Welcome to River Forest
River Forest sits along the eastern edge of the Des Plaines River, tucked in just to the west of its better-known neighbor, Oak Park. Notable for its many elegant homes, including a number of classic residences designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, River Forest enjoys some of the highest property values in the Chicago area.
First settled in the early 1830s thanks to its fertile land and proximity to Chicago, the village grew rapidly in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire and was formally incorporated in 1880.
The thick forests that wrap throughout the village’s western boundaries remain. The Forest Preserves of Cook County is headquartered here. Families and children enjoy the beautiful grounds and nature displays of the Trailside Museum of Natural History here. The village is also home to two beautiful and historic campuses: Dominican University and Concordia University Chicago.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
THATCHER WOODS
Nestled along the Des Plaines River, the 245-acre Thatcher Woods is home to a diverse range of bird species and plant life
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RIVER FOREST TOWN SQUARE
Located in the center of town, this shopping plaza has all the stores you need for daily life.
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TENNIS CLUB
The outdoor club offers 10 excellent clay courts for tennis, a collegiate-size swimming pool, and a wide expanse of lawn for play, parties, and events.
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LOCAL NEWS SOURCES
WEDNESDAY JOURNAL
Weekly newspaper from Growing Community Media serving Oak Park and River Forest. Building community through independent, nonpartisan journalism.
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OAK LEAVES
The Oak Leaves – connecting our readers to their community through news and information that really matters.
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GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
VILLAGE HALL
RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIP
w riverforesttownship.org
t 708-366-2029
e supervisor@RiverForestTownship.org
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHILD CARE & SCHOOLS
DISTRICT 90 (k-8)
DISTRICT 200 (High School)
OTHER RESOURCES
PARKS & RECREATION
RIVER FOREST PARK DISTRICT
RIVER FOREST PUBLIC LIBRARY
RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING
