Top 15 Attractions in Blue Island, Illinois

In the early 20th century, this city in the Chicago Southland was the primary commercial and residential center in the southern region of Cook County.

Today, Blue Island, located just over 15 minutes from downtown Chicago, is a vibrant and appealing community rich in architectural beauty that dates back a century or more.

Visitors can explore the downtown area, which features numerous independent small businesses, including restaurants and unique shops.

In the 21st century, Blue Island is linked to neighboring Chicago Southland communities via the 26-mile Cal-Sag Trail, which runs along the historic shipping canal traversing the city.

1. Downtown Blue Island

Blue Island’s commercial core boasts a rich history spanning approximately 150 years. Along Western Avenue and its historic southern section adjacent to the Cal-Sag Channel, there exists a welcoming selection of locally owned businesses.

These establishments include Chicago-style restaurants, a craft brewery, an antiques center, bakeries, floral shops, pizzerias, taquerias, and various bars.

In the early days of automobile travel, Western Avenue formed part of the Dixie Highway, an early roadway network connecting Chicago to Miami.

For those interested in the historical narrative of Blue Island, comprehensive lists of 74 local landmarks are available for download from the city website, ideal for a self-guided tour of these architecturally significant residential and commercial properties.

2. Memorial Park (Blue Island Park District)

Located just northwest of downtown, the premier park of the Blue Island Park District features an entrance marked by an LTV A-7 Corsair II light attack aircraft.

Surrounded by lush residential streets, Memorial Park offers amenities such as a pool (discussed further below), a splash pad, children’s playground, picnic shelter, skate park, two baseball fields, and a football field.

The park also includes a network of well-maintained, paved pathways along its eastern edge, which are particularly picturesque in autumn when the foliage transforms.

In winter, Memorial Park remains a favored family destination due to its sledding hill and toboggan slide.

3. Cal-Sag Trail

During the compilation of this list, Blue Island was being integrated into a walking and biking trail system covering the Chicago Southland, extending from Lemont, Illinois to the Chicago Lakefront and the Indiana border.

With new sections becoming available every few months, the Cal-Sag Trail will ultimately span 26 miles, tracing the banks of the Cal-Sag Channel.

A substantial completed segment runs through Blue Island, crossing the channel at Division Street and traversing downtown along Vermont Street.

At Lemont, the trail connects with another extensive route on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail.

4. Blue Island Beer Company

Situated on historic Old Western Avenue, south of downtown Blue Island, a flourishing craft brewery presents 12 diverse beers on tap.

Reviving a time-honored brewing tradition in the city, Blue Island Beer Company is rooted in classic beer styles while also experimenting with innovative new concoctions.

At the time of writing, the taproom offered a variety including a Pilsner, a Hazy IPA, an American IPA, a pre-Prohibition-style Amber Ale, an Imperial Milk Stout, and a German-style Kölsch Ale, among others.

Growlers can be filled, and cans or bottles are available for purchase. Regarding food, Blue Island Beer Company has partnered with the nearby Natural Law bar and grill for deliveries or patrons may bring food from one of Blue Island’s numerous excellent eateries.

5. The Park at York & Western

Located in downtown Blue Island, a quaint pocket park features benches, picnic tables, and a gazebo.

In close proximity to popular eateries such as T & G Gyros, Iversen’s Bakery, and De Mar’s Coffee Shop, this park provides a perfect setting for summer picnics.

Every Monday from mid-June through September, the Park at York & Western serves as the venue for Blue Island’s farmers’ market, showcasing fresh seasonal produce sourced from the region.

An informational board detailing the intriguing history of the Dixie Highway is also situated on the Western Avenue side of the park.

6. St. Donatus Feast & Carnival

For over 110 years, the Church of St. Donatus has hosted a vibrant five-day festival every August, commemorating the feast of the namesake saint.

This event stands as one of the last prominent church festivals in the Chicago area, renowned for its exceptional cuisine.

Featured food options include Italian beef, sausage, fried dough, wings, clams, delicious pizza, Italian ice, and Mexican delicacies.

Typically, a procession occurs on Sunday, accompanied by carnival rides, games, bingo, and a packed schedule of live music throughout the five days.

7. Three Sisters Antique Mall

The Woolworth Building, an imposing structure downtown, dates back to 1918 and showcases Spanish Revival-style moldings on its frieze.

Once home to a Woolworth’s store until 1993 and the second floor formerly occupied by the Blue Island Elks and Blue Island Specialty Company (est. 1898), a distinguished dental equipment manufacturer, the building now houses a spacious multi-dealer antiques mall, recognized as the finest of its kind in the Chicago Southland.

This venue is an excellent location for losing track of time while browsing a diverse selection of furniture, vintage toys, books, clothing, collectibles, and various forms of decorative arts.

8. Whistler Woods Forest Preserve

On the southern bank of the Little Calumet River, directly east of Blue Island, lies a picturesque expanse of woodland featuring mature oaks that are up to 300 years old.

Whistler Woods Forest Preserve includes two picnic groves and abundant opportunities for birding within this riverside habitat.

Access to the Major Taylor Trail, a 7.6-mile multi-use rail trail named after Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor (1878-1932), a record-breaking African American professional cyclist, is also available here.

This trail extends through the urban landscape of Chicago’s southwest side, reaching as far as Dan Ryan Woods.

9. Eagle’s Bowling Lanes

Another impressive building in downtown serves as the lodge for the Blue Island chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, established in 1906.

Inside, there is a cozy and inviting bowling alley, providing an intimate atmosphere for a friendly game with companions. Unlike large, generic alleys, this one features only six lanes, along with a bar area for adults.

The prices for games, drinks, and snacks (such as pizza and popcorn) are very reasonable, and the alley remains open late on weekend evenings.

10. Hart Park

This park, situated in the northern part of Blue Island, features one of the most popular baseball and softball stadiums in the Chicago Southland, accommodating both men’s and women’s league games and tournaments, as well as programs like the White Sox Amateur City Elite.

The city established this stadium in 1939, later acquired by the Blue Island Park District in 1963 and named in honor of a former mayor.

Here, you will find a concession stand, a children’s playground, and a concrete recreation area. During winter months, this venue hosts the Blue Island Ice Rink.

11. The Meadows Golf Club

Located on Blue Island’s northwestern outskirts is a substantial green area that stretches for miles, hosting various parks, cemeteries, and sports facilities, including this public golf course.

Inaugurated in 1994, The Meadows Golf Club is an 18-hole par 71 course, measuring 6,549 yards from the tips. With gently rolling terrain and a slope rating of 121, it is well-suited for newcomers to the sport.

The rates are quite reasonable for the Chicago area, listed at under $40 during our compilation of this article. The course also features a driving range, ideal for those seeking to practice prior to their round.

12. T & G Gyros

For those yearning for Chicago-style comfort food, a beloved independent venue awaits on South Western Avenue downtown.

T & G Gyros has operated for decades, offering regional favorites such as gyros, Italian beef, Polish sausage, combo meals, and hot dogs.

Perhaps best known for its Big Baby double cheeseburger, customers can customize it to their preference.

The menu also features rib-eye steak, fish sandwiches, spicy wings, salads, lemonade, malts, and shakes.

13. In the Game, Hollywood Park

Adjacent to the Rivercrest Shopping Center lies a classic family entertainment facility, featuring a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions.

Recently renovated, In the Game includes go-karts, mini golf, mini bowling, indoor bumper cars, an arcade, a ropes course for young children, a Typhoon motion simulator, virtual reality experiences, a children’s roller coaster, and a giant slide.

The restaurant at In the Game exclusively serves certified Animal Welfare Approved products, devoid of antibiotics and hormones, while also offering a selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails.

14. Memorial Park Pool

A practical and affordable way to cool off during the summer is by visiting the outdoor aquatic center located at Memorial Park.

The expansive, curving pool features three distinct areas designed for wading/leisure, lap swimming, and diving in the deep end.

This straightforward facility provides a no-frills swimming experience, with recent announcements from the park district regarding forthcoming enhancements.

The pool operates throughout the summer, offering hours from 12 PM to 5 PM and again from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Families can rent sun loungers for a nominal fee.

15. Centennial Park

This park, established in 1936, is positioned in the eastern part of Blue Island and runs parallel to I-57, yet remains well-concealed behind a buffer of residential buildings and trees.

Centennial Park serves as a venue for active recreation and includes no fewer than four baseball and softball diamonds.

This space is ideal for families, featuring a sizable fenced playground located on the southwest corner, adjacent to a picnic shelter and shaded by tall, old trees.

A walking path meanders through the park and has been recently repaved, enhancing accessibility.