Matteson IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Matteson, Illinois.
1. Matteson Historical Museum
VILLAGE HERITAGE ON DISPLAY
The Matteson Historical Museum showcases the rich heritage and development of this Chicago Southland community. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Matteson's evolution from rural settlement to suburban village. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into local history and serves as an educational resource for residents and tourists alike.
2. Butterfield Creek Headwaters Land and Water Reserve
SCENIC NATURAL ESCAPE
Butterfield Creek Headwaters Land and Water Reserve offers visitors a quiet and beautiful place to escape the urban environment. This natural area, located in the south of Matteson, features the peaceful waters of Butterfield Creek, a small tributary of the Calumet River that flows north to Lake Michigan. The reserve is particularly popular for its stunning sunset views reflected in the calm creek waters, and can be visited year-round without an admission fee.
3. Old Plank Road Prairie
HISTORIC TRAIL EXPERIENCE
Old Plank Road Prairie offers visitors a chance to experience restored native Illinois prairie landscapes along a historic transportation route. This natural area features walking trails through diverse ecosystems where visitors can observe native plants and wildlife throughout different seasons. The site combines recreational opportunities with historical significance as it follows the path of a 19th-century plank road that once connected the region.
4. Matteson Community Center
HUB FOR LOCAL ACTIVITIES
The Matteson Community Center serves as a focal point for recreation and community gatherings in the village. The facility offers various programs, classes, and events for residents and visitors of all ages throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy indoor activities, fitness opportunities, and special community events in this welcoming village hub.
5. Lincoln Mall Site
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
The Lincoln Mall site represents an important part of Matteson's commercial history as the location of the once-famous shopping destination that operated until its demolition in 2017. Though the mall itself is no longer standing, the area continues to evolve with new development projects reshaping this significant part of the village. Visitors interested in urban development can observe how this once-bustling retail hub is being transformed for future generations.
6. Oakwood Center
MODERN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Oakwood Center provides a contemporary shopping experience for residents and visitors to Matteson. This retail destination features a variety of stores, restaurants, and services catering to diverse shopping needs. Visitors can enjoy convenient parking, indoor comfort, and multiple dining options while exploring the center's offerings.
7. Matteson Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The Matteson Farmers Market brings fresh, locally-grown produce and handcrafted items to the village during market season. Visitors can browse stalls featuring fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal products from area farmers and craftspeople. The market creates a vibrant community atmosphere while supporting local agriculture and small businesses.
8. Wonderverse
INTERACTIVE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Wonderverse offers an immersive entertainment experience with interactive play areas and activities for families. Located in Oak Brook, this attraction features various play zones where children and adults can engage in creative and physical activities together. Visitors can purchase play cards that provide access to the venue's numerous entertainment options, with special deals often available.
9. Oakbrook Center
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Oakbrook Center stands as one of Chicagoland's premier open-air shopping destinations featuring upscale retailers and dining options. The beautifully landscaped mall encompasses numerous department stores, specialty shops, and restaurants in an elegant outdoor setting. Visitors can enjoy a sophisticated shopping experience with convenient amenities and seasonal events throughout the year.
10. Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park showcases large-scale contemporary sculptures across 100 acres of prairie landscape at Governors State University. Visitors can walk among impressive artworks by renowned sculptors while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. The park offers a unique cultural experience where art and nature intersect in the Chicago Southland region.
11. Thorn Creek Nature Preserve
WOODLAND HIKING PARADISE
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve offers over 900 acres of protected woodland featuring diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats near Matteson. Hikers can explore miles of trails through forests, wetlands, and prairie while observing native plant and animal species. The preserve's nature center provides educational exhibits and programming about local ecology and conservation efforts.
12. Olympia Fields Country Club
HISTORIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Olympia Fields Country Club stands as one of America's most prestigious golf destinations with two championship courses that have hosted numerous major tournaments. The club's historic clubhouse showcases architectural elegance while preserving the heritage of this golfing landmark established in 1915. Golf enthusiasts recognize this venue for its challenging play and significant place in the sport's history.
13. Sauk Trail Woods
NATURAL FOREST RETREAT
Sauk Trail Woods provides a natural retreat with scenic forest preserves and recreational facilities in Chicago's southern suburbs. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, fishing spots, and extensive hiking trails through wooded terrain. The preserve offers seasonal beauty with wildflowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and serene winter landscapes.
14. Chicago Heights Drama Group
COMMUNITY THEATER EXCELLENCE
The Chicago Heights Drama Group delivers quality theatrical performances in one of the area's oldest community theater organizations. Their productions showcase local talent in a range of dramatic and musical works throughout their regular season. Visitors can enjoy intimate, professional-caliber shows in a welcoming venue that has contributed to the region's cultural landscape for generations.
15. Coyote Run Golf Course
SCENIC PUBLIC GOLFING
Coyote Run Golf Course offers an exceptional public golfing experience with beautifully maintained fairways and challenging holes in the Chicago Southland. The 18-hole championship course features scenic water features, strategic bunkers, and diverse terrain suitable for players of varying skill levels. Golfers can enjoy quality amenities including a clubhouse, practice facilities, and professional instruction at this well-regarded municipal course.