Afternoon in Oak Park, Illinois

Afternoon in Oak Park, Illinois

We spent a recent Sunday afternoon checking out a few spots in Oak Park. Our first stop was to the Oak Park River Forest Museum which is housed in an historic 1898 Fire House. The historic brick building does have an inviting feel, welcoming visitors to learn about the area.

The museum encompasses two floors. The first floor contains interesting displays full of local artifacts from throughout the years. There are some larger pieces like this school bell and smaller pieces stored in glass cabinets. Visitors can go on a scavenger hunt for a little fun. Each section has descriptions about the items displayed that is readily available for interpretation.

Pretty cool up close look at a school bell.

I particularly enjoyed checking out the old maps. They provide an understanding of how the neighboring communities are divided up.

I learned about organs that were made in the area. I had no idea and I love to learn the maker history of the area! Museums like this a great for familiarizing you with local history and learning how it developed through the years. It also gives you a basis for what the area is like today.

I think my favorite find was the card catalog. My 12-year-old had never seen one before, so it was fun to so it to her. I do miss them, I must admit! On top of the card catalog, we spied a typewriter, adding machine, radio and a rotary phone (behind the adding machine.)

Also, there was a display on how the floor was restored from the original firehouse floor. Pretty cool that boards could be salvaged just be flipping them over.

Upstairs, we explored the museum's WWI exhibit honoring those who served from Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding areas. The museum has quite a few uniforms on display including a woman's WWI uniform. Women served as nurses and in office jobs.

Women's WWI uniform

We also found a children's area upstairs which combined exhibits of children's toys with hands-on experiences.

My husband and daughter got a little competitive. My daughter won!

Afterward, we ventured to the Oak Park Visitor Center to check out their items from area makers. I really think it is incredible that they have made an effort to showcase local makers. I hope more areas do this as well!

Then, we headed to Cafe Descartes just up the street for a little chai latte and coffee.

Followed by Sugar Fixe Patisserie for decadent baked goods.

Whenever we are in the area, we have to make a stop at the Oak Park Conservatory to soak up some tropical splendor! During our recent visit, the conservatory was decorated with Halloween ghosts and ghouls!

We enjoyed spotting the decorations interspersed in the foliage.

Of course, we still discovered moments of peace as well!

The Oak Park Conservatory provides a much needed nature walk no matter what the weather is like. It is always on our list in the winter!

Arid greenhouse at the Oak Park Conservatory

We enjoyed our afternoon in Oak Park! There is much more to explore including the incredible Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and many downtown shops. We visit a couple of times a year, so we will back before we know it!