Forest Park is like the cool cousin to Oak Park and River Forest.  Only 10 miles from Chicago’s downtown, Forest Park blends small-town charm and urban savvy in western Cook County. Forest Park, IL is known for its community events & vibrant nightlife. It’s easy to get to via the CTA Blue Line, or a quick drive on Interstate 290 west to either the Harlem Avenue or First Avenue exits. This makes it a great place for young professionals, new families, and those looking to enjoy retirement!

Fun fact about Forest Park, IL., there are more deceased residents than living ones as it’s home to several cemeteries… talk about a quite neighborhood! Forest Park cemeteries draw visitors worldwide to connect with Chicago, national – and even Hollywood – history. Forest Park Historical Society’s Cemetery Tours can take you to the more celebrated gravesites, with behind-the-scenes stories to help understand the breadth of the past here.

Forest Park is so much more than graveyards.  Located immediately south of historically “dry” suburbs of Oak Park and River Forest, its restaurant, bar, and nightlife scene has long been lively. The town’s yearly events calendar adds a whole other dimension to Madison Street, including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade; a Wine Walk and Rib Fest in the Grove in September; the Zombie Pub Crawl in October (of course!) with Casket Race; and the family-friendly Holiday Walk & Festival of Windows. And don’t forget the annual No-Glove National 16-Inch Softball Tournament in summer.

Whether it’s a juicy steak at the Golden Steer or duck fat fries at Fatduck Tavern & Grill, you’ll enjoy amazing dining opportunities. The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor, housed in a former burlesque theatre, has been raising local eyebrows even before US News named it America’s Best Ice Cream. For shopping and fun, you can’t go wrong along Madison Street. No matter how you like to unwind, you can get the best of both worlds in Forest Park, IL