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’t experienced the following, these are the bucket list items in the region that you MUST add, and soon!

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (TheNate.org)

Repeatedly voted one of the best sculpture parks in America by USA Today is Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park sits within 100 acres of prairie landscape on the campus of Governors State University in University Park. This free attraction is open to the public 365 days a year. With 33 sculptures, including a 30-foot-tall Paul Bunyan, it’s a wonderful place to walk, bike and picnic while exploring these oversized pieces of art, some of which were created in the 1960s.

Chicago deep dish pizza

While the debate rages on as to when Chicago deep dish pizza was invented, and by whom, there is no debate at how mouth-wateringly delicious it is. Chicago deep dish pizza, which resembles a pot pie or casserole, is at least one inch deep, thus allowing room for extra sauce and toppings, and typically is eaten with a knife, fork and plenty of napkins. Along with white flour, the crust can include cornmeal and semolina flour. Because of its thickness, it takes longer to cook, so if you walk into a pizzeria hangry, make sure you order an appetizer (or two). It really doesn’t matter if you get your deep dish pie from 11 Chicago Southland Beggars Pizza locations (BeggarsPizza.com), three Chicago Southland Giordano’s locations (Giordanos.com) or two Chicago Southland Lou Malnati’s locations (LouMalnatis.com), it’s going to be absolutely delectable!

Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios (LottonArtGlass.com)

In 1970, self-taught glass artist Charles Lotton opened his art glass business after experimenting with glass formulas and colors. Charles’ incredible glassblowing skill and unique artistic vision blossomed into some of the world’s most awe-inspiring creations. Despite his death in 2021, Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios in Crete continues to thrive thanks to Charles sharing his enormous talent with his sons David and Daniel, along with his grandson Scott Bayless. Each artist has found his own style and they continue to produce some of the finest glass, which not only can be bought but also can be found in museums and galleries around the world.

Cal-Sag & Old Plank Road Trails (CalSagTrail.org & OPRT.org)

Looking to combine exercise, shopping, dinner and a drink? Pedal, jog or walk along the Cal-Sag Trail, which spans 13 miles through the south suburban Chicago Southland towns and Palos Forest Preserve. Along the trail, you’ll find Lake Katherine Nature Center and Sag Quarries Preserve, and just off the path, you’ll find restaurants and the Swap-O-Rama Flea Market in Alsip.

Old Plank Road Trail is a 22-mile paved trail that connects Chicago Heights to Joliet. Lush with wildlife and native prairie plants, the trail winds into Historic Downtown Frankfort. This quaint downtown offers a variety of unique shopping boutiques and one-of-a-kind dining options.

Railfanning (ChicagoSouthland.com/Rail-Fan)

Are you a person who enjoys trains? If so, then you’re officially a Railfan, and there isn’t a better place to catch a glimpse of a locomotive than in the Chicago Southland. The Blue Island Double Diamond with steel bridges in the background creates a picturesque location, but please be safe and stay on the sidewalks.

Five miles from the Double Diamond is Dolton Junction, the busiest rail intersection in the region with over 120 cars passing through daily. The best and safest place legally to view the trains crisscrossing in this location is in the public parking lot behind Dolton’s Village Hall.

In 2007, an elevated train-watching platform was built in Homewood and has become a popular destination for railfans looking to see commuter (Metra), intercity rail (Amtrak) and freight. The platform is adjacent to the historic Homewood train station and the vibrant downtown area with a variety of restaurants and shops.

Finally, the Park Forest Rail Fan Park is where you get the rare opportunity to see a double wye rail interchange. The park opened in 2012 and features a 40-foot elevated viewing platform, giving you spectacular views of one of the most important interchanges in the Canadian National system. The park also connects to the Old Plank Road Trail, which stretches 22 miles from Chicago Heights to Joliet.

Golfing (VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Golf)

Did you know Orland Park is known as the “World’s Golf Center?” Well, why is that? According to lore, there were 1,089 golf holes within a 15-mile radius of the village, so they decided to promote that on the town’s seven water towers. The Chicago Southland region has over 30 golf courses, so finding a tee time is usually just a phone call or two away. Professional tours have visited the area frequently, most recently the PGA Tour’s 2023 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club, which has also hosted majors including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont has also hosted numerous tour events.

Gayety’s Chocolates & Ice Cream Co. (EatMyChocolates.com)

Since 1920, you won’t find better hand-dipped chocolates, handmade ice cream or more enticing hot fudge sundaes than at Gayety’s Chocolates & Ice Cream Co. in downtown Lansing. Generations of Chicago Southland residents and visitors seemingly go back in time to experience the vintage ice cream fountain and décor. It’s the perfect way to end your day in the Chicago Southland with a huge chocolatey smile on your face!

Thornton Quarry

So, it’s akin to winning the lottery, but if you’re fortunate enough to have your number called from the waiting list, touring the Thornton Quarry is without question a Chicago Southland bucket list item. The Thornton Historical Society traditionally offers tours of the landmark quarry twice a year, on the first Saturday of June and the first Saturday of October. To request a reservation, email your name, home address, phone number, email address and the number of tickets you would like to quarrytourthorntonhs@gmail.com. You must be 18 years of age or older to take the tour.

Lincoln Exhibit at Visitor Information Center

It’s not just a place to use the bathroom or grab a snack; the Visitor Information Center off I-80 in South Holland also is home to an Abraham Lincoln Exhibit. Centrally located inside the aptly titled Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis is an Abraham Lincoln exhibit provided by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum. The exhibit includes six glass encasings of reproduced artifacts chronicling each period in President Lincoln’s life.