Asian Culture

The Art Institute (Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy) 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603

ExploreThe Art Institute’s distinguished Asian collection, including works spanning nearly five millennia from China, Korea, Japan, India, southeast Asia and the Near and Middle East. It includes 35,000 objects of great archaeological and artistic significance, including Chinese bronzes, ceramics and archaic jades; Chinese and Japanese textiles; Japanese screens and paintings; Indian and Persian miniature paintings; and Indian and Southeast Asian sculpture. The collection of Japanese woodblock prints is considered by many to be one of the finest in the world.

Chinatown (Allow up to 3-4 hours to enjoy) Chicago Loop Neighborhood, Chicago, IL 60616

Chicago’s Chinatown is considered one of the largest and most vibrant ethnic communities in North America. Try some dim sum, which literally means, “Touch the heart.” The densely populated 30-block commercial area of Chinatown, centering at Wentworth and Cermak, is home to over 10,000 residents and approximately 400 businesses and community institutions. In the broader Chinatown community, there resides an estimated 27,000 Chinese Americans in the near-south neighborhoods. Set amongst the backdrop of cultural landmarks and popular sights such as the Nine Dragon Wall, Chinatown Gate and Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chinatown offers a glimpse into the customs, traditions and rich culture of one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

Taste of Asian Cuisine

Chi Tung Restaurant 9560 South Kedzie, Evergreen Park, IL 60805

Chi Tung Restaurant is the premier Asian restaurant in Evergreen Park. Serving a full menu of Chinese, Thai and Japanese favorites, Chi Tung has been recommended by everyone from Chicago Magazine to Check Please! With three separate kitchens, and experienced master chefs specializing in their native cuisine, Chi Tung offers its clientele the best Asian food in the area. The elegant dining room with seating for 200, coupled with an extensive menu makes this a perfect destination for all groups.

Discovering Hispanic/Latino Culture

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (Allow up to 2-3 hours to enjoy) 3015 West Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture preserves and expresses the vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture while telling the story of the important role of Puerto Ricans in developing the proud artistic tradition of Chicago and the nation. By providing a one-of-a-kind showcase for the vast array of traditional and contemporary Puerto Rican art, NMPRAC serves as a cultural center for all people including residents of Chicago and visitors from across the world - presenting competent visual arts and programming that furthers Puerto Rican history and artistic traditions. Through quality programming and art education the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture provides visitors an opportunity to truly learn about the history and traditions, broadening their understandings, enriching their lives and encouraging the celebration of diversity.

National Museum of Mexican Art (Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy) 1852 West 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608

The National Mexican Museum of Art is a vibrant and welcoming place where you can experience authentic Mexican art and culture outside of Mexico. Travel through 3,000 years of creativity through a cultural crossroad that connects you to the diversity of Mexican people. The curators and educators are experts in Mexican art and their passion for the museum inspires and enlightens visitors. Over the years they have inspired, educated and empowered tens of thousands of children and youth through arts programs. They are very accessible. Public transportation is available to the Museum, admission is always free and staff is always on hand to guide visitors. The art is displayed in a manner that lets the visitor feel connected to the exhibition.

The Public Art of Pilsen & Humboldt Park (Allow 1 hour to enjoy) Drive Through

Between Pilsen, Little Village and Humboldt Park, Chicago boasts some of the most vibrant Latino communities in the country. This city boasts cultural institutions like the National Museum of Mexican Art, jaw-dropping public murals created by renowned Latino artists and delicious Hispanic-inspired cuisine around every corner.

Taste of Latin Cuisine

Antique Taco 1360 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622

Antique Taco is a combination of everything the owners love: flavorful food, antique style, and the comfort of home.

Restaurante Tenochtitlan 12947 South Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 604006

A favorite stop for celebrity chef Graham Elliot, who favors the caldo de polo (chicken soup), horchata drink and a “super complex” mole sauce.

Rubi Agave Latin Kitchen, Tequila & Whiskey Bar 12622 West 159th Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491

A fusion of a restaurant, lounge, Latin bistro, cozy neighborhood bar and small music venue. The world’s best selection of tropical classic cocktails scatter the table while you taste the savory Latin American cuisine.

Irish Culture

Chicago Gaelic Park (Allow 1-2 hours to enjoy) 6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL 60452

If you want to feel Irish, but stay in the states, grab a Guiness in Chicago Southland. Start off at Chicago Gaelic Park, the award winning Chicago Southland banquet facility. In addition to hosting weddings, showers, birthdays and life celebrations, they are also an Irish athletic and cultural center. The goal of Gaelic Park is to perpetuate and promote Irish culture through sports, music, dance, theatre and religion. Throughout the year you can experience the celebration of all things Irish at their many festivals including the ten day event, “Ireland on Parade” building up to St. Patrick’s Day, Gaelic Park Irish Fest every August, Irish Heritage and Harvest Day in the Fall, an annual event honoring the 1916 Easter Rising which is celebrated by the Irish as the day of independence. While visiting Gaelic Park, visit The Carraig Irish Pub located right next door to the banquet facility. You’ll receive a true Irish experience where excellent service and warm hospitality are guaranteed. The Carraig Pub has earned a well-deserved reputation for great food, serving traditional Irish and more contemporary dishes. Whenever you visit Chicago Gaelic Park, you will definitely want to say Sláinte, which in basic Irish Gaelic meaning “good health” before you drink your pint!

Irish Shopping

South Side Irish Imports 3446 West 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655

South Side Irish Imports offers 6,000 square feet of retail space featuring a wide variety of inventory, excellent service and great prices. Established in 1980, it is probably the largest Irish store in the Chicagoland area and possibly in the US.

Irish Pubs and Restaurants

J. J. Kelley’s 2455 Bernice Road, Lansing, IL 60438

People in the Chicago Southland take great pride in their Irish heritage and it shows through the pubs and restaurants available. J. J. Kelley’s will welcome you and your group like family and provide a private room for banquets and a catering facility. J. J. Kelley’s is a true staple of the community as seen in its menu selections, ability to cater and a beer selection that incorporates local producers. Your Irish Eyes will definitely smile when you try their corned beef special.

Beverly Pub Crawl Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643

The Beverly neighborhood is an Irish enclave on the Far Southwest Side of Chicago. Eleven pubs complete this crawl including the famous Cork & Kerry and more. Pubs on this crawl are located within walking distance.

European Cultures

Polish/Lithuanian Cultures

The Polish Museum of America (Allow 1-2 hours to enjoy) 984 North Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60642

The Polish Museum of America is the crown jewel of the Polish-American community in Chicago and one of the nation’s first ethnic museums. The Museum also houses a Library and extensive Archives, which are routinely used by historians, researchers, students and genealogists. In the Museum, you will find on permanent display paintings and sculptures by 18th, 19th and 20th century Polish and Polish American artists; Polish coins, medals, books and photographs; Polish military uniforms and memorabilia from various wars and eras; Winged Hussar armor; An exhibit entitled "The Paderewski Room: a room dedicated to the life and historical achievements of Ignacy Jan Paderewski,” a pianist, composer and statesman, as well as so much more.

German Culture

German American Heritage Center (Allow 1-2 hours to enjoy) 25249 South Center Road, Frankfort, IL 60423

The German American Heritage Center of Frankfort is dedicated to supporting German American cultural landmarks and events through the study of German language and culture, as well as promoting harmony and goodwill among its members and with other German American clubs and societies across the United States. There are several opportunities to learn more about German American culture at one of the many events held throughout the year including of course Oktoberfest, a four day Maifest and many more events where you can say, “Prost!”

Chef Klaus Bier Stube 20827 South La Grange Road, Frankfort, IL 60423

Stay in Frankfort to enjoy a hearty German meal at Chef Klaus Bier Stube. Splendidly decorated with authentic German artifacts and other memorabilia, the Bier Stube provides customers the warmth, charm and friendly feeling of a German “landgashaust” (country inn).

**Please note: Itinerary may be modified to meet your group’s specific needs. Locations and selections are subject to availability. Please contact Tobie at Tobie@VisitChicagoSouthland.com or 708-895-8200 to obtain current pricing and confirmation of dates and locations.