Far Southwest Side Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay and more in Far Southwest Side, Chicago. Find insider tips, top attractions, and practical travel information in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Far Southwest Side

Welcome to Far Southwest Side, a neighborhood located in the city of Chicago, Illinois. This neighborhood is known for its diverse mix of cultures, vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, and beautiful outdoor scenery. With its rich history, top-notch museums, and gorgeous natural landscapes, Far Southwest Side is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Chicago.

List of Places to Visit in Far Southwest Side

  • Chicago Ridge Mall
  • Toyota Park
  • Gaelic Park
  • Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
  • Lake Katherine Nature Center
  • Tampier Lake
  • Centennial Park
  • Palos Park Woods Nature Preserve

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are a culture or history buff, Far Southwest Side has many options to satisfy your cravings. Here are some must-visit museums and historical places:

  • The Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture
  • Beverly Arts Center
  • Pullman National Monument

Natural Attractions of Far Southwest Side: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Far Southwest Side has no shortage of natural beauty, with scenic views and outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered. Below are some of the top natural attractions:

  • Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
  • Lake Katherine Nature Center
  • Tampier Lake
  • Centennial Park
  • Palos Park Woods Nature Preserve
  • Cal-Sag Trail
  • Chicago Park District’s Dan Ryan Woods

Hiking/Biking Routes of Far Southwest Side

If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for some trails to hike or bike, Far Southwest Side has an array of options. Here are some of the top routes:

  • Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center trails
  • Palos/Sag Valley trail system
  • Hickory Creek trail system
  • Cal-Sag Trail

Best Things to Do in Far Southwest Side: Activities and Tours

From exploring museums to outdoor activities, Far Southwest Side has something to offer every traveler. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Enjoy a day of shopping and dining at Chicago Ridge Mall.
  • Catch a game or a concert at Toyota Park.
  • Head over to Beverly Arts Center for some cultural events and performances.
  • Explore the beautiful nature of Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center or Lake Katherine Nature Center.
  • Take a tour of Pullman National Monument and learn about its fascinating history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Far Southwest Side

Here’s a one-week itinerary to make the most of your visit to Far Southwest Side:

  • Day 1: Explore the natural beauty at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Lake Katherine Nature Center and Tampier Lake.
  • Day 2: Discover the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture and Beverly Arts Center.
  • Day 3: Head over to the Pullman National Monument.
  • Day 4: Bike or hike the Palos/Sag Valley trail system.
  • Day 5: Shop and dine at Chicago Ridge Mall.
  • Day 6: Attend a game or a concert at Toyota Park.
  • Day 7: Get some relaxation at Centennial Park or Palos Park Woods Nature Preserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Far Southwest Side

Far Southwest Side offers an eclectic mix of cuisines, ranging from traditional American to international flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Chicago-style hot dog at Johnny’s Red Hots.
  • The Italian beef sandwich at Buona Beef.
  • The stuffed pizza at Giordano’s.
  • The deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.
  • The bison burger at Harvest Room.

Local Beverages

  • Chicago’s favorite beer, Goose Island Beer Company.
  • The Malort, a Chicago born and brewed liquor that’s known for its strong and bitter taste.

Where to Stay in Far Southwest Side: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Far Southwest Side has a variety of accommodation options for every budget and preference, from hotels to hostels to guesthouses. Here are some of the top options:

  • Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Alsip
  • Best Western Plus Chicagoland - Countryside
  • Super 8 Bridgeview/Chicago Area

What to Buy in Far Southwest Side: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, check out some of these places:

  • Chicago Ridge Mall for all your shopping needs.
  • Chicago Fire home games for some team merchandise.
  • Gaelic Imports for Irish-themed souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Far Southwest Side

The community of Far Southwest Side is diverse with a rich cultural heritage. When interacting with locals, it’s important to be respectful and embrace the different cultures you encounter. Chicagoans are friendly and will happily help you find your way around the city.

Best Time to Visit Far Southwest Side

Far Southwest Side is a great destination at any time of the year; however, the best time to visit is from May to September, when the temperatures are mild, and outdoor attractions are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Far Southwest Side

Do:

  • Spend some time exploring the natural beauty of the area.
  • Take a tour of Pullman National Monument, it’s a must-visit destination.
  • Try some of the iconic dishes like a Chicago-style hot dog or a deep-dish pizza.
  • Visit Beverly Arts Center and enjoy the local cultural scene.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave valuables in your parked car.
  • Don’t leave litter or trash behind when exploring the natural beauty of Far Southwest Side.

Safety and Health

Far Southwest Side is generally safe to visit, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions while traveling. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy:

Safety in Far Southwest Side

  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas.
  • Stay in well-lit areas and on main streets.
  • Keep your valuables close to you, and don’t carry large amounts of cash.
  • Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.

Health in Far Southwest Side

  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen while exploring the outdoors.
  • Watch out for ticks when hiking or camping.
  • Be aware of the risk of West Nile virus and take necessary precautions.

Getting to Far Southwest Side: Transportation Options and Logistics

Far Southwest Side is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Far Southwest Side

  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the closest airport, located about 15 minutes away from Far Southwest Side.
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is located about an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Far Southwest Side

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Chicago is just 30 minutes away from Far Southwest Side.
  • Megabus offers daily service from Union Station in downtown Chicago

Other Options

  • Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in the area.
  • Rental cars are available at the airports and downtown.

How to Get Around in Far Southwest Side

To get around Far Southwest Side, here are some options to consider:

  • The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus service provides reliable transportation throughout the city.
  • Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available in the area.

Where to Go Next from Far Southwest Side: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once you’ve explored all that Far Southwest Side has to offer, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to consider.

  • The vibrant and eclectic city of Chicago is just a short train ride away.
  • The southwest suburbs of Chicago, including Oak Lawn, Burbank, and Bridgeview, offer a variety of fun activities and attractions.
  • The Indiana Dunes National Park, located just across the state line in Indiana, offers stunning scenery and miles of sandy beaches.

Conclusion

Far Southwest Side is a unique destination, offering a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, rich history, and cultural experience. Whether you’re a local looking for a fun weekend outing or a traveler exploring the city, Far Southwest Side has something for everyone.

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