Day 1 – Welcome to the Chicago Southland
After checking in to your hotel, start your Chicago Southland adventure off at Big Marsh Bike Park! Big Marsh Bike Park is located just east of Lake Calumet and is 278 acres of open space. Big Marsh is a brand-new playground for cycling and nature lovers alike! Big Marsh is home to both family-friendly bike trails, as well as world-class venues for mountain biking, cyclocross racing and trail ride. Big Marsh also features additional facilities for students of all ages, including a tot track for the youngest riders, small pump track, large pump track, jump lines, flow trail and single-track trails. Rent a bike or just enjoy the view at Big Marsh Bike Park!
After working up an appetite biking in the great outdoors, it’s time for dining at Portillo’s, home to American’s favorite Italian beef, burgers, salads, Chicago-style hot dogs and chocolate cake. The first Portillo’s hot dog stand, known as “The Dog House,” opened in 1963 in Villa Park. Now, with over 30 locations, you can experience Portillo’s famous food for yourself.
Day 2 – Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
The Chicago Southland loves baseball and all that goes along with the game! Start day two off at Homewood Bat Co., an experience you don’t want to miss! Homewood Bat is the only wood bat manufacturer in Illinois and approved by the MLB. See how bats are made for the professionals and get a personalized souvenir bat with your name engraved. Visit Homewood Bat Co. for yourself and experience the “Sweet Sound of a Homewood Bat!” This tour is $5 per person. Please note, you will need to show your $5 ticket to receive a souvenir bat (not engraved). To have your bat personally engraved, an additional $5 fee applies.
Next, have lunch at Aurelio’s. Now that you’ve experience the only wood bat manufacturer in Illinois, it’s time to experience the world’s largest pizzeria! Enjoy lunch at “The Original” Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood and don’t forget to have your pizza cooked in the old oven—trust us!
After enjoying an old oven pizza, take a tour of Guaranteed Rate Field (locals refer to it as “The Cell”), located on the south side of Chicago. Group tours (10 or more) are available on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 A.M. on game days and 10:30 A.M. or 1:30 P.M. on non-game days. Tours include viewing the home dugout, press box, field suites and Stadium Club. Advance reservations are required!
After the tour of Guaranteed Rate Field, enjoy a game of White Sox baseball. While at the make, be sure to try the bacon-on-a-stick, banana split sundae helmet or corn off the cob: fresh corn topped with an assortment of ingredients, including butter, salt and pepper. It’s not typical, but it is quite possibly the best item at “The Cell!” Go! Go! White Sox!
Option: The Windy City ThunderBolts
If you prefer a more intimate baseball experience, enjoy a Windy City ThunderBolts game at Ozinga Field in Crestwood. The Windy City ThunderBolts are the Chicago Southland’s professional minor league baseball team and have been members of the Frontier League for 18 years. The ThunderBolts won the Frontier League championship in 2007 and 2008, becoming only the second team in league history to win back-to-back championships. Nothing is more American than baseball, America’s Pastime, and you can’t find a better value than to experience a Windy City ThunderBolts game at Ozinga Field. Go ThunderBolts!
Day 3 – A Day of Champions with Chicago Southland’s Best
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is located on the south side of Chicago, in the Hyde Park neighborhood. MSI is the largest science museum in the western hemisphere. Among its diverse and expansive exhibits, the museum features a full-size replica coal mine, German submarine U-505 captured during World War II, a 3,500 square foot model railroad, the first diesel-powered streamlined stainless steel passenger train (Pioneer Zephyr) and the Apollo 8 spacecraft that carried the first humans to orbit the Moon. Explore MSI, where science comes to life!
Next, enjoy an early dinner at Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café in Burbank. Chuck’s specializes in BBQ, gourmet Mexican and Cajun food. Featured on several television shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and local favorites such as Windy City Live, Chuck’s is the perfect spot for slow cooked, smoked barbecue delights.
After filling up on delicious BBQ, head over to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview to cheer on the Chicago Red Stars. The Red Stars are a founding member of Women’s Professional Soccer and played in the league in 2009 and 2010. Since 2015, the Red Stars have made the playoffs in the National Women’s Soccer League and are the first and only team to do so for five consecutive years. Notable former players include Lindsay Tarpley and Megan Rapinoe. Join the team’s mascot, Supernova, and cheer on the Red Stars before heading back home!
*Please note: Itinerary may be modified to meet your group’s specific needs. Locations and selections are subject to availability. Please contact Tobie at Tobie@VisitChicagoSouthland.com or 708-895-8200 to obtain current pricing and confirmation of dates and locations.
Big Marsh Bike Park
Portillo's
Homewood Bat Co.
Aurelio's Pizza
Guaranteed Rate Field
Windy City ThunderBolts
Museum of Science and Industry
Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café
Chicago Red Stars
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