Broadview IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Broadview, Illinois.
1. Sawa's Old Warsaw Polish Style Smorgasbord
AUTHENTIC POLISH DINING EXPERIENCE
Sawa's Old Warsaw Polish Style Smorgasbord offers visitors an authentic taste of Polish cuisine in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Visitors can enjoy traditional pierogies, kielbasa, and other Eastern European specialties served buffet-style. This popular dining establishment has become a culinary landmark in Broadview, attracting both locals and tourists seeking genuine Polish flavors.
2. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
ICONIC CHICAGO DEEP DISH
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria serves up one of Chicago's most beloved deep-dish pizza experiences with a convenient carry-out location in Broadview. The pizzeria is famous for its buttery, flaky crust, special sausage blend, and perfectly balanced tomato sauce that has been drawing pizza enthusiasts for generations. Visitors can take home a taste of authentic Chicago pizza culture from this legendary establishment that remains family-owned and operated.
3. Broadview Village Square
LOCAL SHOPPING HUB
Broadview Village Square serves as the community's central shopping destination with a variety of retail stores and services. Visitors can enjoy convenient shopping in a suburban setting that offers ample parking and accessibility. The shopping center embodies the small-town charm of Broadview while providing modern amenities for both residents and tourists.
4. Brookfield Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
Brookfield Zoo, located near Broadview, offers visitors the opportunity to observe over 2,000 animals across 216 acres of naturalistic habitats. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforests to Arctic tundra, all while learning about wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo's immersive exhibits, including the popular Tropic World and Great Bear Wilderness, provide educational experiences for visitors of all ages throughout the year.
5. Oak Park
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SITE
Oak Park, adjacent to Broadview, is renowned for its extraordinary collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes and buildings, including the architect's own home and studio. Visitors can take guided walking tours to admire the Prairie School architecture that revolutionized American design during the early 20th century. This architecturally significant suburb also offers charming shopping districts, excellent restaurants, and cultural attractions that make it worth exploring when staying in the Broadview area.
6. Wrigley Field
HISTORIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Wrigley Field stands as one of America's most beloved and historic baseball stadiums, home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and located a short drive from Broadview. Visitors can experience the nostalgic ambiance of this iconic ballpark with its ivy-covered walls, hand-operated scoreboard, and passionate fans creating an atmosphere unlike any other in major league sports. Beyond baseball games, the stadium and surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood offer tours, restaurants, and entertainment options that capture the essence of Chicago's sports culture.
7. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Navy Pier extends nearly a mile into Lake Michigan, offering visitors a dynamic mix of attractions, restaurants, shops, and spectacular views of Chicago's skyline. Visitors can ride the iconic Centennial Wheel, explore the Chicago Children's Museum, or catch a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The pier hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including summer fireworks and winter festivities, making it a year-round destination for those staying in the Broadview area.
8. Millennium Park
URBAN CULTURAL OASIS
Millennium Park showcases Chicago's commitment to public art, innovative architecture, and green space in the heart of downtown, just a short drive from Broadview. Visitors can marvel at the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (known as 'The Bean'), cool off in the interactive Crown Fountain, or attend free concerts at the striking Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry. The park connects seamlessly with other attractions including the Art Institute of Chicago and Maggie Daley Park, creating an essential cultural experience for any Chicago-area visit.
9. Grant Park
CHICAGO'S FRONT YARD
Grant Park, often called 'Chicago's front yard,' spans 319 acres along Lake Michigan and hosts many of the city's largest outdoor events including Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. Visitors can admire the magnificent Buckingham Fountain, explore the Museum Campus housing the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, or simply enjoy the expansive green spaces with stunning skyline views. The park's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring downtown Chicago when staying in nearby suburbs like Broadview.
10. Michigan Avenue
MAGNIFICENT MILE SHOPPING
Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile presents visitors with a world-class shopping experience featuring luxury retailers, department stores, and boutiques lining an iconic stretch of downtown Chicago. Visitors can admire the historic architecture interspersed with modern skyscrapers while exploring over 460 stores, numerous restaurants, and attractions like the Chicago Water Tower. The vibrant thoroughfare transforms with the seasons, featuring spring flower displays, summer sidewalk cafes, fall fashion events, and dazzling holiday lights that draw visitors from Broadview and beyond.
11. Six Flags Great America
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Six Flags Great America offers thrill-seekers an adrenaline-pumping experience with over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including 17 heart-pounding roller coasters. Visitors can cool off at Hurricane Harbor water park during summer months or experience seasonal events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. Located within driving distance of Broadview, this premier amusement park provides a full day of entertainment for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
12. McCormick Place
PREMIER CONVENTION CENTER
McCormick Place stands as North America's largest convention center, hosting major trade shows, expositions, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can attend diverse events ranging from the Chicago Auto Show to comic book conventions in this massive complex spanning 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. The facility's location near Lake Michigan offers stunning views and easy access to downtown Chicago attractions for those staying in nearby communities like Broadview.
13. Soldier Field
HISTORIC SPORTS STADIUM
Soldier Field combines historic architecture with modern amenities as the home of the Chicago Bears NFL team and a venue for major concerts and events. Visitors can tour the stadium to learn about its rich history dating back to 1924, including its role hosting everything from military events to championship games. The distinctive venue, with its blend of classical colonnades and contemporary design, offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline, making it a worthwhile destination for sports enthusiasts visiting from Broadview.
14. The Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the world's most impressive art collections, featuring over 300,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Visitors can admire iconic masterpieces including Grant Wood's 'American Gothic,' Georges Seurat's 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,' and an extensive Impressionist collection alongside contemporary works, photography, and artifacts from across the globe. The museum's central location adjacent to Millennium Park makes it an essential cultural destination for art lovers staying in the Broadview area.
15. Garfield Park Conservatory
URBAN BOTANICAL PARADISE
Garfield Park Conservatory stands as one of the largest botanical conservatories in the United States, offering visitors a tropical escape in the heart of Chicago's west side, not far from Broadview. Visitors can explore eight indoor display gardens housing thousands of plant species beneath soaring glass domes, including the popular Fern Room, Desert House, and Palm House. The conservatory's combination of historic architecture, stunning plant collections, and year-round programming makes it a peaceful retreat regardless of Chicago's often unpredictable weather.