Location: Oak Park
Top Things to do in Oak Park
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What to do and see in Oak Park, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Architecture buffs will be well acquainted with Oak Park, once the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, where he designed and built some of his earliest buildings. Unity Temple, the Nathan G. Moore House and Wright's own former home and studio are among the many Wright buildings still preserved in the village, while buildings such as the Cheney Mansion were designed by his students. Oak Park is also the famed birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, whose childhood home is now a museum open to visitors.
Restaurants in Oak Park
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
See why the Art Institute of Chicago is the only museum in the world to be top-ranked by TripAdvisor four years in a row! Experience the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris, and view contemporary masterpieces in the spectacular Modern Wing. Stand before classics like Nighthawks, and travel the globe through galleries devoted to the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas.
Reviewed By Rocket_Man0691 - Phoenix, Arizona
Nice museum....something for everybody. It is a little sprawling and chopped up but with patience you can find your way. Several things we wanted to see were on loan e.g., American Gothic... so if you want something specific, ask before shelling out the admission
2. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio served as Wright's private residence and workplace from 1889 to 1909--the first 20 years of his career. Here Wright developed a new American architecture: the Prairie style. Trained interpreters offer insights into Wright's family life and architectural career. Enjoy guided tours of the museum complex and neighboring historic district seven days a week. Tour details are available on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust website.
Reviewed By Bob E - Ada, Michigan
This place where Wright did some of his earliest and best work as a young architectural genius is well worth an hour. Seeing how Wright created a new American architecture among other European style homes shows both his courage to step out and lead in developing a new style and his genius in making spaces that were formative and inspiring for family and coworkers alike.
Docents are great...very knowledgeable and passionate about all things Wright, Oak path and Chicago. Make sure to do online reservations so you aren’t disappointed
3. Brookfield Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
216-acre Zoo With Over 400 Species Of Animals.
Reviewed By David I - Oswego, Illinois
I have been to many zoos, but Brookfield never disappoints. I would highly recommend their membership if you live nearby. There is a lot to see so the family has a lot of places to go. I used to have the membership when I lived in Chicago and would just go there to walk around with my daughter. The zoo is educational and relaxing. After leaving the zoo, your kids will be ready for a nap. There is a lot of fun to be had at the zoo!!!
4. Fitzgerald's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Roseann P - West Chicago, Illinois
Love love this intimate quaint setting for concerts. The entertainment was awesome. You can bring food in from nearby establishments. The cocktails here are very reasonable. Need more concerts please!
5. Wright Plus Housewalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
The annual Wright Plus Housewalk celebrates architecture, design, Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative vision and the talents of his fellow architects. It is an enjoyable day featuring rare interior tours of private homes and public buildings designed by Wright and his contemporaries.
Reviewed By Jon from Dallas - Dallas, Texas
We planned our trip to Oak Park a year in advance, then built a week-long architectural study of Chicago around the Wright Plus 150 Housewalk. 'A good plan well-executed! Our ticket included tours of The Rookery and Robie House, making the ticket price an even greater value. Not even a steady downpour dampened our resolve to see all ten homes including Wright's Home & Studio.
HOUSEWALK TIPS - Plan ahead and buy your tickets online to save time. Study the tour information to take full advantage of your day in Oak Park (or week in Chicago). We rode the 'L' from Wicker Park with no trouble and caught the Housewalk Trolley at the Oak Park 'L' station.
Arrive early, because you will need the full day to get your wristbands and queue-up to see every home. Pack light, as backpacks are not allowed. Be patient. There are a lot of people, and you will spend time waiting to enter each home. We started our day at a home with no line, while others waited up to an hour to see their first home. To walk in reverse order works and saves waiting time. If you encounter a long line, move-on to the home with no line.
Take a lunch break and recharge your batteries. The Housewalk recommends local restaurants that offer a discount to tour-goers. Take advantage of this, because you will need a break mid-day. NO PHOTOGRAPHY is allowed inside the tour homes. Prepare for the weather, as much of your day is spent outside. Lastly, be grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who give their time and knowledge to make this a great event. Bravo Oak Park and the FLW Trust!
6. Oak Park Public Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Melissa T - Oak Park, Illinois
Great cities, villages, towns, etc. can be judged by their libraries. The main library and the smaller branches are a gem to our township. We visit the library all the time. Besides the book selections and such, the programs they offer are excellent. I love our library!
7. Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
This Frank Lloyd Wright landmark shows off many of the Prairie School architectural features that made him famous.
Reviewed By Michael C - Portland, Maine
Unity Temple raises more questions than it answers. But it's unutterably marvelous, fresh from a major two year rehab and renovation. I don't know that the guided tour is essential, though it is pleasant, but the building needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Don't miss it.
8. Oak Park Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By StephenR744 - Jersey, United Kingdom
We dropped in unannounced and met three lovely ladies and could have stayed longer but we were anxious to get on and see the Frank Lloyd Wright houses, we were greeted with cheery smiles and loads of information and clear helpful directions. A must if...MoreI was one of those ladies!!! Thank you for the really nice review. We are a happy when you are happy. Hope you loved seeing all the amazing architecture!
9. Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By TooOldtoRun - Columbia, Maryland
The house is a nice victorian but Hemingway only lived there until he was 1 year old. The museum displays mostly his early work, which is what occurred in Oak park. It was nice.
10. Oak Park Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By CheesecakeChick - Chicago, Illinois
Small conservatory, we had an interesting docent walk our group around explaining all the plants and the new section for children to play in. Worth a visit if you are in the area! Stop and say hello to the parrots!! Maybe George (?) will talk to you!!
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