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 – existing with less fanfare but just as worthy of a visit and photograph. Here are a few:

Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios (LottonArtGlass.com)

The Lotton family is one of immense talent and at this Crete gallery you can see stunning works created from hot glass with intricate detail. The business has spanned more than 50 years and as has been tradition, the gallery and studios are open to the public to shop for hand-blown vases, bowls, sculptures, lamps, lighting and more – and view artists working before your eyes.

Railfan Viewing Sites (ChicagoSouthlandRail.com)

The Chicago Southland is one of the most densely packed railroad regions in the United States, making it a top destination for railfans. Check out the Blue Island Double Diamond or Dolton Junction, or watch trains go by from the Homewood Railroad Viewing Platform or the Park Forest Railfan Park.

The Peotone Windmill (PeotoneHistoricalSociety.org)

There’s so much fascinating history to learn about in the suburbs surrounding the city of Chicago, and we can learn so much from the early structures built by those who settled here. The Peotone Windmill is on the National Register of Historic Places and a hidden gem worth seeking out. Built in 1872, this full-sized, five-story, German-style windmill is run by wind and currently used as an interpretive center for early pioneer agriculture using 1870s technology.

1950s Park Forest House Museum (ParkForestHistory.org)

Run by the Park Forest Historical Society, this museum is very much a walk back in time. This house is beautifully stuck in an idyllic era within the first fully planned World War II suburb in the country and is filled with furnishings, toys, dolls and books representing that decade.

The Children’s Farm at the Center (TheCenterPalos.org)      

The pure joy that children get from getting up close with farm animals is immeasurable. At this summer attraction in Palos Park, farms are open for leisurely, self-guided tours allowing families to move at their own pace – interacting with animals, exploring trails and hopping on a hayride.

Thornton Distilling Co. (ThorntonDistilling.com)

Located in the oldest standing brewery in the state, there’s a throwback speakeasy vibe to this business where small-batch craft spirits are produced and rumors swirl of spirits of another kind that linger in the space. The 20,000-square-foot facility includes an event hall, restaurant and award-winning cocktail bar. The company was recently designated as an honored artisan in the Illinois Made program.

Bronzeville Children’s Museum (BronzevilleChildrensMuseum.com)

Located in Chicago, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum is the first and only African-American children’s museum in the country. Through its exhibits, it teaches young visitors about STEM topics and early Black innovators, significant Bronzeville landmarks and some of Chicago’s most famous and influential Black leaders in music, sports, politics and more.

Paarlberg Farm (SouthHolland.org)

The Paarlberg Farm is one of two historical homesteads maintained by the South Holland Historical Society. It was one of the village’s earliest settlements, built by a Dutch immigrant widow and her children following the death of her husband en route to the U.S. in search of religious freedom. The homestead comes to life each Labor Day when the Heritage Festival takes place. Follow the South Holland Historical Society on Facebook for farm and festival updates.

Shrine of Christ’s Passion (ShrineofChristsPassion.org)

This multimedia destination just over the border in St. John, Indiana, offers a peaceful and enlightening experience through gardens and paths created to emulate the Holy Land. Situated on 30 acres with 40 life-sized bronze sculptures in a dramatic landscape, this interactive half-mile pathway includes narration to provide insight into Christ’s journey. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Plaza is a recent addition that was dedicated last year. The shrine is operated by a non-denominational, private non-profit foundation.

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

Sometimes you can take a bite of something, and it just takes you back in time. That’s the case at Gayety’s Chocolates & Ice Cream Co., which was established over a century ago in Chicago and is now located in the suburb of Lansing. It was recently honored as a featured maker in the Illinois Made campaign. Chocolate candies are still hand dipped just like they’ve always been. Unique flavors of ice cream are scooped up with care and covered with homemade whipped cream, toppings and fresh fruit. They’re known for their fresh fruit sundaes, Muddle candies and banana splits. You can visit year-round for a taste of nostalgia and a reminder of what a difference high-quality, hand-crafted care makes.