Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Oak Park, Illinois

Situated just outside the boundaries of Chicago and approximately 10 miles west of the Chicago Loop, Oak Park is a distinguished suburb recognized for its significant architectural history.

From 1888 to the 1910s, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) established a notable legacy in Oak Park, initially working for the Adler & Sullivan firm before proceeding as an autonomous architect.

Presently, Oak Park boasts the largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings globally, including his personal residence and studio.

A remarkable aspect of this architectural history is the ability to trace the evolution of Wright’s celebrated Prairie style through his twenties and thirties, complemented by impressive contributions from Prairie School contemporaries such as George W. Maher and Jens Jensen.

Moreover, Oak Park is renowned as the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, where visitors can explore the home he was born in and spent his formative years.

1. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

At the age of 22 in 1888, Wright secured a loan of $5,000 from his mentor Louis Sullivan to construct a residence for his family.

The initial structure was completed in 1889; however, one of the intriguing aspects of the property is the manner in which Wright’s design evolved over time.

Wright enacted significant alterations in 1895 and again in 1898, continually experimenting with innovative concepts that would later influence his subsequent commissions.

Visitors will observe the inception of the Prairie School style in Wright’s affinity for natural materials, geometric shapes, and integration with the landscape.

The interior spaces are wonderfully open, and every element was conceived by Wright, from the furniture and decorative accents to the lighting and hardware.

A standout feature is the children’s playroom, introduced in 1895, characterized by a barrel vault illuminated at the apex by a long skylight.

2. Unity Temple

Coming from a Unitarian background, Wright was eager to design the new Unity Church in Oak Park following the destruction of the previous structure by fire during a lightning strike in 1905.

This remarkable building, completed in 1908, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several of Wright’s architectural landmarks.

Unity Temple marked a pivotal advancement in Wright’s career and is frequently recognized as the first modern structure due to its design philosophy, focus on spatial experience, and comprehensive use of reinforced concrete.

The austere, grey exterior contrasts with the warmth of the interior, particularly in the sanctuary.

Within, visitors are captivated by the exquisite light filtering through the clerestory stained glass and the 25 square amber-tinted lights adorning the ceiling coffers. Wright’s intention was to evoke a sense of sunlight indoors, even on overcast days.

3. Frank Lloyd Wright Walking Tour

Given that Oak Park is home to the largest number of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, exploring the streets offers a unique opportunity to observe the progression of his architectural style during the early years of his career.

During the summer months, visitors can partake in guided tours hosted by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, which includes the Wright in the Neighborhood, Wright Around Oak Park, and Pedal Oak Park tours.

A highly anticipated event is the Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk, which allows the public to gain access to eight private residences, showcasing their beautifully restored interiors.

To conduct individual exterior tours, it is convenient to find maps highlighting the Wright-designed houses. Noteworthy examples include the Laura Gale House (6 Elizabeth Court), the Frank Thomas House (210 Forest Ave.), the Arthur Heurtley House (318 Forest Ave.), and the Edwin H. Cheney House (520 North East Ave.).

4. Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum

Another significant 20th-century figure associated with Oak Park is the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author, Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961).

He was born and spent his early childhood in a three-story Victorian home constructed by his maternal grandparents in 1890.

Featuring fixtures that Hemingway would recognize, the house has been meticulously restored to reflect its original 1890s appearance.

During a 45-minute tour conducted by an informed guide, visitors will encounter a wealth of Hemingway family artifacts, including photographs and furniture, and explore the upstairs bedroom where he was born on July 21, 1899.

5. Oak Park Conservatory

A further point of interest in Oak Park is this conservatory, established in 1914 to accommodate the plants collected during residents’ travels.

The present structure dates back to 1929 and was preserved through community conservation efforts in the 1970s after prolonged neglect.

Housing over 20,000 plants, the conservatory features distinct rooms for desert flora, tropical plants, and aromatic Mediterranean varieties such as bay, lavender, sage, and rosemary.

Additionally, a pond containing goldfish, koi, and turtles can be found within, while outside, visitors can wander through the Elsie Jacobsen Memorial Garden, which draws inspiration from the elements of earth, air, light, and water.

6. Pleasant Home

Among Oak Park’s numerous architectural landmarks is this Prairie School-style residence designed by George W. Maher (1864-1926).

A National Historic Landmark, Pleasant Home, also referred to as the John Farson House, was constructed in 1897 and is regarded as the most significant surviving example of Maher’s architectural contributions.

Commissioned by a prominent banker from Chicago, this residence stands out in a neighborhood predominantly characterized by Victorian and Queen Anne structures.

Boasting 30 rooms, Pleasant Home is distinguished by its expansive porch and the thoughtful use of design motifs that integrate the interior decor, which includes abundant art glass, tile work, and intricate woodcarvings, along with a large fireplace.

Restoration efforts commenced in the 1960s, allowing visitors to appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship and innovative architecture that reflects upscale domestic life at the dawn of the 20th century.

7. Downtown Oak Park

Intersected by Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, Downtown Oak Park is a charming commercial district characterized by vitality and growth.

Located along walkable, tree-lined streets are diverse local establishments offering unique gifts, pottery, home decor, floral arrangements, fashion, and footwear.

Moreover, a variety of dining choices is available, spanning from pizza and sushi to vegetarian and Thai cuisine, Italian (such as Cucina Paradiso and Il Viculo), Contemporary American, BBQ, Greek, and Latin American food, along with a Brazilian bakery.

There are also brewpubs, cafes, a tea shop, and an ice cream parlor. Additionally, downtown Oak Park features the seven-screen Lake Theatre, a distinguished example of an Art Deco cinema dating back to 1936.

8. Oak Park Farmers’ Market

The village of Oak Park boasts one of Chicagoland’s longest-running farmers’ markets, approaching its 50th year of operation.

Typically held in the parking lot of Pilgrim Church at 460 Lake Street, the market operates from late May through late October.

This presents an excellent opportunity to obtain locally sourced fruits and vegetables as they come into season, alongside cheeses, honey, salsas, jams, jellies, pickles, and tempting baked goods.

A notable feature of the market is a stand offering fresh donuts, with all proceeds directed towards charitable causes.

9. Columbus Park

Continuing your exploration of the Prairie School theme, Columbus Park provides a picturesque public space designed by Wright’s contemporary, the Danish-American landscape architect Jens Jensen (1860-1951).

Spanning over 135 acres, Columbus Park is regarded as the highlight of Jensen’s career and exemplifies his Prairie School design principles.

The park accentuates the natural beauty of its surroundings and prioritizes native over exotic landscaping.

Jensen found inspiration in the rugged outcroppings of the Midwest when designing the park’s stone pathways and waterfalls, as well as the Council Ring, a communal stone circle that reflects both Viking and Native American traditions.

The northern section of the park features a nine-hole, links-style golf course embedded within prairie-inspired meadows.

10. Scoville Park

Adjacent to Unity Temple and facing the Oak Park Public Library is another public space designed by Jens Jensen.

The history of Scoville Park stretches back significantly further, as the land was acquired by the area’s first Euro-American settler, Joseph Kettlestrings, in 1833.

This territory was later bought in 1855 by James Scoville, for whom the park is named. Notably, the foundations of Scoville’s mansion have been unearthed beneath the war memorial, Peace Triumphant, located at the park’s center.

Jensen undertook renovations on Scoville Park during the 1910s, and although the layout has diverged from his original design over the past century, a restoration in 2012–13 reinstated several key features characteristic of his open landscape style.

Hosting summer concerts, Scoville Park features expansive lawns, tennis courts, and a children’s playground equipped with artificial turf. The Peace Triumphant memorial includes an inscription honoring Hemingway, among the 2,445 other Oak Park residents who served in World War I.

11. Oak Park River Forest Museum

Documenting over 180 years of local heritage, this museum is operated by the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, founded in 1968. The museum transitioned to its current location on Lake Street in 2017.

Housed within a striking Richardsonian Romanesque building, which was originally a firehouse built in 1898, the museum features a carefully restored interior equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting.

The museum showcases hundreds of artifacts, from vintage clothing to tin signage, depicting the rich cultural tapestry of Oak Park and River Forest.

Additionally, compelling temporary exhibitions cover diverse topics such as the Pleasant Home, WWI’s impact on Oak Park, and local scouting history, along with a dedicated area for children’s activities.

12. Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History

Located just to the west in River Forest, this intriguing natural history museum is situated in a Victorian mansion. The Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History borders the vast Thatcher Woods along the Des Plaines River and is managed by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Constructed in the 1870s, the building serves as a museum established in 1931, delving into the native ecology of the area.

Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey and coyotes, while enjoying the beautiful wildflower displays present on the grounds.

Following the museum visit, guests can embark on a walk through Thatcher Woods, featuring a combination of tranquil oak forests and floodplain ecosystems.

13. Rehm Park

This well-maintained neighborhood park has long been a favorite among families for over 60 years.

Accessible to the public at no charge, albeit requiring the presence of park district staff for utilization, is a miniature railway crafted for children, ingeniously powered by a winch system.

The railway is part of a larger playground featuring a sand pit and age-appropriate play structures.

At the time of this listing, Rehm Park had undergone significant renovations, now offering a community pool and a newly designed game area located at the main entrance, equipped with ping pong, baggo, and a GaGa pit.

14. Mills Park

After visiting the Pleasant Home, visitors can step into the adjacent Mills Park, a picturesque area adorned with tree-shaded lawns and delightful flowerbeds.

Situated at the edge of downtown Oak Park, Mills Park features a gentle slope and is bustling with wildlife, particularly squirrels during the spring, summer, and fall.

Throughout the park, wooden benches and stone-carved seating are available. A notable element is a pathway lined with engraved stepping stones narrating the history of Oak Park, from its prehistoric origins to contemporary times.

15. Wonder Works Children’s Museum

Designed specifically for children aged eight and under, this engaging museum provides an ideal space for energetic and inquisitive young minds.

Wonder Works offers an interactive, open-ended, and educational environment where children can climb, construct, create, play musical instruments, solve puzzles, and role-play various scenarios, including shopping and doctor visits.

The layout permits clear lines of sight for supervisors, and parents or guardians are encouraged to participate and engage with the activities.

The museum features six permanent exhibits along with rotating temporary displays that change every few months. A variety of special events, from storytime sessions to Halloween festivities, are also organized throughout the year.