Things to do in Forest Park, Illinois
- Forest Park was formerly incorporated as the Village of Harlem in 1884 before changing its name in 1907.
- The village contains 17 cemeteries within its borders, leading to the local moniker 'Village of Cemetery Dwellers'.
- It served as the site for the original Speedway Park, a two-mile wooden board track that hosted major automobile races in the 1910s.
- Forest Park contains a higher density of burial plots per capita than almost any other municipality in the United States.
About Forest Park, Illinois
Forest Park is a western suburb of Chicago situated along the Des Plaines River, historically known as the final resting place for over 100,000 people across its numerous large cemeteries. The community serves as a transit hub, hosting the western terminus of the CTA Blue Line. Residents and visitors access the nearby Oak Park Conservatory and Columbus (Christopher) Park to enjoy managed green spaces and botanical collections. The town maintains a distinct character through its proximity to the architectural legacy found at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio and the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum.
Highlights of Forest Park, Illinois
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
This expansive zoo features global animal habitats and conservation programs just minutes from the village border.
Museums
Explore the residence and design laboratory where the Prairie School style of architecture was pioneered.
Parks
The facility houses a Mediterranean-style glass conservatory showcasing a diverse collection of exotic plant species.
Parks
This site features a landmark landscape design by Jens Jensen, focusing on native prairie restoration.
Museums
Visitors can tour the preserved childhood home of the Nobel Prize-winning author.
Parks
This nature preserve offers quiet trails along the Des Plaines River for local outdoor recreation.
Top things to do in Forest Park, Illinois
The 117 highest-rated places in Forest Park, Illinois, ranked by travellers.
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Brookfield Zoo, operated by the Chicago Zoological Society, is a 235-acre facility housing over 3,000 animals across div...
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Forest Park, Illinois on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Forest Park, Illinois
May through September, when the local parks and nearby outdoor botanical sites are fully operational and weather is conducive to walking.
2 days, which allows enough time to explore the local historic districts and the adjacent cultural sites in neighboring Oak Park.
The city is highly accessible via the CTA Blue Line, and local travel is best accomplished by car or bicycle, as the area is largely residential.
Stay along Madison Street to be within walking distance of the primary dining district and public transportation links.
Mid-range, as the area offers suburban pricing that is generally more affordable than downtown Chicago accommodations.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 117 curated attractions in and around Forest Park, Illinois, ranked by traveller ratings.
Brookfield Zoo is the highest-rated place to visit in Forest Park, Illinois right now.
The largest category is parks, with 54 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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