Things To Do
in River Forest
River Forest is a small suburban village in Cook County just west of Chicago, bordered by Oak Park to the north and the Des Plaines River to the south. It blends a quiet residential atmosphere with historic architecture and easy access to urban amenities. Dominated by a classic Chicago-area vibe, it features notable institutions like Dominican University and a walkable mix of shops, cafes, and parks.
Visitors will find a calm suburban base with convenient proximity to downtown Chicago and the nearby cultural landmarks of the Oak Park River Forest area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, where you can savor fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the scenic parks to appreciate the lush greenery and well-maintained paths. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the charming houses and landscapes that make River Forest unique.
Visit the River Forest Public Library to explore its vast collection of books and resources, and join a community workshop or event. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a neighborhood eatery, trying some of the local favorites. Spend the afternoon visiting quaint boutiques and shops to discover unique items and support local artisans.
As the sun sets, unwind with dinner at a cozy restaurant, featuring regional cuisine and a warm ambiance. Post-dinner, take a serene walk through the community, soaking in the quiet streets and beautiful architecture. End your evening at a local bar or café, enjoying live music or conversation with fellow visitors.
Begin your day with a visit to the River Forest Historical Society, where you can learn about the rich history of the area through fascinating exhibits. Next, take a moment to wander the nearby gardens and trails, appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds you. Grab a mid-morning snack at a local coffee shop, setting you up for the day's adventures.
Head to the Pleasant Home Foundation to explore the stunning Arts and Crafts architecture and engage in guided tours that delve into the home’s artistic history. Enjoy lunch at a nearby deli, sampling handcrafted sandwiches and fresh salads. Spend the afternoon visiting nearby art galleries that display works by local artists and provide unique insight into the community's creative spirit.
Return to your accommodations to refresh before heading out for an elegant dinner at a fine-dining restaurant. Afterward, attend a live theater performance or art show at a local venue, immersing yourself in the cultural fabric of River Forest. Wrap up your day with a nightcap at a charming bar, sharing your day's highlights with friends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨One-night hotel (mid-range) | $120-180 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4.5 |
| 🏥Primary care visit | $100-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Chicago with a calm suburban feel
- Historic architecture and walkable neighborhoods
- Strong educational and cultural institutions (e.g., Dominican University)
- Access to parks, nature trails, and family-friendly amenities
- Convenient transit connections to the city
- Limited nightlife within River Forest itself
- Traffic congestion on main corridors during peak hours
- Limited hotel options within the village
- Dependence on nearby Oak Park/Chicago for some amenities
- Seasonal weather can impact outdoor plans
Places to Visit in River Forest
Visit one of these nice places.
Brick buildings, tree-lined avenues, and classic street photography opportunities in the village center.
Woodland trails and a Des Plaines River backdrop, especially picturesque during golden hours.
Iconic Prairie-style homes and landmarks like Unity Temple and Robie House provide striking exteriors for architecture photography.
Historic storefronts and signage along Lake Street offer charming urban photography moments.
Quaint municipal architecture and inviting exterior for portrait or architectural shots.
Food in River Forest
River Forest Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Chicago classic featuring thin-sliced beef, peppers or gravy. Best found at local sandwich shops and pizzerias in Oak Park and nearby neighborhoods.
Must-Try!
Crispy-edge pies with a balanced sauce and cheese, available at neighborhood pizzerias in Oak Park/River Forest.
Hearty, cheese-forward pie with thick crust; look for traditional Chicago pizzerias a short ride away in Oak Park.
Solid German-influenced options at local cafes and markets in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market with local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods right near River Forest/Oak Park.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet staff with a friendly greeting and acknowledge service with thanks.
Suburban neighborhoods tend to be quieter in evenings; keep noise respectful, especially after 10 PM.
Safety
Tipping in River Forest
Ensure a smooth experience
In the United States, tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars; round up for small services. Tipping at casual cafes is optional but appreciated for table service.
Most places accept cash and major credit/debit cards; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, occasionally humid conditions with afternoon thunderstorms; long daylight hours are great for outdoor photography, parks, and al fresco dining.
Vibrant fall foliage visits Thatcher Woods and residential streets; ideal for color-rich landscape photography.
Cold with possible snow; expect short daylight hours and the chance of urban-winter scenes and cozy indoor photos.
Mild temperatures with blooming trees and gardens; good time for nature walks and city photography alike.
River Forest at Night
Hiking in River Forest
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest preserve with nature trails and river views, ideal for easy hikes.
Long-distance trail options with several accessible trailheads within a short drive.
Smaller nature walks and birding opportunities along shaded trails.
Airports
How to reach River Forest by plane.
Major international hub; about a 25-60 minute drive depending on traffic; train and rideshare options connect to Chicago suburbs.
Primary airport for domestic and regional flights; roughly 25-50 minutes away by car depending on traffic; accessible by car and rail connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Historically the majority demographic in River Forest; diverse neighboring communities contribute to cultural variety.
A growing portion of residents with increasing presence in local schools and businesses.
Smaller share, reflecting the suburb's diverse but predominantly residential makeup.
A growing community present across the region with cultural influence in cuisine and events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular recreational sport in local parks and schools; community leagues and pickup games are common.
Local leagues and field play in parks during spring and summer.
Youth and adult leagues are active in the community; many parks host weekend games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting River Forest.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on produce-forward meals and cafes with plant-based options; ask for meat-free pasta, veggie burgers, salads, and grain bowls. For stricter vegetarian or vegan diets, choose places with clearly labeled vegetarian options and request dressings and sauces without animal products.