15 Chicago Southland Fun Facts

The Chicago Southland is a special place, nestled about 30 miles from the City of Chicago made up of an array of large and small south and southwest suburbs that offer so much in the way of shopping, dining, sports, recreation, entertainment, lodging and more. It’s an ideal place for a getaway - whether you’re a couple, a family, a group or a business traveler. Here’s a few fun facts about this little corner of the Midwest that is so easy to love!

1. Six interstates run through the area, making it convenient to get to via I-80, I-94, I-294, I-55, I-57 and I-355.

2. The Chicago Southland has the largest collection of Haas illusion murals in the world.

3. Brookfield Zoo Chicago houses about 450 species of animals. 

4. The Chicago Southland is home to Pullman National Historical Park, the country’s first planned industrial community.

5. More than 40,000 acres of forestry sit within the Chicago Southland.

6. The Chicago Southland has more than 5,800 hotel rooms.

7. There are at least 15 veteran memorials in the Chicago Southland. 

8. The Chicago Southland is one of the most densely packed railroad regions in the United States with viewing platforms in Homewood and Park Forest.

9. The Chicago Southland is within a five-hour drive from 8 states.

10. There are more than 600 holes of golf in the Chicago Southland. 

11. The Chicago Southland is home to the Windy City ThunderBolts who have won three division championships (2007, 2008, 2010) and two Frontier League championships (2007, 2008).

12. Big Marsh Bike Park is a 280-plus acre off road bike path and nature area with 33,000-square feet of track.

13. The Chicago Southland is home to the world’s largest pizzeria, Aurelio’s in Homewood, which seats more than 650 in over 13,000-square-feet.

14. The historic Dixie Highway, the country’s first planned auto trail, runs through the Chicago Southland. 

15. The Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Swallow Cliff features a stairway that is perfect for fitness use. The limestone stairway built in 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps features 125 stairs.

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