Oak Park River Forest Museum

<p>Join us for "Green History: Retrofitting Historic Buildings for Energy Efficiency and Historic Preservation" at 7 p.m. on Thursday April 23 at OPRF Museum.</p>
<p>Local architects and engineers will share some remarks and then join a panel discussion chaired by Lindsey Nieratka, Chief Sustainability Officer of the Village of Oak Park. The goal is to straddle April's annual Earth Month (which grew out of Earth Day) with Historic Preservation Month, celebrated every May. The program will explore the connections between historic architecture and environmental sustainability, with real-world examples of how community residents have made such projects happen.</p>
<p>Regular admission rates will apply for this program. Registration is not required but you may contact us ahead of time to reserve your spot; call the museum at 708-848-6755 or contact us on our website, oprfmuseum.org.</p>

Local Event: Green History

Cook County

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Green History

Join us for "Green History: Retrofitting Historic Buildings for Energy Efficiency and Historic Preservation" at 7 p.m. on...

Trailside Museum of Natural History

<p>It’s spring and that means it’s time for our series of walking tours to begin! The first walking tour of 2026 begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at nearby Thatcher Woods.  Reserve your space and purchase your ticket now at oprfmuseum.org or call 708-848-6755.</p>
<p>Also, look under the events tab on our website to view upcoming walking tours. Space on each tour is limited.</p>

Local Event: Thatcher Woods Walking Tour

Thatcher Woods Walking Tour

It’s spring and that means it’s time for our series of walking tours to begin! The first walking tour of 2026 begins at 10 a.m....

<p>Spring is on its way, and that means it’s time for The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest’s annual Spring House Walk. This year, five beautiful homes in northeast River Forest will be open for interior tours from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3.</p>
<p>Tickets are $40 each, or $35 for members. Tickets may be purchased in our online store, oprfmuseum.org,&nbsp;or by phone at 708-848-6755.</p>
<p>The event is limited to those over age 12 and pets will not be allowed in these private homes. These homes are not ADA/wheelchair accessible and public restrooms are only available at ticket-pickup (stay tuned for the location announcement).</p>
<p>All proceeds benefit the Historical Society, a not-for-profit community organization, which operates Oak Park River Forest Museum at the corner of Lake and Lombard in Oak Park.&nbsp;</p>

Local Event: 22nd Annual Spring House Walk

22nd Annual Spring House Walk

Spring is on its way, and that means it’s time for The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest’s annual Spring House...

Gunderson Historic District

<p>Our stroll through southeast Oak Park's Gunderson Historic District will, of course, tell the story of how the Gunderson Brothers developed and promoted this neighborhood, but it will also include lesser-known stories, like the house once named the Oak Park Academy of Fine Arts, the controversial temporary homes built to ease the post-World War II housing crisis, why this neighborhood was once called “Fertile Acres,” and more.</p>
<p>This tour will start and end at the Longfellow Park Pavilion and will last approximately 90 minutes. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring your own water if needed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tickets are $10 or $8 for members. Tickets for this event are limited, and spots fill up fast, so reserve yours today. Visit oprfmuseum.org for tickets or call 708-848-6755.</p>
<p>Group tours on other dates may be booked by special arrangement. Contact the Museum for more information. No refunds will be given for reservations cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the event.</p>
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Local Event: "Growing With the Gundersons" Walking Tour in Oak Park

"Growing With the Gundersons" Walking Tour in...

Our stroll through southeast Oak Park's Gunderson Historic District will, of course, tell the story of how the Gunderson...

"Growing With the Gundersons" Walking Tour in Oak Park

Forest Home Cemetery, enter from First Avenue

<p>Have you ever wondered what's across the bridge at Forest Home Cemetery? If so, join Oak Park River Forest Museum docents for a walking tour to learn more about the people, organizations and stories found west of the Des Plaines River. Find out about the Bill Posters Union and the Cigar Makers International Union, veterans’ and fraternal groups, ethnic areas, the founder of the world’s first blood bank, a well-known radio personality, and more. NOTE—this is a walking tour only, not a character tour like our October Cemetery Walk.</p>
<p>The summer tour meets inside the First Avenue gate of the cemetery at 10 a.m. and will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are $10 each or $8 for members. Spaces are limited, so order your tickets today <a href="https://oprfmuseum.org/store#!/Summer-Cemetery-Walking-Tour-July-10/p/376062285/category=26624115" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">on our website at oprfmuseum.org or </a>by phone at 708-848-6755.</p>
<p>Please wear good walking shoes and bring your own water if needed. Restrooms and water fountains will NOT be available at the cemetery, and the cemetery bridge over the Des Plaines River is currently closed.</p>

Local Event: West of the River: Forest Home Cemetery Walking Tour

West of the River: Forest Home Cemetery Walking...

Have you ever wondered what's across the bridge at Forest Home Cemetery? If so, join Oak Park River Forest Museum docents for a...

West of the River: Forest Home Cemetery Walking Tour

Cheri Bentrup 

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Community Outreach Coordinator for Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St., Oak Park, IL

Forest Park

West Side

Bucktown-Wicker Park

North Center-Roscoe Village

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Square

Lakeview

Chicago

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Let'sGoCure #9 Online Auction

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Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Cheri Bentrup , Neighbor

Posting Activity

Green History

APR

23

7:00 PM

Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St, Oak Park, IL

Thatcher Woods Walking Tour

APR

25

10:00 AM

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL

22nd Annual Spring House Walk

MAY

3

1:00 PM

Oak Park-River Forest, IL

"Growing With the Gundersons" Walking Tour in Oak Park

MAY

9

10:00 AM

Oak Park-River Forest, IL

West of the River: Forest Home Cemetery Walking Tour

MAY

17

12:00 PM

Oak Park-River Forest, IL

Let'sGoCure #9 Online Auction

Conserving Nature, Reviving Hope

Japanese Tanka Poetry and its Key Role in One Chicago Family

The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Rosemont, IL (May 2026)