Travel Inspirations

Discover Interpretive Murals Along the Lincoln Highway
Along the 179-mile Illinois Lincoln Highway, you will find over 30 interpretive gazebos and murals that help tell the story of America's First Coast-to-Coast Road. Dedicated in 1913, the Lincoln Highway runs about 25 miles through the Chicago Southland from Sauk Village&...

Dixie Highway Marks 100 Years
A young fur trader’s work nearly 200 years ago to set up a series of trading posts from Chicago to Vincennes, Ind., laid the groundwork for what we know today as the Dixie Highway, which turned 100 in 2015. Described as the World’s Greatest Rolling Car Show, D...

Exploring Black History in the Chicago Southland
As a center of the Great Migration, the Chicago area has a rich history when it comes to the African American experience. Throughout the city and suburbs are stories and lasting marks made by those who paved the way for future generations in many areas. Spend some time on yo...

Famous Graves in the Chicago Southland
Supporters of icons, whether music, religious, sports or military remain dedicated after their passing. The Chicago Southland is home to an eclectic mix, from famous blues musicians to Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, civil rights icons, Chicago mayors and the founde...

Historical Markers
For history buffs, the Chicago Southland is full of sites that give a glimpse into the past. The area has a rich history that encompasses many areas - aviation, education, industry, railroad, transportation, slavery, sports, agriculture, architecture and more. You can lea...

Memorials Around the Chicago Southland
There are several memorials to the veterans who served in the five branches of the U.S. Military and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This tour will take you to memorials in 13 towns throughout the Chicago Southland. You will see everything from helicopters to tan...

Places on the National Historic Register
The Chicago Southland is home to more than a dozen sites on the National Historic Register. From famous homes, aircraft hangars and downtowns, exploring the Chicago Southland is like exploring history of the Midwest. Joshua P. Young House 244 High Street, Blue Isla...

Pullman National Monument
Interpreting stories of perseverance, preservation and pride related to American industrialization, urban planning, labor and civil rights. After years of planning and restoration, Pullman National Monument and State Historic Site held the grand opening of the Pullman Nat...

Recognizing the Early Inhabitants
Chicago Southland Touched with Native American Influence Before the European settlers made their way to Northern Illinois, the area was inhabited by Native Americans. You’ll find subtle references to early tribes and attractions honoring them within the area. Be ...

Rich in Black History
The movement and settlement of African Americans across the Chicago Southland has led to a rich history over the past 180 years.  There is a strong resurgence of interest in the history of the Underground Railroad across the region. This is about the movement of...

Stellwagen Farm
Take a step back in time and visit the historic Stellwagen Farm in Orland Park! In 1844, the Stellwagen family first settled in the Chicago Southland area after patriarch Philip Stellwagen purchased 80 acres of land in Frankfort Township. After Philip’s son, Mathias, w...

The Illinois Black Hall of Fame
Honoring the Legacy of Influential Black Leaders with Illinois Connections Did you know that the Illinois Black Hall of Fame is located in the Chicago Southland at Governors State University? Its creation coincided with the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday i...