Immerse
Just 30 minutes south of Chicago, this amazing mecca of unique suburbs offers everything you’re looking for when planning your next group tour. Begin your group’s trip with a tour of the region’s many artistic destinations. Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios showcases the work of legendary glassblower Charles Lotton, as well as work by his sons, David and Daniel, and his grandson, Scott Bayless.
For an outdoor experience, visit the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, repeatedly voted one of the best sculpture parks in the country by USA Today. Situated within 100 acres of prairie landscape on the campus of Governors State University in University Park, this free attraction is open to the public 365 days a year. With 34 sculptures—including a 30-foot-tall Paul Bunyan—it’s a wonderful place to walk, bike, and picnic while exploring these oversized pieces of art, some of which were created in the 1960s.
Sip
After checking out the local art scene, expose your group to some local flavor at Wild Blossom Meadery, Winery & Brewery. For more than two decades, Wild Blossom has been a fixture in the Chicago Southland, creating wine and mead using locally produced ingredients. The meads produced at Wild Blossom are among the most sustainably produced beverages in the world. At your wine blending experience, you will blend wine to your palate and your favorite bottle of wine goes with you. Wine can also be purchased during your experience. Looking for something a bit more unique? Pullman House Project & Pullman Club Coffee Shop combine savory sips with history as guests explore meticulously restored historic homes while also enjoying a caffeine boost.
Learn
The history buffs of your group may be interested in making a stop at Pullman National Historic Park. Located only 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, these five sites offer a robust opportunity to explore and discover the history and lessons of the Pullman Palace Car Company. The sites touch on the history of the company, the unique architecture and urban planning of the town, the American Labor movement, the Pullman Porters, and the African American experience at the end of the turn of the 20th century. The National Park Service Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your exploration of the historic Pullman neighborhood.
Or, consider visiting the Pullman State Historic Site, home to the preserved 1881 Pullman Car Works and Hotel Florence. The newly rehabilitated Pullman Car Works grounds feature 10 history signs for self-guided tours of the complex. The State Historic Site grounds and all open historic structures are ADA accessible. Railfans may watch Canadian National freight trains, Amtrak passenger trains, Metra Electric trains, and South Shore Line trains from the Hotel Florence veranda and from the Pullman Car Works’ grounds.
Learn More
Visit Chicago Southland
visitchicagosouthland.com
Lead image:
Nathan Mallow Sculpture Park
Photo by Guy Rhodes; courtesy of Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau
