South Holland Cook Illinois - Top Sights 

• South Holland Attractions – A Travel Guide through the Township of Thornton in Cook County
• South Holland Sights & Attractions
• - St. Jude’s Shrine
• - St John the Baptist Catholic Church
• - South Holland Historical Museum
• - South Holland Public Library
• - Miller Park
• - Old Schoolhouse
• - South Holland Attractions
• - South Holland Fire Department Museum

South Holland Attractions – A Travel Guide through the Township of Thornton in Cook County

Travelers from all over the world appreciate South Holland landmarks because of their unique mix of Dutch heritage and modern suburban idyll, and I must admit that when I first entered the small town in the Township of Thornton in Cook County, I immediately felt like walking in a well-preserved history book. Founded in 1847 by Dutch settlers who brought their windmill dreams to America, the village still has a surprisingly strong community feeling – a bit like a village that secretly sneaked into the present, while preserving its old pavement stones.

I took my journey with the Metra because the railroad network from Chicago down here acts a bit like a lifeline that flushes you in the heart of the city without having to torment you through endless highways. As soon as you get out of the train, you immediately realize that the streets of South Holland are populated not only by cars, but by neighborhood smiles and occasional bike tours.

A walk through the historic center lets you stroll past old church windows, while modern cafés offer a charming contrast beside the old brick houses – no wonder that I consider the local baker the best cinnamon chicks, although I can never fully understand the whole hype around the annual tulip parade. And yes, South Holland sights are not only museums and monuments; they are the small moments when an older gentleman gives you a friendly nap when crossing the main road and you realize that history is not only written, but lived.

South Holland Sights & Attractions

This guide invites you to stroll with me through the somewhat underestimated Kleinod South Holland, which lies between endless suburbs and the endless rush of Chicago traffic.

I must confess at the beginning that my heart St. Jude’s Shrine not because I am a pilgrim, but because the whole property looks a bit like a silent movie from the 60s, in which every stone whispers a story. I was there on a rainy Saturday afternoon, and parking was a children's play as long as you did not come to the main fair; then the small field turned into a battlefield of cars that desperately sought for a free space. The interior is surprisingly simple, but the statues and the pink mosaic on the ceiling have something that makes me think a bit every time – almost as if I wondered why I came here while enjoying the quiet sum of the air conditioning.

A short walk further (and a short trip at the corner where an old diner still has “Cheeseburger” on the sign) leads you to St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The gothic façade is a real eye-catcher, and I don't understand the hype about this church because I was never a big fan of church architecture – but the huge stained glass windows that dip the light into a kaleidoscopic color play are really great. I tried the organ there once on a Sunday, and that was a bit like an attempt to start an old car: noisy, a little jerky, but somehow satisfying when it goes.

If you are looking for a little less sacral, take a look at the South Holland Historical Museum. The museum is small, but the collection of old school books, photo albums and an original firefighter pants from the 1920s makes me think of my own childhood every time – and that, although I never grew up in South Holland. Parking is almost always a Klacks because the museum is located in a quiet side street that is hardly frequented by cars. I have once experienced a guided tour with a highly enthusiastic curator who explained to me that the old phone still works in the entrance area; I tried it and actually heard a short beepton – no joke, the thing was still alive.

A few blocks on, next to the town hall, the South Holland Public Library. I admit, I'm not a bookworm, but the library has a café that serves the best cappuccino in the area – and this is a reason for me to look in more often than I want to admit. The building itself is modern, with large windows that invite the daylight, and the staff is friendly, though slightly annoyed, when you ask for the latest bestseller (they usually recommend local history books, which I find somehow charming).

For a little green and fresh air I recommend Miller Park. The small lake in the center is not just a hotspot for ducks, but it offers a quiet backdrop for a picnic or a bit of people watching. I once organized an improvised Frisbee tournament with a few teenagers from the neighborhood; the result was a bunch of shattered frisbees and a loud laughter that echoed over the lawn. Parking is available on the outskirts of the park, and this is usually problem-free, except on warm summer days when the families move with barbecue equipment.

Another hidden jewel is that Old Schoolhouse, a restored classroom from 1905, which today serves as a museum. I did a school lesson there, complete with chalk, wooden bench and the obligatory “don’t cheat”-view of the teacher. The building is small, but the atmosphere is authentic – you can literally feel the dust that rises from the old panels. Parking is a bit tricky here because the school house is located in a narrow side street; I had to run a few meters to find a free place.

And because I can't forget that I'm here about South Holland Attractions I have to South Holland Fire Department Museum mention. The museum is a paradise for anyone interested in old fire trucks and equipment. I tried an old hose gun there, which was more squeaky than sprayed – a real highlight if you like the sound of crunchy metal. Parking is possible directly in front of the museum, and this is a rare luck in a city where parking is usually a mystery.

Finally, if you still have some time left, simply stroll through the main street of South Holland, past the small boutiques and the old cinema that still shows “The Great Escape” in the neon light. I once saw an old film classic there while waiting for a crowded parking – that was the true South Holland experience: a mix of nostalgia, light frustration and the feeling that you are somewhere between the lines of the city history.