Whether you stop in Forest Park to grab a bite to eat or look for that perfect gift, you’ll quickly realize you simply must come back. With all the unique indie shops, local eateries and one-of-a-kind events, there’s always something new to discover — and trust us, you won’t want to miss a thing. There’s an artist on nearly every corner. Live music and friendly neighborhood bars and so much more. And you won’t find a more welcoming community. There’s a reason people keep coming back for more, and that’s because one stop is never enough.
How to Get Here
Multiple transportation options like the CTA Blue & Green Line, Metra and Pace buses plus major highways like I-290 and main north-south and east-west streets make getting to Forest Park easy. Get more information here.
Shopping
Small businesses are the backbone of our community and you can find just about anything you need at Forest Park’s unique mix of independently owned shops. There are boutiques, antiques and handmade gifts. A tea shop, art studio, an old-fashioned hardware store and so much more. Shopkeepers pride themselves on personalized customer service making your shopping trip a delightful experience. Check out our member directory.
Dining
From fine dining to coffee cafes and everything in between, Forest Park’s 40+ dining options offer something to satisfy every taste bud. Whether it’s mouthwatering authentic Mexican food, a slice of Venice, a juicy steak or yummy all-American food, our locally owned independent restaurants are the perfect place to feed your inner foodie. Dessert options like cookies with a twist, homemade ice cream and gourmet chocolate are definitely worth the calories. Check out our member directory.
Entertainment
If you’re new to Forest Park, it will quickly become your favorite stop for entertainment. A fabulous live music venue and community gathering space, a nostalgic bowling experience and the #5 best escape room in the U.S. are just some of the entertainment options that will keep you coming back for more. Check out our member directory.
Madison Street
Residents and visitors alike give Madison Street an A+ rating for walkability. Whether you walk or drive to downtown Forest Park, it’s easy to shop, dine and explore Madison Street from one end to the other…plus there’s plenty of on-and-off-street parking.
Events
Forest Park is your stop for fun. Unique events like the ‘best in the west’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Spring and Fall Wine Walk, PRIDE Celebration, Casket Races and Holiday Walk will keep you coming back for more. Check out our upcoming events.
Family-friendly
There’s no shortage of family recreational and entertainment options. The Forest Park Aquatic Center is top notch and there are programs, classes and events for all ages through our park district, library and community center.
Arts, Makers & History
Between businesses and residents, there’s an artist on nearly every corner – including four businesses honored with an ‘Illinois Made’ award. History buffs will find plenty to sink their teeth in to, especially the historically-significant gravesites in our countless cemeteries. Both art and history are celebrated through many local events.
A friendly community
Community is more than just a word. It’s a way of life in Forest Park. Residents and business owners look out for one another…and diversity is part of the fabric of our community. Whether you’re visiting or looking for a place to call home, you won’t find a more welcoming community.
Easy access
Multiple transportation options make it easy to get to and from Forest Park. Downtown Chicago is 10 miles straight west, Loyola and Rush Oak Park Hospital are minutes away, you can reach O’Hare by car or Blue Line and there are plenty of main roads that get you to and from the western suburbs.
Business Friendly
If you’re looking for the great location for your business, Forest Park is the perfect choice. From start to finish, the Village of Forest Park makes the process of opening a business easy.
Want more information?
- Read our lasted blog – Next stop for outdoor dining.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
- Check out Forest Park’s upcoming events
- Sign up for our email newsletter
- Check out our member directory