Chicago Heights IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chicago Heights, Illinois.
1. The Drama Group
COMMUNITY THEATER EXCELLENCE
The Drama Group in Chicago Heights features passionate local actors showcasing their talents in award-winning plays. Visitors can enjoy great entertainment at excellent value in a cozy, intimate setting. The theater provides a cultural cornerstone for the community with regular performances throughout the year.
2. Indian Hill Woods
NATURAL FOREST RETREAT
Indian Hill Woods offers visitors a serene natural escape within Chicago Heights. The wooded area provides hiking trails and opportunities to connect with nature just minutes from the city. Nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife and enjoy seasonal foliage in this peaceful setting.
3. Jirtle Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Jirtle Park serves as a community gathering space with recreational facilities for Chicago Heights residents and visitors. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open green spaces perfect for family outings. Seasonal events and activities are often hosted here throughout the year.
4. Chicago Heights Park District
DIVERSE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Chicago Heights Park District manages numerous recreational facilities and green spaces throughout the city. Visitors can enjoy everything from sports fields and courts to community programs and special events. The district works year-round to provide quality outdoor experiences for all ages and interests.
5. Union Street Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Union Street Gallery displays works from talented local and regional artists in the heart of Chicago Heights. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and creative workshops throughout the year. Art enthusiasts can experience the vibrant cultural scene of the area through its carefully curated collections.
6. Marcus Chicago Heights Cinema
MODERN MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Marcus Chicago Heights Cinema offers the latest films in a comfortable, modern theater setting. Moviegoers can enjoy premium seating options and concessions while catching new releases and occasional special screenings. The cinema serves as an entertainment hub for residents and visitors looking for a quality movie experience.
7. Old Plank Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Old Plank Trail is a 22-mile paved pathway running through Chicago Heights and beyond, built on a former railroad corridor. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can enjoy this well-maintained trail that passes through diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats. Visitors might spot bald eagles and other wildlife while traversing this scenic route that connects multiple communities.
8. Pensy Greenway
URBAN NATURE PATH
The Pensy Greenway forms part of a longer paved path network running through southern Chicago and Chicago Heights. This well-maintained trail takes visitors through beautiful natural areas while remaining accessible from urban centers. Cyclists particularly appreciate the smooth surfaces and scenic surroundings of this popular greenway.
9. Plum Creek Greenway
PRESERVE WALKING TRAILS
Plum Creek Greenway offers a network of trails within the Goodenow Groove Nature Preserve near Chicago Heights. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore forests and wetlands while following the path of the scenic Plum Creek. The preserve protects important habitats for various reptiles, birds, and other wildlife species.
10. Plum Valley Preserve
WILDLIFE WATCHING DESTINATION
Plum Valley Preserve protects crucial forest and wetland habitats surrounding a portion of Plum Creek near Chicago Heights. Nature lovers can spot a variety of reptiles and birds while exploring the preserve's natural features. The conservation area serves as an important ecological sanctuary in the region, providing both environmental benefits and recreational opportunities.
11. The Irish Legend Ghost Tour
SPOOKY HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
The Irish Legend Ghost Tour takes brave visitors through supposedly haunted locations around the Chicago Heights area. Participants learn about local legends, historical hauntings, and unexplained phenomena during this atmospheric evening experience. The tour combines entertainment with local history for a unique perspective on the community's past.
12. Zarlengo's Italian Ice
AUTHENTIC FROZEN TREATS
Zarlengo's Italian Ice delights visitors with authentic Italian frozen desserts in Chicago Heights. Their handcrafted Italian ice, gelato, and other sweet treats are made using traditional methods and quality ingredients. Locals and tourists alike flock to this popular spot, especially during warm months, to enjoy these refreshing specialties.
13. Hi-Way Bakery
BELOVED LOCAL INSTITUTION
Hi-Way Bakery has been serving fresh-baked goods to the Chicago Heights community for generations. Customers can choose from an array of breads, pastries, cakes, and other treats made using time-honored recipes. This beloved local institution offers a taste of tradition and community through its handcrafted baked goods.
14. Bergstein's NY Delicatessen
AUTHENTIC NEW YORK FARE
Bergstein's NY Delicatessen brings authentic New York deli cuisine to Chicago Heights with its traditional sandwiches, soups, and sides. Visitors can enjoy piled-high corned beef, pastrami, and other classic deli meats prepared according to time-honored recipes. The restaurant's atmosphere captures the essence of a genuine New York delicatessen experience in the Midwest.
15. Aurelio's Pizza
LEGENDARY CHICAGO-STYLE PIZZA
Aurelio's Pizza serves up beloved Chicago-style pies to hungry patrons in its Chicago Heights location. The restaurant offers thin crust, stuffed, and specialty pizzas along with Italian favorites in a family-friendly setting. Many consider Aurelio's a local institution, drawing visitors from throughout the region for their signature recipes and welcoming atmosphere.