family-friendly fun to be had in the Chicago Southland, whether you are 1 or 100. Let us be the background for some fun family adventures.   1 - Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park (Burbank and Joliet) Have...

6 Downtowns You'll Dig
Many of the suburbs within the Chicago Southland have defined centers of town, with a significant structure as a focal point and/or main street of historic buildings, quaint shops and more that make for a pleasant destination to spend a day. Each one of our communities has s...

9 Kid-Friendly Must-Do Activities
1. BRAIN BUSTERS Learn what it was like growing up on a farm during the Great Depression and the early post-war period (1930-1955) when visiting Stellwagen Farm in Orland Park (OrlandPark.org). The 60 acres still has descendants from the Stellwagen family working on the f...

A Bit of Nostalgia
Once in a while, it’s fun to immerse yourself in times gone by and think about what it was like when life was simpler and slower. You can get a dose of nostalgia in a number of ways in the Chicago Southland. Here are a few throwback activities to enjoy: Park Forest ...

ABCs of Chicago Southland Family Fun
A is for Attractions - From family fun centers to horse shows to sporting venues, you’ll find a fun activity for anyone! B is for Bicycling - The Chicago Southland boasts miles of cycling trails and the Big Marsh Bike Park. C is for Carnival - Thro...

All Hands on Deck
There’s nothing more frustrating to a little one than being able to look at something cool and not be able to touch it or play with it. When you spend time in the Chicago Southland, you’ll find places where kids can get in and enjoy what’s in front of them ...

All Things Irish
If you want to feel Irish, but stay in the states, grab a Guinness in Chicago Southland at J.J. Kelley’s in Lansing, or The Carraig Irish Pub located next to Chicago Gaelic Park, an Irish athletic and cultural center in Oak Forest. St. Patrick’s Day is more than ...

Animal Encounters
If you love creatures that are four-legged or furry or ones that spread their wings to fly or have scales, there are a number of animal-related attractions and events in the Chicago Southland to explore.   Brookfield Zoo Chicago (Brookfield) Since 1934, Brookfi...

Axe Throwing
Tap your inner warrior and try out the thrilling activity of axe throwing! There are a few places in the Chicago Southland that offer an opportunity to try it out, hone your skills or release some stress.   Axeplosion Axe Throwing Lounge, Orland Park This famil...

Be Kool & Bring the Gang to Celebrate These Anniversaries
2024 is an enormously special year for a variety of Chicago Southland communities, which will be celebrating milestone anniversaries. While each of these wonderful communities will have special celebrations, final details are still pending. Happy 75th anniversary to the V...

Celebrate the Diverse Heritages of the Chicago Southland
The Chicago Southland is a true melting pot of diverse ethnic backgrounds and loves to celebrate its history with parades and festivals. Here is a sample of the many ethnic celebrations in the Chicago Southland. Irish Heritage Everyone knows about the rich history of t...

Chicago Southland Bucket List
Did you know having a bucket list is mandatory in life? Yes, MANDATORY!! Okay, maybe we’re going a little overboard, but shouldn’t everyone dream about a bucket list and start living it? For those of you visiting the Chicago Southland or residents who haven&rsquo...

Chicago Southland International Film Festival
The sixth annual Chicago Southland International Film Festival (CSIFF) is taking place in April 2024 and will showcase independent filmmakers with diverse perspectives. With core values of inclusiveness, diversity and promoting quality of life, the CSIFF supports an atmosphe...

Chicago Southland, To-A-T
In 2020, the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau launched its “To a T” campaign to highlight some of the Chicago Southland’s most popular attractions in four categories: trails, trains, tunes and taprooms. A few clicks on our official “...

Clue or Red Herring?
Do you thrive under pressure? Do you enjoy playing games and solving puzzles? Do you think you’re wise enough to use your mind to break out of an escape room? Well, the Chicago Southland has plenty of places to bust your brain in hopes of escaping DANGER!! Crisis Ro...

Crete Art Trail
Ready to become a trailblazer? Explore the brand-new Crete Art Trail, a blend of art galleries, murals and businesses that showcase local artists and their creations. Sponsored by Evil Horse Brewing Company, the Crete Art Trail consists of the world-renowned Lotton Art ...

Cross Cultural Exchange
The entire Chicagoland area is a rich melting pot of multicultural cuisine, celebrations and shops. Ethnic diversity is a hallmark of the Chicago Southland area. Explore these unique spots that help make the Chicago Southland community an inclusive place for all: Iris...

Crozehead Cooperage: A One-of-a-Kind Attraction in Monee, Illinois
Crozehead Cooperage and Whiskey Experience is one of only 26 cooperages in the country, the only one in Illinois and the only one in the U.S. that is veteran owned. Loren Buchmeier has worked toward building this business on his boyhood farm, offering a unique whiskey experi...

Disc Golf
There are over 125 holes of disc golf spread throughout the Chicago Southland, most for free. From small nine-hole courses to the 20-hole Seargent Means Park course in Olympia Fields, there are courses for every level in the region. 50 Acre Park 9100 South...

Discover a Gateway to History and Hospitatlity at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
Nestled at the crossroads of America's most iconic highways lies a true gem: the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis. Step inside and you'll find yourself greeted not only by a welcoming oasis but also by an exciting array of attractions designed to enrich your journey. ...

Embracing the Arts
Life is better when we surround ourselves with beautiful things that awaken and excite our senses. Sights and sounds uplift us and inspire us. In the Chicago Southland, the arts explode - bringing us elevated awareness and peaceful harmony in everything from performances to ...

Family Fun For All
When you're got a family full of varying ages to occupy, it can be hard to find activities to satisfy everyone. It’s not a problem in the Chicago Southland where we've got family fun galore at a number of family fun centers and cool venues. In fact, your bigges...

For Those About to Rock…
Ready to make some noise? Whether you’re a seasoned musician or picking up your first instrument, these Chicago Southland music shops are ready to help you keep the rhythm alive. Down Home Guitars (11 South White Street, Frankfort) – Located within the Trolley...

Four Seasons, Four Agendas
Looking to spend a weekend in the Chicago Southland? There’s so much to see and do no matter the season. We’ve done the work for you and put together a fun, weekend list of itinerary ideas for each season. IN THE WINTER Saturday: Rent snowshoes at Plu...

Four-Legged Friends Welcome
Our pets are family. They’re loyal and affectionate and brighten our days. So, why wouldn’t we want to bring them along as we travel? In the Chicago Southland, you’ll find a number of venues that will welcome your pet - from hotels where they can snuggle up...

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival
The Chicago Southland is home to dozens of festivals throughout the year, and Frankfort is home to one that will get you tapping your toes and dancing in the streets. The Frankfort Bluegrass Festival was founded over a dozen years ago as a not-for-profit, free, family event ...

Free And Fun Family Things To Do
There’s family fun at every turn in the Chicago Southland, but planning an itinerary with the kiddos can get expensive. Here we offer ten fun family things to do that won’t cost you a dime. 1) Nature Centers Take time to visit one of the area nature centers t...

Free and Fun Things to Do in the Chicago Southland
1. EXPLORE the 42,169 acres of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the largest forest preserve district in the country, that run throughout the Chicago Southland. 2. BIKE the 22-mile Old Plank Road Trail through the Chicago Southland. 3.EXPLORE&nbs...

From Milkshakes to Mead
What’s in your cup? Are you a fan of a good cup of joe? Love a creamy milkshake? Craft beer snob? Wine connoisseur? Whatever your beverage of choice, you’ll find a place in the Chicago Southland to sit back and indulge. Here’s a listing of some spots to get...

Fun Times for the Family
When you’ve got a family full of varying ages to occupy, it can be hard to find activities to satisfy everyone. It’s not a problem in the Chicago Southland, where we’ve got family fun galore at a number of family fun centers and cool venues. In fact, your b...

Get Outside The Gallery!
When you think of artistic attractions, your mind may go toward art galleries and indoor exhibits, but the Chicago Southland has its share of art displayed in public places - sculptures and statues, murals and memorials in view to be admired. An eclectic and diverse colle...

Girls’ Weekend Getaway
We all know girls just want to have fun, but women also want choices when traveling together. Where to eat, drink, shop and unwind? Are you in an artsy mood or more of a scream-your-favorite-song-at-the-top-of-your-lungs kind of mood? Whether you want a fancy girls’ ge...

Hangout Spots For All
Keep Calm and Comic On: Comic Book and Retail Stores 3 Keys Comics, Crete All American Comic Shop, Evergreen Park Alternate Reality, Inc., Chicago Amazing Fantasy Books & Comics, Frankfort  Closet Collectibles, Crete Comic Asylum, Worth Elsewhere Comics &am...

Have a WILD time!
What makes a good trip a great trip? Seeing some beautiful animals along the way. The Chicago Southland is home to some animal-related attractions and hosts some pet-related events that will have you oohing and awwing at the cuteness. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is one sp...

Have Pet, Will Travel
Pet lovers can attest to how hard it is to leave their furry, scaled or feathered friends behind while traveling. With over 20 hotels in the Chicago Southland that allow owners to bring their pets along, traveling with your buddy is becoming much easier. Here are the area ho...

Hazel Crest Creative Arts Center
In 2023, the village of Hazel Crest residents voted by referendum to establish a Creative Arts District in the historic downtown area. The project aims to revitalize the downtown area, reusing a vacant retail building and introducing a space where artists can share their tal...

Hear It Live!
From big names to local acts, hear live music on stage at several venues in the Chicago Southland. SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview hosts a number of music festivals each season. The outdoor amphitheater in Country Club Hills is a great place to enjoy up-and-coming and...

Hidden Gems
Sometimes the most incredible experiences come not from visiting the largest, well-known tourist spots, but from some of the off-the-beaten path locales or smaller, more obscure venues. Such places aren’t as obvious and might be a little out of the way, but the extra e...

Holiday Markets
Is there anything more magical than the holiday season? Capture some of that magic at some of the annual holiday events in the Chicago Southland. Go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Events for dates and details. HOLIDAY CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW, Founders Community Center, Fran...

Hometown Holiness
On May 8, 2025, Chicagoans celebrated a historic moment when Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in the Windy City, became the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history. Born in the City of Chicago on September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost (now k...

Homewood is an Illinois Bird City
In the summer of 2024, Homewood met criteria to be recognized as a Bird City. It was the ninth municipality in the state to receive the recognition and the only one in the Chicago Southland. The designation was bestowed by the Audubon Council of Illinois for meeting criteria...

I Do Venues
Everyone has their own version of a “dream wedding.” The ideal place to say your vows and commemorate the occasion with a reception varies from couple to couple. For some, it’s on a beach in a tropical location. It might mean an outdoor setting with lots of...

If You Heart Art…
Art is all around us. It can come in the form of a painting on a canvas, a string of musical notes woven together, a sculpture of steel, expressions of poetry on paper, a collection of whimsically arranged flowers, a creative blend of metals and stones in a necklace, a monoc...

If You Love...
There’s so much to love about the Chicago Southland. No matter the object of your affection or the activity you most enjoy, you’ll find a way to enjoy it! If you love music, you’ll love visiting Fox Pointe in Lansing for weekly live concerts (free) or on...

Illinois Made
The Illinois Made program was created to recognize the makers, creators and artisans who help craft Illinois by hand. These makers inspire visitors and Illinois residents to discover more about the state by experiencing the passion that makes it thrive. The Chicago Southland...

Indoor Fun
In the Midwest, we never know what the weather is going to throw at us, so you need a good, short list of fun, indoor attractions to visit when outdoor fun isn’t in the cards. So, tuck this list away for a rainy, snowy or wintry day. Climb On Rock Gym, Homewood T...

Listen to the Music
Nothing screams walking on sunshine in the summertime like an outdoor concert at your favorite local venue, and the Chicago Southland has plenty from which to choose. The new Centennial Park West in Orland Park (OrlandPark.org) not only hosts concerts, but outdoor mo...

Mancationing in the Chicago Southland
Men, it's time to ditch the thoughts of a romantic weekend getaway or antiquing and start planning your Mancation to the Chicago Southland with plenty of access to beer, golf and cigars! Grab your clubs, best caddy shack references and head to one of our 34 golf cours...

Need for Speed
Do you feel the need, the need for speed? Do you ever break into “Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, GO!” while driving on the highway? Do you have the inability to drive 55? Do you like to live life in the fast lane (surely makes you lose your mind!...

Now That You're Here
No matter what brings you to the Chicago Southland, there are plenty of unique things to see and do that’ll maximize your visit. Now that you’re here, you can… Unplug for the weekend. Break away from the monotony by visiting one of the Chicago Sou...

Paws, Claws and Everything in Between
Traveling with your furry friends is more popular than ever, and the Chicago Southland is ready to welcome pets in style. From all-natural treats and holistic foods to toys and grooming services, these local pet shops have everything your companions need to stay happy and he...

Picture Perfect
Picture this: stunning backdrops, historic locales, serene natural surroundings, mouthwatering meals…Keep yourself in a Chicago Southland frame of mind long after your visit by capturing the moment at these picturesque places! Richard Haas Murals, Homewood – ...

Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Easily accessible by air, rail or expressway, the Chicago Southland also has attractions and events related to those modes of transportation. Aviation history, train viewing platforms and organized rides on some of America’s oldest roads can be part of your experience ...

Public Art is Everywhere in the Chicago Southland
Murals Richard Haas Mural Collection In addition to a unique and quaint downtown area, Homewood now boasts the largest collection of Richard Haas murals anywhere in the world. Haas, a world-renowned painter specializing in large, hyper-realistic art that creates the illu...

Railfanning in the Chicago Southland
Railfans love the Chicago Southland for its plurality of railfan spots! From double diamonds to the Pullman National Monument, a brewpub in an old Illinois Central rail station and one of the only places to see a double wye junction in the country, the Chicago Southland has ...

Road Trippin'
There’s nothing quite like a road trip. Whether you’re visiting from near or far, with friends or family, the Chicago Southland has the perfect road trip for you and your travel companions. Check out the incredible local restaurants and one-of-a-kind attractions,...

Romantic Spots
Looking for some date-night inspiration? From quiet, intimate outdoor locations—to dim theaters to romantic restaurant settings, there’s a variety of cozy experiences to be had in the Chicago Southland.   Nosh on some upscale bites Get all dressed u...

Seasonal Activities
Every season brings new opportunities for adventure in the Chicago Southland. Whether you like snow or sun, there is fun in your future. Here are some seasonal activities to try out: Winter Try out some snowshoes, watch an ice sculptor create winterart and enjo...

Serenity Will Find You If You Seek It
If practicing forgiveness isn’t your thing and you’re looking for the best places to find “serenity now,” don’t bottle up your emotions. Get out and take a deep breath at these places of Zen in the Chicago Southland. Lake Katherine Nature Cen...

Shop Til You Drop
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that shopping isn’t a legitimate hobby. There are plenty of communities with downtown business districts, malls and shops to peruse in search of that special something. So, put on your shopping shoes and get out there. Swap O Ram...

Signature Golf Holes
There are many dynamic holes throughout the 30 public golf courses in the Chicago Southland. Multi-contoured greens, testing hazard placements and creatively designed bunkers are common whether a three-shot par 5, drivable par 4 or quaint par 3. The variety among the 600+ ho...

Something to love about each Chicago Southland community
Alsip – Shopping from hundreds of vendors at the huge Swap-O-Rama Flea Market that takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays Beecher – Enjoying fine dining at a former stagecoach stop that dates back to 1863, The Princess Cafe Blue Island &ndash...

Stacks on Stacks
Treat your shelf to some buzzworthy books at these Chicago Southland-area bookstores: Beyond the Book, A Literary Experience (18063 Dixie Highway, Homewood) - This independent bookstore founded by local scholar Tenia Davis is more than just a place to purchase books, it&r...

Supernatural Sites
The Chicago Southland is no stranger to haunted hot spots and local legends. With a long and colorful history, it’s no surprise that hitchhiking ghosts, abandoned cemeteries, historic haunts and other spine-chilling tales call the Chicago Southland region home. Here ar...

The Fun of STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math sound like serious subjects, but they can also be quite entertaining. Kids with an interest in STEM subjects will find that in the Chicago Southland, we also bring a lot of fun to the table through hands-on exhibits, events and progr...

The Triangle Tour: Three of Our Nation’s Most Historic Highways
Many years ago, before the creation of the modern interstate highway system by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, travelers drove a nationwide series of named and numbered roads and highways. The quickest way to traverse the vast expanses of the United States was on the majo...

Time After Time
Whether it’s for their monetary value, additions to a personal collection or just plain old nostalgia, people of all ages love antiques. The Chicago Southland is home to several antique and vintage stores, perfect for satisfying the thrill of nabbing your next perfect ...

Top 20 Things To See & Do
Planning a getaway can be stressful. Where to go and what to do are pretty daunting questions that stump even the most seasoned traveler. Good thing we have compiled a list of the top 20 things to see and do to make your time in the Chicago Southland worthwhile. 1. Sit i...

Top Roadside Attractions
Roadside attractions are found throughout the Chicago Southland. These odd, and sometimes hilarious, travel destinations catch your eye and beg you to stop and Instagram your newest discovery. Next time you find yourself taking a selfie next to Frankenstein at Haunted Trails...

Train Towns
The Chicago Southland has a great advantage in offering public transportation via train for those commuting to the city, and it has produced great shopping and dining communities near its stations. Serving more than 100 northeast Illinois communities throughout six counties,...

Unique and Unusual
Looking for a unique way to explore the Chicago Southland? Add just a pinch of the peculiar to your next visit with these off-the-beaten-path locales: Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, Midlothian – For decades, Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery has had a notorious repu...

Visit Fun Spots, Earn Southland Swag
While you are having fun in the Chicago Southland, why not get rewarded for it? With the Free Rewards Program Passports, you can check in at hundreds of locations to earn points that can be used to earn some fun swag. Step 1 Go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Southland-Pa...

YOLO: Thrill Seekers Welcome
Some travelers like to take it easy and find quiet and relaxing spots to spend their time on the road. For others who prefer the complete opposite, there are many ways in the Chicago Southland to tap into your inner adrenaline junkie. Get ready for the signature activity ...

You Can Drive 25
Visiting a new area always has a level of excitement. Around every corner there are new things to see and do, great festivals to attend and attractions to visit. Even though the Chicago Southland has all of that in spades, we still thought it might be nice to point out a few...