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 reputation among Chicagoland locals. Since the 1970s, the infamous burial ground has been synonymous with ghosts and urban legends. Visitors claim to witness spirits like the tragic White Madonna figure, among others. More information and other haunted hotspots can be found at VisitChicagoSouthland.com/SupernaturalSites.

Ford Airport Hangar, Lansing – In the 1920s, automobile pioneer Henry Ford commissioned three hangars to help his bustling business. Of the three hangars, only the Chicago Southland location remains. Located on the grounds of the Lansing Municipal Airport, this architectural wonder has remained largely unchanged since its construction in 1926. Aviation legends Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart even visited the hangar during their prolific careers. Today, the spacious and unique venue can be rented for private celebrations and gatherings of all kinds.

Mr. and Mrs. Water Towers, Calumet City – Perhaps the most cheerful roadside attraction in the Chicago Southland, this pair of water towers is sure to put a smile on your face! Calumet City is believed to be the first town in the U.S. to adorn its water towers with smiley faces in an effort to inspire joy in residents and visitors. The yellow smiley face can be found near River Oaks Mall, and its pink counterpart can be found at approximately 1664 Dolton Road.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, University Park – Situated on 100 acres of prairie landscape on the campus of Governors State University, this sprawling outdoor sculpture park features a collection of 34 larger-than-life works of art. Abstract pieces combined with a massive effigy of Paul Bunyan make this free attraction a must-see while visiting the Chicago Southland.

Peotone Windmill, Peotone – Built in 1872, this five-story windmill is considered to be the only “skyscraper” in Peotone and is one of the few German-style windmills still standing in the U.S. The structure is now owned and operated by the Peotone Historical Society, which offers free tours May through October. The iconic landmark also hosts a museum featuring local memorabilia and antique mill artifacts.

Resurrection Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, Justice – One of the most famous ghost stories in the entire Chicagoland area is that of Resurrection Mary, the spirit that is frequently seen walking along Archer Avenue in Justice. There are many iterations of Mary and her story, but legend has it she is buried at her namesake Resurrection Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums and hitches rides with unsuspecting motorists. Up until 2022, the cemetery was also home to the world’s largest stained-glass window, which can be found in the mausoleum, and features Chicagoland iconography, such as skyscrapers and el trains.

Even more unusual can be found right outside of the Chicago Southland! Check out the now defunct Joliet Correctional Center (featured in The Blues Brothers and former residence of notorious inmates, such as John Wayne Gacy), the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (a relic of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and one of the world’s largest science museums), the Field Museum of Natural History (home of the two infamous Tsavo man-eating lions, 23 human mummies and countless other jaw-dropping artifacts) or the 63 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline that span Illinois, along which you may just catch a glimpse of the rare and rumored sea serpent!