Southland's Top Things To Do OutsideOutdoor adventures await in the Chicago Southland, from award-winning golf courses, peaceful lakes and trails to go-kart tracks and thrilling ropes courses. Whether you're looking for a day out with the family or a weekend trip with friends, there's something fun for everyone to do the Southland!AuthorsSteller
DestinationsChicagoItinerary

Outdoor Adventures

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
The Dubsdread Course here (Course #4) was been named one of America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses by Golf Digest and #1 in Illinois-Golfweek! Play golf year-round at this historic 72-hole public golf facility. In the warmer months, choose from four beautiful courses. When it's a bit colder, you can still head to the Toptracer Range, which has heated stalls.
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Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center
The outdoor adventures are year-round here! Explore trails, an outdoor climbing wall, ropes courses, and more at this 38-acre preserve. In the winter, try cross country skiing and snowshoeing!
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Lake Katherine Nature Center
Eighty-five acres of natural beauty await at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. Rent kayaks and get out on the lake, hike to beautiful waterfalls, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the gardens, woodlands, wetlands, and prairie.
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Monee Reservoir
Looking to get outside for a hike? Want to run trails? Or maybe you want to try snowshoing or cross country skiing in a winter wonderland? The Monee Reservoir features 1.66 miles of trails made specifically for these activities. In summer, the shores of the 46-acre lake (and adjacent wetland habitat with more than 120 bird species) are a beautiful place for a picnic. Of course, this is also a perfect place to come to fish! The lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, and more.
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Stellwagen Farm
This Orland Park farm has been here since approximately 1860! Today, the farm serves as a historical landmark (and time capsule) for the area with members of the Stellwagen family providing free tours Thursday through Saturday.
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Homewood Railroad Viewing Platform
Rail fans young and old love coming to this covered viewing platform to watch mainline/commuter trains come and go with live switchyard audio! 🚂
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Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
Get outside and into some art at this huge sculpture park located on the campus of Governors State University. Explore more than 100 acres and 30 masterpiece sculptures!
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Wilder Fields
Go on an adventure to learn more about sustainable farming at this once-empty Target store turned high-tech vertical farm in Calumet City. Using AI, hydroponics, machine learning, and robotics, Wilder Fields grows dozens of varieties of greens. Admission is free for up to 8 people! 🌿
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Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center (Burbank)
Got cabin fever? Need to get the kids out of the house? This is a great spot for the whole fam with outdoor and indoor fun! You can rent go-karts (or a junior go-kart), play a round of mini golf, perfect your swing in the batting cages, or head to the arcade. Make sure you try the virtual reality experience or see if you can make it through the web of laser beams in Lazer Frenzy.
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In The Game Hollywood Park
Get the whole family out for a day of fun at In The Game Hollywood Park. Play arcade games, chase each other on indoor bumper cars, race your friends on go-karts, and more. After some fun, stay for dinner or drinks at the on-site restaurant. Make sure you snap a photo at the iconic entrance!
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Where to Eat

Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery is inside a restored old rail station and specializes in award-winning, small-batch craft-brewed ales, lager, stouts, and more. Outside, they have a beer garden that overlooks downtown Flossmoor, a tap room in a vintage caboose, and a dog park.
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Aurelio's Pizza of Homewood
Stop in to indulge in a slice of the stuffed crust and soak up the classic pizza joint aesthetic here. Aurelio's, which is famous for being the first Chicago pizzeria to franchise, has been in Homewood since 1959! 🍕
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Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
Family-owned Chuck's is known for its blend of Mexican, Cajun-Creole, and old-fashioned Southern food, as well as its slow-cooked smoked BBQ. Don't miss the weekend breakfast menu for delicious choices like the Chorizo Rancheros and the Pain Perdu, which is authentic New Orleans-style French toast using French bread.
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Where to Stay

Homewood Suites by Hilton Orland Park
Close to a variety of golf courses, including Cog Hill, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Orland Park, makes a great home base for weekend of fun and adventure in the Chicago Southland!
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