Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Chicago Heights, IL

For much of its history, this city in Chicago’s Southland has been linked with substantial industrial activity.

Beginning in 1917, Chicago Heights served as the base for the Thrall Car Manufacturing Company, which specialized in producing railroad freight cars, while the Inland Steel Company was established here in 1893.

Although the population has tapered since the height of the city’s growth in the 1960s, the manufacturing sector remains integral to the local economy, exemplified by the operations of Ford at its metal stamping facility situated on the city’s east side.

A vibrant arts community thrives just below the surface in the Chicago Heights region, and for those seeking outdoor activities, an array of forest preserves interconnect via Thorn Creek, which flows northward through the city.

1. Union Street Gallery

This essential arts center for Chicago Heights is located in one of the city’s most cherished historic structures.

This Colonial Revival edifice, adorned with white terra cotta detailing, was originally constructed for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1927, before repurposing in the 1940s as a furniture retail space.

Managed by an artist cooperative, the Union Street Gallery was established in the 1990s, moving into this historic building in 1996, where it hosts compelling exhibitions.

These exhibitions draw thousands of visitors annually and include national juried art shows held biannually.

During your visit, take a moment to admire the original steel I-beams above the main gallery. Over a dozen artists are currently engaged in their craft within the gallery’s studio spaces on the third floor.

2. Joe Orr Woods

Located in the center of Chicago Heights is a Cook County Forest Preserve situated alongside the banks of Thorn Creek.

This area features a convenient network of trails, making it easy to embark on a leisurely walk, cycling excursion, or cross-country skiing adventure while remaining within the urban landscape.

The trail extends southwest into Halsted Woods, while heading north leads you along the outskirts of the Chicago Heights East Golf Club.

Leashed dogs are welcome in the preserve, which also provides a picnic grove and shelter with a capacity for 300 individuals.

3. Thorn Creek Trail

This extensive trail network encompasses nearly 30 miles of both paved and unpaved pathways, paralleling the waterway of the same name.

The majority of the trail traverses Chicago Heights on a northeastern route along the verdant corridor adjacent to the creek, which reveals unexpectedly steep sections along the way.

Travelers will encounter a diverse range of habitats, from woodlands to wetlands, grasslands, and open water.

Along the route, there are ten Cook County forest preserves, which, in addition to multiple picnic areas, boast amenities such as fishing lakes, sledding hills, a model airplane field, and several birdwatching sites.

4. Evil Horse Brewing Company

The Chicago area has emerged as a craft beer haven, featuring hundreds of breweries, including a highly regarded establishment in Chicago Heights located a couple of miles along Illinois Route 1.

Established in 2016, the Evil Horse Brewing Company has garnered numerous accolades at events such as the Illinois Beer Festival and the Indiana Brewers’ Cup.

The brewery resides in a beautifully renovated historic structure on Main Street in Crete, originally built in 1911 as a combination warehouse, insurance office, and event space.

As of the time of writing, there were 14 beers on tap, offering a diverse selection ranging from a Belgian Dubbel to American and New England IPAs, a coffee stout, a Hefeweizen, an Irish Dry Stout, and an American Pale Wheat Beer.

Patrons can check the brewery’s calendar for upcoming game nights, live music events, and food truck details.

5. Marcus Chicago Heights Cinema

The local cinema is part of the Marcus network, which operates locations throughout the Midwest. The Chicago Heights venue has been recently refurbished, and the auditoriums now feature state-of-the-art DreamLounger seating.

These exceptionally cushioned seats recline fully at the push of a button and provide a generous seven feet of space between rows.

Cinephiles should consider experiencing a film at the SuperScreen DLX theater, renowned for its oversized screen, DreamLounger seating, and Dolby Atmos sound quality.

Specials are available to provide savings, such as $5 Tuesdays and $6 student pricing on Thursdays.

6. Sauk Trail Woods

Sauk Trail Woods is part of the series of nature preserves along Thorn Creek, consisting of a mosaic of six individual preserves located adjacent to Sauk Trail Lake.

Characteristic of this area are the steep topography features, descending sharply down a ravine to the edge of Thorn Creek.

The majority of the landscape is enveloped in woodlands, interspersed with open grasslands and wetlands, alongside Sauk Lake.

Sauk Lake, bordered by steep sandy bluffs, is a favored fishing locale, boasting species such as carp, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow and black bullhead, and bluegill.

7. Park Forest Aqua Center

Located just five minutes from Chicago Heights, the Park Forest Aqua Center has been a fixture for swimmers since 1952.

This outdoor complex features three distinct pools, including a lap pool for adults seeking exercise, a shallow toddler pool with a sandy area, and an expansive wading pool complemented by a 160-foot slide, two drop slides, and a 15-foot climbing wall.

Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, the center has become an integral aspect of local summer culture for over 70 years, continually evolving with the addition of new amenities and events such as monthly drive-in movie nights.

8. Old Plank Road Trail

Chicago Heights marks the eastern trailhead for a 21-mile rail trail extending straight to Joliet.

This route follows the proposed route of a plank road that, in 1855, was designated as part of the Joliet and Northern Indiana Railroad.

By the early 20th century, this line was in decline and had been completely abandoned by the 1970s when the transformation into a trail commenced.

While progressing westward, visitors pass through rapidly developing suburbs such as Frankfort and New Lenox, and traverse parcels of prairie that were initially acquired for the plank road but remain undeveloped.

9. Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery

This dynamic venue showcases local artistic talent and is located in nearby Park Forest, hosting six to seven expertly curated exhibitions annually.

These exhibitions feature works from juried artists across various media, many of which are available for purchase in the gift shop, where you can discover unique items in glass, ceramics, metal, and mixed media that are frequently updated.

The gallery also provides a variety of art classes for children, teens, and adults and maintains a lively events schedule, culminating in the Park Forest Art Fair, which has a rich history spanning nearly 70 years.

10. Indian Hill Woods

Situated north of Sauk Trail Woods is another Cook County forest preserve encompassing both banks of the winding Thorn Creek.

This preserve, surrounded by serene residential neighborhoods, is predominantly an oak-hickory forest, which visitors can explore along the multi-use Thorn Creek Trail following the west bank of the waterway.

On the east side of the preserve lies Euclid Park, managed by the Chicago Heights Park District, offering facilities for soccer, baseball/softball, and volleyball, as well as a picnic area and playground.

11. Chicago Heights Park District West Course

As one of two public courses operated by the Chicago Heights Park District, the cost-effective west course is a nine-hole layout with a long history.

Originally known as the Chicago Heights Country Club, founded as early as the 1890s, this course features primarily straight fairways bordered by majestic century-old trees.

The expansive greens are recognized for their generous size, and the overall maintenance is commendable throughout the course. The clubhouse serves as a popular venue for gatherings and special occasions.

12. Brownell Woods

Another substantial area of serene protected woodland is located just beyond the northeast border of Chicago Heights.

This picturesque Cook County preserve features a winding trail that primarily follows the North Creek as it flows into Thorn Creek.

Accessible from the south and west sides via Thorn Creek Trail, this preserve provides access as far south as Schubert’s Woods along the southern edge of Chicago Heights.

To the north, Brownell Woods connects with Wampum Lake, which is home to a plethora of waterfowl and several fish species, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill, with ice fishing opportunities during the winter months.

13. Commissioners Park

Commissioners Park is one of the larger facilities within the Chicago Heights Park District, conveniently located near the city’s northern border.

This park has undergone numerous enhancements in recent years and is rich in amenities.

Features include a trail encircling the park equipped with exercise stations, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball/softball diamonds, and during the winter months, a skating rink. Additionally, there is a playground with equipment suitable for various age groups.

14. Chicago Heights Rec Center

The Park District Rec Center serves as an invaluable resource for Chicago Heights residents and is situated adjacent to the city’s public library.

Available facilities include an indoor pool, a workout room outfitted with weight and cardio machines, a free weight area, basketball courts, and a sauna.

The center operates seven days a week, closing only on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, while also employing a team of personal trainers to assist individuals in achieving their fitness objectives.

15. Thornton Quarry

On a remarkable scale, one of the largest aggregate quarries globally is located a few miles north of Chicago Heights.

This immense excavation spans 1.5 miles in length, 0.5 miles in width, and reaches a depth of up to 450 feet. Thornton Quarry commenced operations in the 1830s and features silurian reefs from an era when the Michigan Basin was submerged beneath the sea approximately 400 million years ago.

As part of the Chicago Deep Tunnel project, the northern segment has been converted into a reservoir, while the remaining quarry will continue to be mined for several additional decades before it is submerged.

Currently, opportunities exist for an exclusive tour of this impressive site, offered on the first Saturday of June and October, conducted by the Thornton Hill Historical Society.