Illinois is also a fantastic place to visit if you enjoy horse racing and riverboat casinos. Each has its own distinct characteristics, such as on-site restaurants and motels.

These casinos provide an unforgettable holiday experience. The casinos listed here are some of the best in Illinois! However, if visiting a real casino in Illinois is not an option for you, take a look at the best online casinos at Casinos Jungle. This site can help you find a safe, trusted online gambling environment.

Jumer’s Casino Rock Island

Jumer’s is widely regarded as one of the greatest casinos outside of Las Vegas, with personable dealers, servers, and management. This casino has high-quality slots, table games, stylish hotel accommodations, services, and restaurants. Jumer’s facilities include a full-service beauty salon and spa, four restaurants, a gift store, a swimming pool, and exercise centers.

There are 18 table games to choose from, including roulette, craps, and poker, as well as almost a thousand slot machines and a high limit slot area. If you want to go on a great gaming trip, you should go to Jumer’s gambling facility.

Arlington Park and the Racecourse

Arlington Park is an ideal location for a family or a friendly gathering to enjoy fun-filled horse racing activities. It is recognized as one of America’s most beautiful race tracks.

On October 13, 1927, Arlington had its inaugural thoroughbred competition. A huge audience of over 20,000 people braved the cold to watch this incredible spectacle. Betting on horses has since become a popular social activity, particularly during the summer months.

When the horses are not racing, they have a large space to gallop and play in, and their workers are friendly and experienced. Arlington Park is a charming and clean place with a variety of dining options. It is well-known for being a magnificent location for many types of events, from corporate retreats to group meetings to weddings.

It’s also a great spot for friends to catch up and watch the horses.
The Arlington International Racecourse Casino provides gaming as well as luxurious amenities, moderately priced eateries, and excellent hotel accommodations.

Their hospitality and seating are very comfortable, and you can view the racetrack from every seat. The Million Dollar Space is the ideal place to have a good view of the race from start to finish. A TV on the table displays information about future races, odds and so on.
You have access to a wide range of meals and beverages. You may sit in the reserve and have your food and beverages provided for a few additional dollars. Arlington Racetrack’s vibrant atmosphere creates a wonderful experience.

Hollywood Casino Joliet

The Hollywood Casino Joliet was once known as the Joliet Empress Casino. It is one of the most comfortable, clean and well-equipped hotels in the neighborhood.
The 50,000-square-foot casino has a brand-new gaming floor with over 1,100 of the most popular slots and video poker machines. You can play all of your favorite casino games here.
If you want to gamble the night away and don’t want to go home, the Hollywood Casino Joliet also features a hotel where you may stay after a lengthy gaming session.

Rivers Casino

The newest gaming zone in Chicagoland offers a broad range of entertaining games. Rivers Casino is 147,000 square feet in size and has about 50 popular table games such as Blackjack, Spanish 2, Craps, Baccarat, Live Roulette, Mississippi Stud, and 3-card casino poker, among others.
The casino features nearly 1,000 slots, including the popular Sphinx 3-D, and Lucky 88. More craps tables, blackjack, poker, and a high roller area, as well as the VIP Lounge which can be found on the bottom floor.
Their smoke-free environment contributes to the establishment’s premium feel. There are also bars, buffets, and dining areas to suit every taste, so it’s well worth a look.

Argosy Casino Alton

This is a fantastic spot to come if you want to experience a welcoming hometown vibe. The Argosy Casino Alton is a modest yet cozy gambling establishment. It is located on a river near the town of Grafton.
There are 800 slot machines and many video poker machines to please every gambler, as well as the most popular table games like as Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, Craps, Three Card Poker, 21+3, and Roulette.
The casino is open all year and provides an exciting and engaging experience for guests. This modest gambling casino tops others in the region due to its smoke-free environment and entertaining activities.

Fairmount Park

Finally, Fairmount Park is another modest but excellent site for leisure, horse racing betting, and other activities. This is an ideal destination for families and friends since it offers a variety of exciting activities that you will undoubtedly love.
The atmosphere is really vibrant! You can sit outside and watch the horse race from the grandstand, fence, clubhouse, or indoors. If you want to spend a low-cost evening with a memorable experience, Fairmount Park should be your first choice.

Visiting a casino is always a thrilling experience! There’s no knowing what will happen or how much you’ll win. In Illinois, there are several great casinos to visit. Find a gaming resort that appeals to you and enjoy yourself in their beautifully furnished hotel rooms and casino floors.

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Posen, IL’s Hero’s Sports Bar & Grill

Hero’s Sports Bar & Grill is a traditional establishment with friendly service, great music, and a varied menu. Locals love the chicken wings and the whole ambiance of this restaurant. They’re open late and worth visiting with a group or on your own.

Oak Lawn, IL’s The Whistle Sports Bar & Grill

Locals consider The Whistle Sports Bar to be a neighborhood gem, with great meals served by friendly wait staff. Guests particularly like the steak sandwich (a menu staple) and the buffalo shrimp. Everything is fairly priced, and the whole environment contributes to a good and memorable experience.

Hall of Fame Sports Grill, Lyons, IL

Hall of Fame Sports Grill is a popular neighborhood hangout. Every day after 3 p.m., all of their burgers are just $1, and they also have various deals on their bar food and drinks. With its karaoke and quiz evenings, the Hall of Fame attracts a vibrant crowd. Guests say it’s a wonderful place to watch sports and eat reasonably priced bar fare.

Will’s Northwoods Inn in Chicago, Illinois

Will’s Northwoods Inn is the place to go if you’re a Packers fan in Chicago. Fans of the Chicago Hawks, Bears, Cubs, Sox, and Bulls may also watch the newest Hawks, Bears, Cubs, Sox, and Bulls games here. Wills is one of the greatest sports bars in the state for a variety of reasons, including their cheerful wait staff and outstanding bartenders, as well as their cheese curds.

Highland, IL’s E.L. Flanagan’s Sports & Spirits

Look no further than E.L. Flanagan’s for delicious pub cuisine and quick service. Their wait staff is friendly and helpful, and on weekends, visitors may enjoy live music. The outdoor terrace is ideal for the warmer months, and there is a cool fish tank for children to enjoy.

MD’s Sports Bar & Grill, Peoria, Illinois

MD’s Sports Bar in Peoria is usually buzzing with activity. They have live entertainment, Taco Tuesdays, tournaments, amazing food deals, a large number of televisions, and so much more. MD’s fries, burgers, and pulled pork sandwiches are popular with visitors. MD’s also provides fast and pleasant service.

Springfield, Illinois’s Stadium Bar & Grill

The Stadium Bar & Grill is well-known for its extensive menu selection and delicious pizza. Their cuisine is fairly priced, and they frequently provide promotions. They serve all-you-can-eat fish on Fridays and two-topping big pizzas for $10 on a daily basis.

Countryside, IL’s Harry’s Sports Bar and Grill

Harry’s is famous for its Taco Tuesdays, when they sell $1 tacos, as well as an extensive craft beer selection. Locals also love watching games and other sporting events on the other 30 screens. This establishment also offers pool tables, gaming, weekly trivia, and other enjoyable activities. Harry’s welcoming wait staff also makes an effort to accommodate large parties.

Washington, IL’s Kep’s Sports Bar & Grill

Kep’s Sports Bar is the place to go for superb service and bar cuisine. The atmosphere, events, live music, and attentive wait staff are all enjoyed by guests. A local favorite in the Washington region, it also has huge televisions for watching sports.

Galena, IL’s Gobbie’s Sports Pub & Eatery

Gobbie’s is a family-run sports bar that serves handmade pizza and has outside seating. Guests love the deep-dish pizza with salad and the beer nuggets. Gobbie’s also has several high-definition televisions throughout the restaurant and bar, as well as live local entertainment on weekends.

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The new Oak Oak Park Craft Beer Trail from Visit Oak Park is ready to help you celebrate even more.

Each of Oak Park’s breweries is distinctive in its own way. They’re likely to play a role in a wonderful day out in Oak Park, whether you pack them all into a day or visit them at a more leisurely pace. So put on your sneakers and hit the the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail.

One Lake Brewing

One Lake Brewing, located on the intersection of Austin and Lake Street in a restored bank, has established a reputation for its delicious brews and great cuisine. But it’s their expansive rooftop terrace that draws people in. Great meals and beverages are available here. Their beer selection has incredible flavors such as the OLB Lager Beer, their take on the basic everyday American backyard lager. Or try the Lando IPA, among many more intriguing options. Hop corn is popcorn combined with amarillo hops, coriander, and orange and one of the most exciting foods on their menu.

Their mac and cheese with rotini, mornay sauce, and herbed panko crust is sure to bring a smile to your face. This summer, you can also enjoy the Brews n’ Bahhs event. This is co-hosted by GlennArt Farm and includes an hour of interacting with their playful goats. Finish up by unwinding with a flight of craft beers on the rooftop. Not a bad way to spend time!

Oak Park Brewing Company

The Oak Park Brewing Company is up next. There’s a nice beer pub with board games and a library full of books by famous authors here. These unique bar decorations, however, should not be the only reason to drop by.  Oak Park Brewing Company offers an impressive selection of craft beers on tap. Crowd pleasers include their Helles Lager Saison, Rye IPA, Sour Brown Ale, English-style Porter,  Mibock Witbier, and a crisp Kolsch. And what works better with beer than bar food, which the Oak Park Brewing Company offers in abundance? Deep-dish pizzas, burgers, wraps, and other hearty appetizers are available.

The Wild Onion Tied House

This one-hundred-year-old establishment used to be a theater, but now it entertains visitors with what’s on the menu rather than the silver screen. Seasonal beers are available on a rotating basis. Currently on tap are a BA Salted Caramel Porter and Peanut Butter Porter, which are as great as they sound. For those seeking something lighter, there’s a Beggars Brown Brown Ale and a Back Pocket DJ Cream Ale. The Wild Onion Tied House knows a thing or two about beer. From Milk Stouts to Ciders, Hefe-Weizens, and even Hard Seltzers you can’t go wrong with whatever you end up choosing. Their seasonal cuisine menu is as vibrant as their beer selection. Enjoy a fried chicken and waffles, cheesesteak sandwich with beer cheese sauce, pastrami bites, and cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries. You may well feel overwhelmed ordering since there is so much food and beer to choose from.

Kinslahger Brewing Company

Finally, a craft beer trail would be incomplete without Kinslahger Brewing Company. Even though the taproom is closed at present, you may still buy their delicious ales online. Purchase a couple cans of their celebrated Prohibition Pilsner or Dunkel lager. If you prefer a stronger German beer, the Mediator Dopplebock is a must-try. Enjoy a Chicago Common, which has a rich chestnut red color and a creamy body taste, or a Baltic Porter, which has an opaque brown hue with a creamy body. While you wait for the tap room to return, you can also enjoy Kinslahger’s latest brew innovation at the new Babygold Barbecue on Roosevelt Road, which is located inside the renowned FitzGerald’s. Their new Babygold Coldbeer, named after the owner’s first kid, goes great with all of their smoked meats for some great erwyn-style” BBQ.

The good times at Oak Park’s craft brewers don’t have to stop after American Craft Beer Week is finished. Later this month, you’ll be able to obtain a new digital pass for the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail on Visit Oak Park’s website, allowing you to take advantage of fantastic deals and discounts all year. In the meanwhile, we’ll see you on the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail shortly.

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Aripo’s Venezuelan Arepa House

Aripo’s Arepa House in Venezuela
Aripo’s Venezuelan Arepa House provides a genuine flavor of Venezuela. There are 14 different types of Venezuelan arepas on the menu. You’ll also find empanadas and other Venezuelan delicacies like pabellón criollo. Because the recipes have been passed down through the family for centuries, Aripo’s is able to successfully express Venezuelan culture and flavours in its meals.

Barclay’s American Grille

Barclay’s American Grille is Oak Park’s ‘must go’ restaurant, serving traditional American fare with a variety of ingredients and delicious homemade sauces. There are also several vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. The restaurant’s interior design blends classic and contemporary styles and features photos by the establishment’s namesake, Philander Barclay. Several high definition flat panel screens are available at the bar for sports fans to watch their favorite team while sipping a beverage. This restaurant, located in the Carleton Hotel, is ideal for catching up with friends or having a leisurely meal with your family.

Buzz Café

Buzz Café prioritizes family, community, and delicious cuisine. Located in the Oak Park Arts District, it features the work of local artists and musicians while also providing fair trade coffee and organic, locally produced food. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan alternatives, as well as a wonderful brunch on Sundays. This Certified Green Business will not fail you whether you want to have a peaceful coffee or join in Open Mic night.

Hemmingway’s Bistro

Hemmingway’s Bistro creates a fantastic culinary experience by combining fresh Midwest ingredients with traditional French cuisine. The chicken served at the restaurant is free-range Amish chicken, and the meats are entirely organic. Chistopher C. Ala, the chef, places an emphasis on freshness and imports fresh seafood from Boston on a daily basis. There is also a Parisian seafood bar where you may order clams, lobster, clams, prawns, and oysters.

The Kinderhook Tap

The Kinderhook, located only 8 miles from downtown Chicago, offers a casual yet refined metropolitan environment to Oak Park. This gastropub solely provides high-quality food. The meat they offer is from grass-fed cows in the area, as well as free-range, all-natural pork and chicken. The fries are prepared in non-trans fat oil, and all ingredients are sourced from local farms. For people interested in delicious cuisine and eco-conscious dining, the Kinderhook Tap is a great place to have a drink or supper.

Munch

Munch is the destination to go to in Oak Park for authentic vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare. The menu is full of intriguing items like the hippy hemp seed breakfast salad and “kale Portobello tacos. Whilst Munch is a vegetarian utopia, even meat eaters will be delighted.

New Rebozo Mexican Restaurant

New Rebozo Mexican Restaurant serves great Mexican meals in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Chef Paco’s meals are a healthy alternative to typical Mexican fare since he does not use too much oil. A molé is a must-order while dining at New Rebozo. Make sure to inquire about the fiesta molé, an off-menu dish that comprises of six enchiladas covered with six different molés.

Prairie Bread Kitchen

Prairie Bread Kitchen is an excellent choice for those on the move. In addition to making excellent breads and pastries, it’s a key part of the Oak Park neighborhood. Leftovers are distributed to local organizations on a regular basis, feeding hundreds of individuals in the neighborhood. The café also exhibits the work of local artists and photographers. It even has an online baking schedule so guests can see when their favorite bread will be ready. This is a fantastic place to stop for a morning coffee and breakfast if you’re on the way to work or before going sightseeing.

Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar

Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar can be found in the historic Scoville Square building, which was built in 1905 by Oak Park’s founding family. Winberie’s serves conventional comfort meals and salads, as well as a vast variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives. This is a fantastic place to stop for a meal after a long day of sightseeing because it is located within walking distance of several of the village’s major tourist sites.

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Hemingway obtained his only proper schooling at Oak Park. Ernest watched what was going on around him and within him in school in order to make his novels come to life for his readers. He wrote most eloquently about people, places, and events he had direct knowledge of. When Ernest moved from Oak Park, he continued to write about his travels across four continents, attempting to portray to readers what it was like. His writing focused on universal issues in people’s lives.

He received the Nobel Prize in 1954 for “The Old Man and the Sea,” a novella that exemplifies his powerful, style-making command of the art of contemporary narrative.  People throughout the world recall Hemingway’s exploits decades after his death in 1961, and younger generations of readers find new meaning in his work.

TIMELINE

1899

Ernest Miller Hemingway was born in what would later become Oak Park, Illinois, a western Chicago suburb. He was the second of six children born to Dr. Clarence Edmonds Hemingway and Grace Hall Hemingway.

Ernest’s family took him to Windemere, their summer home in northern Michigan, for the first time. Throughout 1917, Ernest would spend every summer there. His father would educate him how to study nature and live in the outdoors—hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting—both here and in the Oak Park region.

1905

Ernest started first grade at Oak Park.

1913

Ernest was a freshman at Oak Park and River Forest High Schools.

1915

He started writing for the high school newspaper, covering a wide range of educational and extracurricular activities in which he was involved or observed.

1916

He wrote poetry and short tales for his high school literary journal, generally based on his own experiences.

1917

He performed in Beau Brummel, the senior production, as just one illustration of his many interests across four years, which included a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, team sports, and debate. He graduated in June and began work as a reporter for The Kansas City Star. Here, he learnt to observe and write for a broad audience, focusing on the core of universally captivating experiences and use clear information and concise, economical, unsentimental language.

1918

He sailed to Europe on May 23 to drive an ambulance for the Italian Red Cross. He got seriously wounded in Fossalta in July after volunteering to deliver chocolate and cigarettes to frontline Italian soldiers. While recovering in Milan, he fell in love with a nurse named Agnes von Kurowsky. Hemingway was the first American to be wounded in WWI.

1919

While recuperating from his battle wounds in Oak Park, he received a letter from Agnes rejecting him and writing, “She hoped he would have a successful career.”

1920

He accepted a position with Cooperative Commonwealth, a publication for farmers in the Midwest.

1921

On September 3, he married Hadley Richardson.

1922

He accepted a position delivering feature pieces from Europe to The Toronto Star. He and Hadley travelled to Paris with letters of introduction from novelist Sherwood Anderson. Hemingway covered a wide range of events in Europe, including a war and a peace conference. In Paris, he met poet Ezra Pound, who, along with authors Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce, came to admire Hemingway’s writing. 

1923

In Pamplona, Spain, he attended his first bullfight. In October, he travelled to Toronto to give birth to his son, John Hadley. He resigned from The Star and relocated to Paris to pursue a career as a novelist. Three Stories & Ten Poems, his debut book published

1924

He helped Ford Maddox Ford edit The Transatlantic Review, which published his writing. Several of his most well-known short stories published.

1925

In Our Time was released, and it contained numerous stories set in Michigan concerning the development of a semi-autobiographical figure named Nick Adams, culminating with “Big Two-Hearted River.” Charles Scribner’s Sons became Hemingway’s publisher for the rest of his life.

1926

The Sun Also Rises published by Charles Scribner’s Sons.

1927

Men without Women published.  The latter is the only cinematic adaptation of one of Hemingway’s almost twenty stories that he claimed he actually liked. Hadley divorced him, and he married Pauline Pfeiffer.

1928

He and Pauline fled Paris for Key West, Florida. Patrick, his son, was born. Ernest’s father commited suicide with a .32 handgun.

1929

Despite Boston censoring the serialized edition in Scribner’s magazine, he published A Farewell to Arms to favorable reviews and sales.

1930

In a car accident in Billings, Montana, he fractured his arm. This was just one of numerous unintentional injuries to his arms, legs, and brain that plagued him his whole life.

1931

Gregory, his son, was born.

1933

Winner Take Nothing published. He travelled on safari in Africa, which served as the backdrop for two of his major works, The Snows of Kilimanjaro and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.

1935

Green Hills of Africa, an account of his safari exploits published.

1937

During the Spanish Civil War, he worked as a war journalist. He donated money to the Loyalist cause and published his most purely political work, To Have and Have Not.

1939

He published Fifth Column and the First Forty-nine Stories, a collection of his stories and a drama about the Spanish Civil War.

1940

He married writer Martha Gellhorn and published For Whom the Bell Tolls, his critically acclaimed novel about Loyalist guerrillas fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

1942

He equipped the Pilar, his yacht, to hunt for German submarines in the Caribbean.

1944

As a war journalist, he witnessed D-Day and joined the 22nd Regiment, 4th Infantry Division for actions leading to the emancipation of Paris and the Battle of Hurtgenwald. He started a relationship with Mary Welsh, a journalist.

1945

In December, Martha Gellhorn divorced him.

1946

In March, he married Mary. They lived in his Finca Vigia in Cuba and then in Ketchum, Idaho.

1950

Across the River and Into the Trees, a novel about a romance set in post-World War II Europe published. Many critics panned it, claiming that Hemingway had lost his touch.

1952

The entirety of the novella The Old Man and the Sea published in an issue of Life magazine. It was a success for Hemingway after several years in which the public and critics questioned whether he would ever be considered a major writer again. Santiago, the hero of his narrative, is a virtually penniless old Cuban fisherman who demonstrates humility, compassion, and courage. 

1953

In January, he was critically injured in two separate plane crashes in Africa.  He also won the Pulitzer Prize for his book “The Old Man and the Sea.”

1959

Suffering deteriorating health, he attended the bullfights of Luis Miguel Dominguin and Antonio Ordez and celebrated his sixtieth birthday in Spain.

1960

Based on his bullfighting experiences, he published a nonfiction piece for Life magazine called The Dangerous Summer. It was his final piece to be published during his lifetime. 

1961

He received shock treatment for depression. He killed himself with a shotgun on July 2.

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Clearly, the Prairie School’s forefather had a significant impact on Chicago’s western neighbor. His house and workshop are in Oak Park, and he created several additional structures in the area. In terms of Oak Park architecture, it’s just not right that Wright that can draw attention.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY BIRTHPLACE AND MUSEUM

The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum is more of a literary attraction than an architectural one, yet it should be included in any discussion of Oak Park architecture. The huge Victorian home was erected in 1890 for Hemingway’s grandparents, and he was born there in 1899. The great author only lived in Oak Park for a short years and apparently disliked it.
Despite this, it may be surprising to know  that the house had been abandoned for decades. In 1992, the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park salvaged the property. They spent nine years remodeling the house to the condition it was in when Hemingway lived there. As such, it is an excellent example of Victorian architecture both inside and out.

PLEASANT HOME

This is an exceptionally early Prairie School example, however it was not built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Pleasant Home was designed by his former coworker George Washington Maher. Like Wright’s residences and structures in Oak Park, Maher’s design emphasizes horizontal lines and minimal adornment. It stands in sharp contrast to the Hemingway Birthplace’s massive and opulent Victorian architecture.

Pleasant Home was constructed in 1897, four years before Wright’s first Prairie School houses. Throughout the 1890s, both architects were moving toward that new architectural style.

SCOVILLE SQUARE

Scoville Square is a unique example of a commercial structure designed in the Prairie School style. The four story structure, located in the middle of Oak Park’s downtown, was built in 1909. Its style, like that of the adjacent Pleasant Home, emphasizes horizontal lines in tribute to the Illinois countryside. The glass and metal awning over the main entrance is a beatiful aspect of the structure. This lends a nice touch to the otherwise modest exterior.

Originally, the structure housed a Masonic Temple, as well as stores and offices. Gilmore’s Department Store inhabited the building for forty years after the Masons left. The building is now divided into smaller stores, offices, and restaurants. A good way to conclude your walk is ending up at   propose concluding your stroll at Winberie’s on the corner of Scoville Square. After a few hours of sightseeing, they will serve you some welcoming classic American food.

Any architectural tour in Oak Park is likely to include a lot of Frank Lloyd Wright. Without a doubt, his work in the village is critical. However, a visit to these alternative locations will provide you with a better understanding of the architecture that Wright rebelled against, borrowed from, and shaped his idead during the peak of his career.

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What Is There To Do In Oak Park?

Oak Park, with a population of over 52,000 people, provides something for everyone. No matter when you visit, historic buildings, cultural sites, parks, museums, shopping, and more will fill your weekend.

Here are some of the greatest activities if you only have 48 hours in Oak Park.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s House and Studio

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is the perfect spot to begin your tour to Oak Park, which is Frank Lloyd Wright central. During the first two decades of his career, this was the architect’s private workshop. He established the Prairie style here and experimented with architectural design principles.

A guided tour of the complex is available, as is a walking tour of the numerous Wright residences that dot the historic area. For ticket information and other details, go to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s website.

The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum is a must-see.

Oak Park is the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, one of America’s most renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning novelists. His ancestors constructed his birthplace, the first home in the area to get electricity, and it has been restored to its original 1890s design.

The museum’s displays, antiques, and furniture provide visitors with an insight into Hemingway’s childhood. The Ernest Hemingway Foundation’s website includes further information and ticket sales.

Pay a visit to the Oak Park River Forest Museum.

The Oak Park River Forest Museum, a town institution since 1898, commemorates the village’s history and residents. In a Hometown Legends collection, Oak Park, a municipality devoted to diversity, honors its many distinguished inhabitants, ranging from architects and performers to scientists and social activists. Among the most famous are Ray Kroc, Richard Sears, Lawrence Welk, Paul Harvey, John Mahoney, Ernest Hemingway, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Frank Mars, and Carl Rogers.

The Oak Park & River Forest Gangster Tour is a must-do.

Because of its proximity to Chicago, Oak Park and its neighboring River Forest have plenty of gangster stories to tell. The Oak Park & River Forest Gangster Tour, a tour of 13 mansions previously occupied by famous Chicago mobsters such as Sam Giancana and Anthony “Tough Tony”’ Capezio, brings the history of organized crime during the Prohibition era to life.

John Binder, a tour guide whose books investigate parts of Chicago’s organized crime scene, gives insights and highlights ranging from secret tunnels to hit stories. The 2.5-hour trip is only available on Sundays.

Take a walk through the Oak Park Conservatory.

The Oak Park Conservatory, which opened in 1929, was initially intended to house exotic plants obtained by locals on their travels abroad. Its popularity rose over time, and it presently houses over 3,000 plants from all over the world. The Conservatory was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, and its distinctive glass building draws over 50,000 visitors each year. Three indoor displays house Mediterranean, tropical, and desert plants, while outdoor gardens showcase Illinois native species. This urban haven hosts a variety of unique markets, plant sales, tours and activities.

Explore the Oak Park Arts District.

The Oak Park Arts District, a half-mile length of Harrison Street, is a must-see for art enthusiasts. This hive of creative activity has over 25 galleries and workshops displaying a variety of art in a wide range of genres. On the third Friday of each month, open-door nights for new exhibitions are held. There are also coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and live theater in the neighborhood, as well as classes and seminars.

Visit Downtown Oak Park

A visit to Oak Park would be incomplete without a stroll around its lovely downtown. The main commercial district is a walking area with restaurants, shopping, public art, and other attractions.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on Oak Park’s Marvelous Mini Murals. There are almost 120 of these vibrant paintings on exhibit.

Wine festivals, cookie walks, jazz concerts, Oaktoberfest, and Art Dans la Rue, a celebration of all things French, are all held in downtown Oak Park on a regular basis. If you have a long weekend, Thursday Night Out allows you to sample local eateries while listening to live music while dining outside. Check out the events page to discover what’s going on during your visit.

Oak Park Restaurants

The culinary culture in Oak Park is as diverse as its people. There are so many possibilities that it will be difficult to fit them all into your weekend. You’ll have to make plans to come back, which is a good idea as each season in Oak Park offers something unique.

Jerusalem Cafe

This little Middle Eastern restaurant located close to the Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre is a neighborhood favorite. The cuisine at Jerusalem Cafe is really delicious, and the prices are ridiculously low considering the quality. Salads and dips, as well as shawarma and kabobs, are all readily available. The portions are also generous. We typically share one of the fantastic combinations. They provide combinations for both carnivores and vegetarians, so everyone in your group will depart with a full stomach and a bright smile, just as we usually do.

Delia’s Kitchen

Delia’s Kitchen Everything is created from scratch using local ingredients. They choose organic wherever feasible and try to accommodate allergies and food preferences whenever possible.

If you prefer brioche French breakfast, fluffy omelets, fresh salads, chilaquiles, blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes and sandwiches, you’re in for a treat. Delia’s understands how to satisfy your palette, so arrive early to avoid a wait and to peruse the menu.

Hemmingway’s Bistro

Hemmingway’s Bistro is one of our favorite Oak Park restaurants. Because it’s so wonderful, this charming French-American retreat feels like a guilty pleasure. We’ve had breakfast, brunch, lunch, and supper here, and they’ve all been fantastic.

Baked brie, quiche of the day, Lake Superior whitefish, and all other delicacies are created with love. A superb house sparkling and a delicious cremant de Loire are among the many wines on the large wine list. If warm crusty bread with ice cold butter and a glass of fine wine put you in a good mood, you’ll be overjoyed by the time you leave this enchanted culinary sanctuary.

Firecakes And Petersen’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream

We can’t fathom life without amazing doughnuts. Fortunately, neither can the people of Oak Park, who can fulfill their appetite with Firecakes. Firecakes are sweet explosions of doughnut delight based on a grandpa’s recipe for hungry employees in northern Wisconsin’s logging camps in the 1930s. The secret family recipe and locally grown ingredients are still used in the shop. Churros, pistachio, Valrhona chocolate, and wildflower honey are among the flavors that change on a regular basis. They even sell minis so you can sample a couple different ones.

If you like ice cream, you should definitely head to Petersen’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, a neighborhood favorite for over 100 years.

Where Can I Shop in Oak Park?

Downtown Oak Park is packed with charming stores and independently owned businesses. Ten Thousand Villages provides artisan-crafted fair trade gifts, accessories, and home décor from across the world. Scratch ‘n Sniff is a fantastic business that sells pet-related gifts as well as high-quality snacks for your furry pals. And The Book Table has defied the trend by maintaining a fiercely independent bookshop that sells books, puzzles, and hosts events for bibliophiles of all ages.

Where Can I Stay in Oak Park?

There are a few places to stay in Oak Park.

Bishops Hall, a Georgian Revival bed & breakfast, is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are three rooms available, each with its own bath.

The Carleton of Oak Park has boutique hotel accommodations as well as motor inn-style rooms with patio entrances. It also features Barclay’s American Grille, one of the greatest burger joints in town.

The Write Inn Hotel has hosted many prominent visitors, including poets, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners, for individuals who value literary history. It’s also situated next to Hemmingway’s Bistro, which is a huge bonus in our book.

Oak Park is a unique community with plenty to see, do, and eat. Make time to wander through the parks for a relaxing weekend. Quiet mornings are ideal for strolling through Lindberg Park, Field Park, and other nearby parks. Oak Park is a fantastic spot to visit if you want to rest, invigorate, or do a bit of both.

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