Discover Oak Park’s Hidden Gem – A living world of beauty

Oak Park Conservatory

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites. Free and open to the public, the Conservatory offers visitors a lush escape into nature with three distinct indoor showrooms — the Mediterranean Room, Tropical Room, and Desert Room — each showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Outside, the urban gardens continue the experience with native Illinois landscapes featured in the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden and Rubinstein Garden. Sweeps of prairie grasses and native blooms welcome you at the entrance, inviting you to slow down and explore this hidden oasis in the heart of the village. Owned and operated by the Park District of Oak Park, the Conservatory provides year-round opportunities to connect with nature through programs, events, and community initiatives. Highlights include: • Seasonal Events: Enjoy festive gatherings throughout the year such as the Candlelight Walk, Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, and Halloween Fright at Night. • Plant &amp; Garden Markets: Shop a variety of seasonal plant sales, including the Winter Seed Sale, Valentine’s Market, Spring Plant Sale, Perennial Pollinator Sale, Succulent &amp; Cacti Sale, Fall Mum &amp; Bulb Sale, and Winter Greens Market. • Private Event Rentals: Celebrate life’s milestones surrounded by natural beauty. The Conservatory is available for weddings, showers, graduations, birthday parties, memorial services, and other special occasions. • Educational Programs: Participate in a variety of hands-on programs for all ages — from adult gardening workshops to free early childhood nature programs that inspire young explorers. Whether you’re a lifelong plant lover or simply seeking a moment of calm, the Oak Park Conservatory offers a space to reconnect with nature, beauty, and community — right in your own backyard.

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites....

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

Our school is dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens. Our inclusive community and personalized international curriculum combine the best of both worlds, giving our Preschool, Primary, Middle School and High School students a truly global outlook rooted in Chicago’s rich heritage.

Chicago

British International School of Chicago, South...

Our school is dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens. Our inclusive community and personalized...

Mission Ready: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many overlook how military benefits intersect with real estate and estate planning. Whether you used a VA loan or are looking to pass your legacy to your children, here are critical steps to ensure your plan is as disciplined as your service. 1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans If you bought your home with a VA-backed loan, you can generally transfer it into a Living Trust without triggering a "due-on-sale" clause, provided it remains your primary residence. This allows your family to avoid probate—the long, expensive court process of proving ownership after you pass. 2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions Illinois offers significant property tax breaks for disabled veterans. However, these don't always "travel" automatically. If you move your home into a trust, ensure your attorney includes specific language that preserves your right to the homestead and veteran tax exemptions. Also, check if these exemptions are portable for a surviving spouse. 3. Update Your Beneficiaries A common mistake is updating a Will but forgetting the beneficiary forms on life insurance (VGLI) or a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Rule: A beneficiary form overrides a Will. If an old beneficiary is still listed on your policy, they will likely receive the payout regardless of what your Will says. 4. Secure Your DD214 In the military, if it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. Your family will need your DD214 to access almost every benefit, from burial honors to survivor pensions. Keep a digital and physical copy in a fireproof safe and ensure your executor knows the location. About the Author: Cathy Yanda is a USMC Veteran and a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner in Oak Park. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), she is dedicated to helping fellow veterans navigate the complexities of real estate and legacy planning.

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River...

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many...

FOREST PARK, IL - A winning Illinois Lottery ticket worth $4.25 million was sold recently at the 7-Eleven at 7749 W. Roosevelt Road in Forest Park, according to a report from ABC-7. The ticket matched all six numbers from Monday's midday drawing: 11, 19, 26, 28, 48 and 49.The winner has one year after the drawing to claim his or her prize at one of the Illinois Lottery's five prize centers. <a href="http://abc7chicago.com/finance/%24425m-winning-lotto-ticket-sold-in-forest-park/2981411/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">More via ABC-7 </a>Photo: Illinois Lottery

FOREST PARK, IL - A winning Illinois Lottery ticket worth $4.25 million was sold recently at the 7-Eleven at 7749 W. Roosevelt Road in Forest Park, according to a report from ABC-7. The ticket matched all six numbers from Monday's midday drawing: 11, 19, 26, 28, 48 and 49.

The winner has one year after the drawing to claim his or her prize at one of the Illinois Lottery's five prize centers. <a href="http://abc7chicago.com/finance/%24425m-winning-lotto-ticket-sold-in-forest-park/2981411/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">More via ABC-7 </a>

Photo: Illinois Lottery

Forest Park

$4.25 Million Lotto Ticket Sold At 7-Eleven

A lotto ticket purchased at the 7-Eleven on Roosevelt Road matched all six numbers from Monday's drawing.

Winning Lotto Ticket Sold At 7-Eleven In Forest Park

Community Corner

West Side

David Giuliani

La Grange

Western Springs

DuPage County

Elmhurst

Oak Brook

Bucktown-Wicker Park

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

North Center-Roscoe Village

Lincoln Park

Let'sGoCure #9 Online Auction April 21st - 23rd
Featuring a 2025 Invitrogen Neon NxT Electroporation System, gentleMACS Octo...

Let'sGoCure #9 Online Auction

Join the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest for an inspiring presentation on conserving natural ecosystems and...

Conserving Nature, Reviving Hope

🌱 Patch AM: FUNNIES Variety Show at the...

Be sure to catch Let'sGoCure #9 Online Auction on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: FUNNIES Variety Show at the Friendly and 11 more events

🌱 Patch AM: Singles Social Mixer Oak Park, IL...

And check out  Chicago Artisan Market in Ravenswood - Sat-Sun, Apr 18-19 (Spring Market) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Singles Social Mixer Oak Park, IL Cooper's Hawk and 11 more events

🌱 Patch AM: How Forest Park’s new trash...

And check out Chicago Artisan Market in Ravenswood - Sat-Sun, Apr 18-19 (Spring Market) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How Forest Park’s new trash contract could save $300,000 a year

Across America

Automaker Recalls 1.4M Of One America’s Most...

Recalls include 3 million bottles of eye drops, certain bottles of a common anti-anxiety drug, and pots and pans that pose burn hazards.

Automaker Recalls 1.4M Of One America’s Most Popular Models: Recall Roundup

Business

Wilmette-Kenilworth

Store Closes After 165 Years | Titanic Exhibit...

A Titanic exhibit goes underwater and Jewel-Osco owners owe millions for its role in the opioid crisis: Illinois Business News this week.

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Community Corner

Winning Lotto Ticket Sold At 7-Eleven In Forest Park

A lotto ticket purchased at the 7-Eleven on Roosevelt Road matched all six numbers from Monday's drawing.

Tim Moran, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Forest Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Forest Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Forest Park

Al Spears & The Hurricane Project and Downtown Charlie Brown - Concert

Let'sGoCure #9 Online Auction

Conserving Nature, Reviving Hope

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

Oak Park Conservatory

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Winning Lotto Ticket Sold At 7-Eleven In Forest Park

A lotto ticket purchased at the 7-Eleven on Roosevelt Road matched all six numbers from Monday's drawing.

Tim Moran, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Forest Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Forest Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Tim Moran, Patch Staff