Top 15 Attractions and Activities in South Holland, IL

The eclectic village of South Holland is situated in Southland Chicago, bordered to the south by Interstate 80 and to the east by Illinois Route 1.

Traversing South Holland from east to west is 162nd S (U.S. Route 6), which features a continuous stretch of restaurants, many of which are long-established family-owned establishments.

This article will highlight some of the noteworthy options within the village, while also revealing numerous attractions in the surrounding area, including expansive forest preserves, specialized museums, summer public water parks, and craft breweries.

1. Wampum Lake

The southern portion of South Holland includes this 380-acre forest preserve that encompasses a lake created from quarry operations for the I-80 in the 1950s.

A favored fishing location, Wampum Lake features a picturesque shoreline, alongside woodlands adorned with wildflowers during the summer, providing tranquil open areas suitable for picnics.

Wampum Lake is also positioned at the northern end of an extensive series of Cook County forest preserves that extend for miles, primarily following the path of Thorn Creek and its tributary, North Creek.

Just south of Wampum Lake, visitors can access the Thorn Creek Trail System, an interconnected array of paved and unpaved pathways that meander through wooded areas and restored prairies, covering nearly 30 miles.

2. Andy’s Grille

Originally established in Thornton, this renowned family-operated fast food restaurant relocated to 16973 Vincennes Ave in South Holland in 2000.

Having been in operation since 1974, Andy’s Grille continues to flourish, not only due to its delectable Chicago-style offerings but also for its hospitable service.

Highlighted menu items include the Maxwell Street Polish (served with mustard and an abundance of grilled onions), the Chicago Polish, and gyros.

The extensive menu also features burgers, chicken plates, salads, soups, and sandwiches including Italian beef and a beef-sausage combination (with your choice of toppings at no additional charge). Early visitors can enjoy breakfast items such as the Breakfast Burrito and Italian Hodge Podge, both of which are particularly popular.

3. Blueberry Field Pancake House

Located at 558 E 162nd St, this cherished family-operated breakfast and lunch establishment has been serving customers for over 20 years.

Founded by Patte and Peter Haras, Blueberry Field Pancake House is currently managed by a mother-daughter duo, focusing on classic breakfast comfort dishes.

The extensive menu features pancakes, French toast, waffles, crepes, various egg Benedict options, scramblers, and large combo plates.

The most popular offerings tend to be the skillets and omelettes. For lunch, diners can choose from a variety of stacked sandwiches, burgers, wraps, savory croissants, and hearty salads.

4. Veterans Memorial Park

Conveniently located within walking distance of the shops and restaurants along E 162 St, South Holland’s main park is beautifully situated alongside the Little Calumet River.

Approaching from the west via South Park Avenue, visitors are greeted by the war memorial, featuring a notable WWII-era M4 Sherman Tank.

Numerous significant annual events in South Holland take place at Veterans Memorial Park, which also serves as a pleasant location for leisurely strolls along a winding path, a pond with a fountain, formal gardens, and a gazebo.

For those seeking active recreation, the park offers a baseball/softball field, soccer field, sand volleyball court, and a playground for younger visitors.

5. Midwest Carvers’ Museum

This regional museum is dedicated to the crafts of wood carving and wood turning and is located in South Holland.

Located at a charming facility near the intersection of Vincennes Ave and W 162nd Street, the Midwest Carvers’ Museum was established in 1988 by the South Suburban Chiselers organization.

Visitors can explore exhibits and acquire some of the impressive creations by members of the South Suburban Chiselers and Illiana Woodturners.

For information on upcoming demonstrations, where skilled artisans exhibit woodturning and woodcarving techniques, check their Facebook page.

6. Gouwens Park

A few blocks north of E 162nd St (U.S. Route 6) offers a scenic walking path along the picturesque south bank of the Little Calumet River.

Beginning at Cottage Grove Ave in the west, the South Holland Trail meanders along this attractive stretch of riverside, shaded by stately mature trees.

Eventually, the trail leads to Gouwens Park, where amenities include a playground, a baseball/softball field, tennis courts, and a gazebo.

If you visit during the summer, consider attending one of the softball games, as the level of competition is notably high.

7. Aurelio’s Pizza of South Holland

Primarily located within the Chicago area, with outlets in four additional states, the Aurelio’s Pizza chain originated in nearby Homewood, IL.

Established by the industrious Joe Aurelio in 1959, the original Aurelio became well-known for Joe’s presence and customer engagement, leading to the slogan “Tell ’em Joe sent me.”

In 1974, Aurelio’s became the first Chicago area chain to franchise, expanding throughout the 1990s.

South Holland is home to an Aurelio’s location near its inception, celebrated for its thin-crust pizza and distinctive sauce, prepared utilizing the same numbering system introduced by Joe in 1959.

Also available are salads, pastas, Italian beef, house-made Italian sausage, subs, and appetizers ranging from wings to cheese sticks.

8. The Submarine Port

Nestled among the many restaurants along E 162nd St (U.S. Route 6), The Submarine Port is a longstanding establishment known for its subs served on fresh oven-baked bread.

Subs are available in three sizes: Regular (6”), King (10”), and Super (12”), generously filled with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, Swiss American cheese, and house-made dressings and spices.

The roast beef and corned beef sandwiches are particularly popular, and meal specials can include soups, which are made from scratch twice daily using family recipes. The garlic fries are also highly recommended, often regarded as the best in the south suburbs.

9. Sand Ridge Nature Center

Located just east of South Holland, this property serves as part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and features an exceptional educational center.

The Sand Ridge Nature Center offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to learn about the wildlife inhabiting the Calumet Region, showcasing several live animal exhibits, including native turtles, snakes, fish, and birds of prey.

Educational museum displays and informative talks enhance the experience, providing insights into the animals’ dietary habits and behavior.

The center is surrounded by demonstration gardens and is integrated into a landscape of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, accessible via four miles of trails.

10. Kirk’s BBQ

Barbecue enthusiast Kirk Edwards, initially hesitant, was encouraged by friends to present his barbecue offerings at the South Holland Farmers’ Market.

After achieving significant success, he was prompted to open a brick-and-mortar establishment.

Now recognized by many as the premier barbecue restaurant in the south suburbs, Kirk’s BBQ opened at 16102 South Park Ave in 2016 and made its television debut on ABC-7’s Windy City Live prior to welcoming its first patrons.

The menu features half and full slabs, turkey tips (showcased on Chicago’s Best), hotlinks, wings, and an array of combo options.

11. One Trick Pony Brewery

This brewery, one of two craft beverage producers in the area, is situated in a light industrial zone east of Wampum Lake.

At the time of writing, One Trick Pony Brewery was anticipating the opening of a storefront in downtown Lansing; nonetheless, visitors can still enjoy the taproom to sample the varied offerings.

With eight beers available on tap at any given moment, the brewery provides a welcoming atmosphere adorned with vintage growlers, oak barrels, resident cats, and home-baked pizza on the menu.

12. Thornton Distilling Co.

Located even closer is an artisan distillery at the junction where Thorn Creek enters the Wampum Lake Forest Preserve.

Notably, the Thornton Distilling Co. resides in the oldest surviving brewing structure in Illinois.

Built over an artesian well in the 1850s for John S. Bielefeldt Brewing, this site subsequently became a producer of illicit liquor during Prohibition.

This intriguing history is shared during guided tours, while offering a restaurant and cocktail bar featuring spirits distilled here since 2015.

The Dead Drop Spirits brand pays homage to Prohibition and produces rye and pecan whiskeys, as well as an old fashioned, rum, vodka, and gin.

13. Green Lake Family Aquatic Center

Located at Green Lake Woods, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County operates this seasonal aquatic park, catering to families with children aged 12 and under.

The primary pool here features a zero-depth entry, complemented by a lazy river, a tube slide, and a small slide for younger children.

Among the center’s attractions are a water cannon and a large tipping bucket, in addition to various climbing structures and water sprays.

The pool remains open throughout the summer and offers extended hours (until 8 pm) on days when temperatures exceed 76°F into the evening.

14. River Oaks Golf Course

Located off U.S. Route 6 to the east of South Holland, this public 18-hole golf course is situated along the banks of the Little Calumet River.

The river is not only a beautiful feature of this course but also presents a challenge, complemented by several ponds that enhance the difficulty of each hole.

Water hazards come into play on 14 of the 18 holes, while golfers must also navigate approximately 60 strategically placed sand traps.

As with other Forest Preserve Golf courses, River Oaks Golf Course has received certification as a Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International.

15. Park Place Plaza

Illinois Route 1 marks the approximate western boundary of South Holland, and traveling south leads to this expansive shopping center, catering to several neighboring communities.

Among the prominent retail establishments at Park Place Plaza are Kohl’s, Target, T. J. Maxx, Best Buy, The Home Depot, GameStop, a Walmart Supercenter, and a Jewel-Osco supermarket branch.

The adjacent highway offers a variety of chain restaurants, including the Chicago-based favorite Portillo’s, alongside McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Subway, Boston Market, Panda Express, KFC, and many others.