Best Things To Do And See In Chicago's Little Village

Little Village is a gem located in the South Lawndale area of Chicago. Also known as the ‘Mexico of the Midwest,’ Little Village offers visitors plenty of authentic Mexican-American experiences without ever having to leave the Chicago area. Here are some things to see and do in Little Village.

Dulcelandia

Looking to satisfy a sweet tooth? Then head over to Dulcelandia on 26th Street in Little Village. This warehouse-style store is filled with over 1,000 different treats. Dulcelandia features a wide variety of imported Mexican candies, both sweet and spicy. The name for Dulcelandia, or ‘candyland’ is fitting, as the walls of the store are lined with candy, and pyramids of wrapped treats surround the interior. Colorful piñatas that hang from the ceiling are also available to fill with your favorites. Stop by Dulcelandia and pick up a bag of some sweet treats, a perfect souvenir from your travels to Little Village.

Dulcelandia, 3553 W 26th St, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 522 3816

1. Semillas de Justicia Community Garden

Semillas de Justicia Community Garden

In recent years, Chicago has seen an increase of community gardens across the city. Few are as maintained as the Semillas de Justicia Community Garden. The Semillas Garden was formerly used as land for oil waste, but with the help of the local residents, it now operates as a serene community garden. The garden grows fruits, vegetables, and plants throughout the year. The garden is also a space for the community to learn about sustainable living, and to encourage others to start their own gardens. Semillas offers regularly scheduled events for Little Village residents and visitors, like weekly community dinners, homemade salsa contests, art classes, and an autumn harvest festival.

Semillas de Justicia Community Garden, 2727 S Troy St, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 762 6991

Mexican Independence Day Parade on 26th street | © Julieta Álvarez Leal/Flickr

2. Little Village Arch

Little Village Arch

One of the most prevalent images in Little Village is the arch that presides over 26th Street. The arch, which displays the sign ‘Bienvenidos a Little Village,’ is a welcome to the neighborhood’s visitors and a passageway to a place unlike any other in Chicago. Throughout the year, various community gatherings are held on 26th Street. Events like the Mexican Independence Day Parade are celebrated, as residents march down 26th Street and pass through the arch, signifying the cultural importance of the predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood and its history.

Little Village Arch, between 26th St and Albany St, Chicago, IL, USA

Mexican bakery | © Cameron/Flickr

3. La Baguette

La Baguette

La Baguette Bakery is right next door to the Little Village arch, and it’s a great place to visit when looking for dessert after a long night out in the neighborhood. From slices of chocolate cake and homemade donuts to an array of traditional Mexican bread, La Baguette carries dozens of varieties of sweet bread and cakes for every occasion. Its Mexican sweet bread is freshly prepared in-store as trays of warm pastries are constantly brought out throughout the day.

La Baguette, 3117 W 26th St, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 254 0006

Street art | © Senor Codo/Flickr

4. Open Center for the Arts

Open Center for the Arts

The Open Center for the Arts is an art center and gallery that gives local artists a space to discuss art as well as showcase community artwork. Open Center for the Arts also holds entrepreneurship events and workshops to inspire potential creators in Chicago. Recent exhibitions include the Eros Exhibit and the 1st Annual Open Exhibit. At the Open Center, enjoy chatting with local artists and viewing unique art installations with a glass of wine in hand.

Open Center for the Arts, 2214 S Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 872 444 5229

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