Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago to Orland Park

Driving from Chicago, Illinois to Orland Park, Illinois can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. The journey covers around 30 miles, and while it may not seem like much, the drive offers unique experiences along the way. Here are five unexpected places to stop along the way that will make your road trip even more enjoyable.

Halfway Point: Summit, IL

Make Summit your halfway point on your trip from Chicago to Orland Park. As you arrive in Summit, check out the Historic Summit Park District where you can catch a glimpse of 1800s suburban architecture. The district houses several historic buildings, including the First National Bank of Summit, the Masonic Building, and the Village Hall. You can also visit fascinating landmarks such as the WWII Memorial and the Mining and Minerals Museum.

1. Bridgeport Art Center

The Bridgeport Art Center has not only one but two buildings full of art exhibits, galleries, and studios. People of all ages can appreciate the art display, which features contemporary works, photography, sculptures, paintings, and more. There are often public events that range from craft fairs to movie nights that take place here. If you’re lucky, you might even witness an artist in the process of creating their fine art masterpiece. Before you leave, grab a bite to eat at their "Parson's Chicken and Fish" restaurant, which serves a legendary Nashville hot chicken.

2. Chicago Ridge Mall

Chicago Ridge Mall is a perfect place to stop with the whole family. It is situated on 95th street and has stores like Macy's, H&M, and an AMC movie theater where you can catch the latest flicks that are out in the theaters. You'll also find a variety of dining options such as Sbarro, Red Mango, and Charley's Philly steaks. Families with kids might appreciate the bounce house, and the little ones can ride the small train that goes around the store.

3. Gaelic Park

Gaelic Park is a cultural hub for Irish people, although anyone can appreciate the rich experience. The park is famous for its many cultural events such as the annual Irish Fest, sports tournaments, and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. You can enjoy traditional Irish food like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, or fish and chips from Local Irish Pub. You can also partake in some Irish whiskey at the private bar in pubs.

4. Orland Square Mall

Orland Square Mall is large and features several stores such as Eddie Bauer, JCPenny, and Apple. When it gets late, there are beautiful fire pits outside that keep you warm on chilly evenings. You'll also find an AMC movie theater, but the highlight of this mall is the Rainforest Cafe restaurant. It'll be a great chance for people traveling with children to have some dinner and see a few life-like animal models. You can also click some pictures with the parrot mascot there.

5. Tokyo Steakhouse

You can enjoy something you’ve probably never tasted before at the Tokyo Steakhouse. It's a small and cozy restaurant that offers teppanyaki-style Japanese cuisine. The food is cooked right in front of you on the table with some theatrics done by chefs performing knife and trick shows. While you won't have a vast selection of food choices, what you will get is quality and taste. Try "Steak and Shrimp duo" for some amazing flavors.

Conclusion

Driving from Chicago to Orland Park may not be the most exciting adventure, but it surely doesn't have to be dull. You could opt to make short stops at unique places like this and turn your mundane drive into a memorable one. By following our recommended stops, your day trip will not only be fun and enjoyable but also insightful and cultural. So why not escape the hustle and bustle of city life and explore new experiences along the way?