If you are looking for truly unique event spaces —indoors or out, look no further than the Chicago Southland area of Illinois. Chicago is an exciting, international city, with a friendly Midwestern attitude making it welcoming for events of all kinds. The Chicago Southland area, located just 30 minutes or less from downtown Chicago, offers a wide array of choices for event venues accommodating meetings and conventions, sporting events, group tours, reunions, weddings, and so much more.
Many event planners are choosing outdoor venues for their attendees to feel most comfortable and the Chicago Southland area is home to over 40,000 acres of forestry and area nature centers making them ideal venue locations. The Center, Monee Reservoir, Sand Ridge Nature Center, or Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens are just a few options to explore and can provide a wide variety of exciting outdoor activities.
If your group is looking for outdoor team building activities like high ropes, wall climbing, or crate stacking, then look no further than Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields. Located on a secluded, relaxing 38-acre nature preserve, Irons Oaks is a wonderful outdoor option. The 1,300 square foot conference center is also available to provide indoor meeting space.
For another outdoor venue that is a bit more subdued, the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park located on the campus of Governors State University in University Park is your choice. Take a casual stroll or arrange a guided tour for your attendees during sessions through the 32 permanent, world-renowned sculptures. Inside Governors State University there is 29,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space also available.
Fox Pointe in downtown Lansing provides another outdoor space with its casual lawn-type setting. It also offers both an outdoor amphitheater and an open-air pavilion with state-of-the-art amenities. It can accommodate groups up to 2,000.
If your event requires a more upscale venue, consider La Banque Hotel in Homewood. La Banque is a stunning boutique property providing a very special location for company retreats, board meetings, and other small gatherings. There is also a shuttle available to take your group to Ravisloe Country Club for a exhilarating round of golf.
For those who want to infuse their events with fun, fun, fun, then the Accelerate Indoor Speedway and Events is the perfect location. With 75,000 square feet of space, this indoor go-karting facility— including axe throwing, gives your group opportunities to enjoy each other outside of work and perhaps also unload some stress.
Many Chicago Southland entertainment facilities also have facilities to accommodate a wide variety of events or meetings. These include Dave & Buster’s, Haunted Trails Amusement Park, In the Game, Hollywood Park, and Odyssey Fun World. There are also sports venues available like SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, home to the Chicago Red Stars, and Ozinga Field in Crestwood, home to the Windy City ThunderBolts baseball team.
Contact the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau today to find out about more event venue options in this beautiful area. No matter what event you’re planning: inside or outside professional, social, educational, or somewhere in between, their expert team is ready to help you choose the perfect venue that will meet all your goals. They will help plan your event every step of the way and can also offer a wide variety of complimentary event services including pre-event brochure distribution, event listings and supplies, itinerary planning, and marketing assistance.
