A Weekend in Oak Park, Illinois

Perhaps Chicago’s most remarkable suburb, Oak Park boasts itself as the boyhood town of literary great Earnest Hemingway and as the stomping grounds for architectural innovator Frank Lloyd Wright. Established in 1839, the suburb slowly but steadily grew, until the Chicago fire of 1871 caused a major influx of new inhabitants. Today, the affluent village, due West of Chicago, is considered home for more than 52,000 Illinois residents and is one of seventeen small communities that create the Oak Park area.

Comprised of only 4.5 square miles and bordered by Lake Street and Chicago, Oak Park and Harlem avenues, the suburb makes for a perfect afternoon stroll especially for those interested in historic homes. Several Victorian “painted ladies” and prairie style properties adorn the tree lined streets.

Located just ten miles West of Chicago, Oak Park offers suburban living with urban conveniences. Life-long resident Jack Burr knows that the community has a little bit of everything. “I like living here because I think it’s a pretty diverse place. It’s not too busy, but if you want a little hustle and bustle, you can head into Chicago.” Just as the big city offers public transportation, Oak Park can be accessed by taking the Green Line to its last stop, Harlem. Once in Oak Park, Pace buses can be utilized, but because of its size, your own two feet will do just fine. Weather in Oak Park is typical for its Midwest locale, displaying each of the four seasons to their fullest.