St. John is a quiet town located just outside Chicago with a variety of fun attractions and amenities. Praised for its safe communities with plenty of parks, trails, and more, St. John is perfect for a weekend getaway, a break on your way to Chicago, or for finding a place to call home.
Check out our list of the best sights, activities, and more while you plan your next trip to St. John!
Dining
AVGO
Start your day the right way at St. John’s AVGO. AVGO reimagines breakfast and lunch classics to create a taste that blends hometown nostalgia with new age taste. From red velvet cake French toast to chicken tender bowls, AVGO is the perfect breakfast or lunch spot to start your trip in St. John. Make sure to stop in at 9321 Wicker Ave on your next visit to town!
Livio’s Restaurant
Livio’s Restaurant in St. John has been a community staple since opening in 2004. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Livio’s offers authentic Italian cuisine alongside a variety of steak, seafood, and pizza dishes. Stuffed shrimp, homemade lasagna, prime cut steak – Livio’s goes out of the way to make sure every guest receives a meal that makes them feel special. Find out what all the fuss is about by dropping in at 8267 Wicker Ave.
Sip & Stones
If you’re looking for a casual setting to dine and lounge, St. John’s Sip & Stones might have your answer. Founded in 2018 with the purpose of becoming the Region’s premier social cocktail lounge, Sip & Stones combines an inviting atmosphere with handcrafted cocktails and homemade dishes to create an unforgettable experience that you can see for yourself at 9121 Suite 2 Wicker Avenue.
R-Bar
A new addition to the St. John scene, R-Bar & Grill in St. John is quickly becoming a town favorite thanks to its delicious food and friendly staff. Americana classics like wings and burgers mingle with European fare to build the perfect casual dining spot. Take a trip to 8209 Wicker Ave to try the latest St. John craze. Check out the Facebook page beforehand to see the daily specials!
Sights
Shrine of Christ’s Passion
The Shrine of Christ’s Passion is a half-mile long interactive experience that helps you connect with the Passion of Jesus. It’s the culmination of a decade of dedication and commitment, with life-size bronze statues and narrated scenes making you feel as if you’ve stepped back two millennia.
Zig-E’s Funland
Located at 8176 Wicker Ave, Zig-E’s Funland promises fun for all big or small! Zig-E’s has a plethora of fun activities that’s sure to capture everyone’s attention: go-karts, arcade games, laser tag, minigolf, and even a batting cage! Add in a delicious slice of pizza or a refreshing slushie, and you’ve got a day full of excitement ahead of you.
St. John parks
St. John is home to over 20 parks and playgrounds that help you stay healthy and happy. From the splash pad at Heron Lake Park to the dog park at Wiggley Field, St. John’s parks department goes to great lengths to ensure every park is ready for outdoor experiences. You can even sign up for adult programs like Fitness Bootcamp or Goat Yoga, giving you all the excuse you need to get outdoors.
Events
Summer Concert Series
Every summer, the Town of St. John hosts a free Summer Concert Series for everyone to enjoy! With your lawn chair or blanket in hand, you can head over to Lake Hills Park to enjoy the free concert and car show while shopping at some of local favorite food trucks. There’s a concert a month from June to September, so make sure you clear your schedule and enjoy the free music!
Freedom Fest
To celebrate Independence Day, St. John’s annual Freedom Fest combines carnival-style fun, live music, market-style vendors, and a fireworks show to create the ultimate 4th of July celebration! No matter what you’re looking for out of America’s birthday party, you can find it at Freedom Fest!
St. John Farmers Market
No small town would be complete without a local farmers market! St. John’s Farmers Market is held every Sunday from May through October at the St. John Community Hospital Outpatient Center and features a variety of local vendors and craftspeople that make each shopping experience unique and fun.
Movies in the Park
St. John’s Movies in the Park events from August through October give you an opportunity to catch both the latest releases and favorite classics in a fun, outdoor setting beneath the stars. Before seeing your Friday movie, catch live music and food trucks to help you get in the zone.
Town-Wide Garage Sale
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and St. John’s town-wide garage sale gives everyone a chance to find their next treasure! A weekend full of bartering and bargaining, St. John’s garage sale really helps the community connect. Shop ‘til you drop as the weather gets warmer!
Christmas in the Park
When Christmas comes to town, St. John knows how to celebrate. Every year, Christmas in the Park lights up the town with colorful Christmas lights to kick off the holiday season. From there, letters are sent to Santa, photos are taken, and tons of fun parties are thrown to keep you cheery through December.
Lake Central events
St. John is served by the Lake Central School Corporation, meaning it gets to enjoy one of the most robust youth athletics and extracurricular providers in the Region! From football and softball to TV production and theatre, Lake Central always has something fun happening!
What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to St. John today! To learn more about the Town of St. John, visit stjohnin.gov.
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