Midwest Meanders: 8 Things To Do In Bridgeview, Illinois

things to do in bridgeview illinois
Andrea
Andrea 
Updated
| 3 min read

Rectangular Bridgeview, Illinois, is located a few miles from the Chicago Loop and has a population of more than 16,000. With the village equally divided into residential, commercial, and industrial areas, it truly lives up to its motto as, “A Well-Balanced Community”. What started out as farmland, has now blossomed into a culturally diverse community, with an international venue for sports and entertainment.

The major city of Chicago may be nearby, but Bridgeview has its own beauty, and a sense of small-town togetherness. If you ever find yourself wanting to skip the hustle and bustle of the major city, head to this village and take a breather. Read on to learn more about the best things to do int he area!

1. Be entertained at Toyota Park

Toyota Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hied5 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Newly opened in 2006, this soccer-specific stadium has also been the venue for concerts, as well as sporting events. Aside from the main area, the stadium also has 42 executive suites, six larger party suites, the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame, Chicago Fire club offices, and a large stadium club/banquet room. In July 2016, two large-scale murals were installed on the east and west walls of the stadium’s stage suites.

Toyota Park

Address: 7000 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, Illinois

Contact: +1 708-594-7200, +1 708-594-7700 (Box Office)

Website: Toyota Park

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2. Experience different cultures at Harlem Avenue

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

To get a taste of the Middle East in the Midwest, head to this colorful Arab-American neighborhood and take a stroll around. The Arab community has made its presence known in the village, with its Islamic social club (now a mosque), established in 1981. Aside from ethnic grocery stores and dining establishments, there are also a lot of sweet shops and cultural souvenir stores in the area.

Harlem Avenue

Address: Bridgeview, Illinois

Opening hours: All day

Entrance fee: None

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3. Have some spooky fun at Haunted Trails Burbank

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located a few miles away, in Burbank, this amusement park is especially great for the kids. Visitors can enjoy the 18-hole mini-golf course, go-karts, rides, and other attractions. Keeping true to its name, the park is quite a sight to see on Halloween. It even has the “Frightmare Haunted House”, which opens every October.

Haunted Trails Burbank

Address: 7759 Harlem Ave, Burbank, Illinois

Opening hours: 11 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Thursday), 11 AM to 12 AM (Friday), 10 AM to 12 AM (Saturday), 10 AM to 10 PM (Sunday). Open daily from 10 AM to 12 AM from June to August.

Entrance fee: None, but individual attractions have their respective ticket prices.

Contact: +1 708-598-8580, infoburbank@hauntedtrailsfun.com

Website: Haunted Trails Burbank

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4. Immerse in nature at the Lake Katherine Nature Center And Botanic Gardens

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Truly a sanctuary amidst a fast-paced world, this 85-acre (34.4-hectare) park contains gardens, a woodland, wetlands, a prairie, and a man-made lake. Although it was established in 1988, in 2012, the park underwent a large-scale improvement process. The park, which is within walking distance from Harlem Avenue, is a great place for various outdoor activities, such as jogging, cycling, and even kayaking.

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens

Address: Lake Katherine Dr, Palos Heights, Illinois

Opening hours: All day. The Frank Passarelli Nature Center has specific operational hours.

Entrance fee: None

Contact: +1 708-361-1873, +1 708-361-2978 (fax)

Website: Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens

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5. Experience the nightlife

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bridgeview may not be large, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip the nightlife. X’s and O’s is a traditional sports bar and grill, with down-to-earth ambiance. Along with its comforting, small town vibe, they also serve trademark American dishes, like burgers and wings.

Another one to check out is Lolly’s Wine Cafe & Slots, which also has gaming machines, adding to its casino vibe. Winnie’s Bistro, a hidden gem near Toyota Park, also has gaming facilities. This dive bar, while not really specialized in food, is great for a quick bite on the way to a match at the stadium.

X's and O's

Address: 7801 W 79th St, Bridgeview, Illinois

Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM (Monday to Thursday), 7 AM to 3 AM (Friday), 11 AM to 3 AM (Saturday), 11 AM to 2 AM (Sunday)

Contact: +1 708-728-9696

Lolly's Wine Café & Slots

Address: 7310 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, Illinois

Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM (Sunday to Thursday), 7 AM to 3 AM (Friday and Saturday)

Contact: +1 708-546-0340

Website: Lolly’s Facebook Page

Winnie's Bistro

Address: 7267 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, Illinois

Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM

Contact: +1 708-929-4251

Website: Winnie’s Facebook Page

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6. Live your talent show dreams at Chet’s Melody Lounge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For musical types, there is a place a few minutes away from Bridgeview, where you can showcase your skills. Chet’s Melody Lounge is located across from the Resurrection Cemetery, but don’t let that spook you. It has live music to keep you entertained, while you’re sipping cocktails. They also have karaoke on Friday nights, so if you’re in the mood to sing your lungs out, just head to this gem in front of the cemetery.

Chet’s Melody Lounge

Address: 7400 Archer Rd, Justice, Illinois

Opening hours: 11 AM to 2 AM

Contact: +1 708-496-9202

Website: Chet’s Melody Lounge Facebook Page

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7. Take a stroll through the parks

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Whether you’re into watching fireworks, walking your dog, or practicing your football skills, Bridgeview has places like Founders Park and Commissioners Park, that let you do your thing.

But if you’re looking for something a little more scenic, there is the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, located a few minutes away, in Willow Springs. It was established as a schoolhouse in 1886, the building was moved to its present site in the 1950’s and reopened as a different kind of school, where children learned about their environment and nature. Nowadays, the center operates as a visitor center with live animals and exhibits, as well as a children’s activity room.

Founders Park

Address: Bridgeview, Illinois

Opening hours: All day

Entrance fee: None

Commissioners Park

Address: 8100 S Beloit Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois

Opening hours: All day

Entrance fee: None

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Address: 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, Illinois

Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (March to October), 8 AM to 4 PM (November to February). Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.

Entrance fee: None

Website: Forest Preserves of Cook County

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8. Have a gastro-adventure at Justice

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The neighboring village of Justice is only a two-minute drive from Bridgeview, and its nightlife and dining scene can be just as alive. Davern’s Tavern & Lounge is a lively, family-run bar that serves classic American dishes and has an overall friendly ambiance. Guests have commended the warm staff, who can make anyone feel welcome.

There is also Szarotka, a unique and modern restaurant, serving a variety of traditional European dishes. Thanks to this eclectic gem, you don’t have to go all the way to Europe to get a taste of ethnic Polish cuisine.

Macho Taco is another reputable dining establishment in Justice, and guests can all agree that it serves the best Mexican food in the area.

Davern’s Tavern & Lounge

Address: 8527 W 79th St, Justice, Illinois

Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM

Contact: +1 708-924-6003

Website: Davern’s Tavern & Lounge

Szarotka

Address: 8100 S Roberts Rd, Justice, Illinois

Opening hours: 11 AM to 9 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

Contact: +1 708-458-1400, +1 708-458-4379 (fax), contact@szarotka.us

Website: Szarotka

Macho Taco

Address: 8350 S Roberts Rd, Justice, Illinois

Opening hours: 11 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Thursday), 11 AM to 12 AM (Friday), 11 AM to 11 PM (Saturday)

Contact: +1 708-907-5890, +1 708-907-5847 (fax), contact@getmachotaco.com

Website: Macho Taco

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Explore an authentic Midwestern village

Bridgeview City Hall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Larry D. Moore used under CC BY-SA 4.0

American small towns have a charm of their own and Bridgeview is no exception. What it lacks in scenic attractions it makes up for with its welcoming community vibe, where everyone is treated like family. If you want to take a break from big city stress, Bridgeview is here to hand you a drink or two.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Andrea, a chronic existentialist, is a serial dreamer and fervent seeker of wonders.

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