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SightseeingFamily Favorite

Chicago Southland

· Chicago Southland, IL

Why you should go…

Chicago Southland is the destination marketing region promoted by the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, founded in 1986 and independent since 1993. The region spans 62 south and southwest suburbs of Chicago and includes two children's museums, waterparks, nature centers, biking and hiking trails, professional sports venues, railfan sites, and family dining. The Bureau coordinates leisure, meetings, sports and group tour marketing for the area in partnership with the Illinois Bureau of Tourism.

  • #family
  • #museums
  • #trails
  • #day trip

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chicago Southland, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Joliet, Illinois

    Free

    A historic Route 66 and canal town on the Des Plaines River, anchor of Illinois' Heritage Corridor.

    18 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

    $25–$50

    Descend into a coal mine, board a captured WWII U-boat, and geek out in the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    Chicago Oyster House

    $50+

    South Loop seafood and steak restaurant near McCormick Place known for fresh oysters and prime steaks.

    25 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Field Museum

    $25–$50

    Meet SUE the T. rex and roam ancient Egypt in one of the world's great natural history museums.

    25 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Buckingham Fountain

    Free

    Grant Park's grand 1927 fountain fires its center jet skyward every hour, with music-and-lights shows after dusk.

    26 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chicago Riverwalk

    Free

    A 1.25-mile waterfront promenade of patios, wine bars, and skyline views along the Chicago River.

    27 mi awayMore like this