Oak Park home to one of the top park districts in the nation, created in 1912 it is still well maintained today. The city is proud to offer many recreational facilities and over 80 acres of outdoor parks. The recreation options include outdoor pools, a gymnastics stadium, dog park, an ice rink and a very popular conservatory.

The botanical gardens at the conservatory have been attracting visitors since 1929. THere have been many updates to the main gardens over the years. With several thousand plants and over 2000 sqf, this is one of Oak Park’s top destinations. There are many different plants in the collection including rare cacti.. Some of the plants in the area traced back to the original crop from the Greenhouse in the early parts of the twentieth century, making for true history in action.

Several high quality orchids are also on site. Since 2005, the conservatory has been part of the National Register for Historic Places. The Conservatory attracts over 10,000 visitors a year and is considered one of the most impressive natural attractions in the state. Visitors come to the Conservatory from throughout the world to see its well known flower and plant exhibits, including well known special exhibits which are promoted on a regular basis. You can enjoy a variety of full seasonal exhibits as a visitor, resident or guest the park services are accessible to a wide ranging audience. Friendly guides as well as informative educational literature combine with regular special events to make it one of the very best Parks departments in the world.

The famous Cheney Mansion and Pleasant home are among the well kept Oak Park homes. These homes reflect the historic character of the city with its roots in the early twentieth century. The Parks department actively works to preserve and restore the original character of the city through a variety of means, including preservation of cultural and historic institutions. Due to the original character seen at the mansions, they’re the perfect educational destination.

Families can enjoy events from the Departments on a regular basis, and the Department regularly interfaces with local and school organizations to provide educational opportunities. The many parks, resources and educational opportunities make Oak Park a top destination for nature lovers from all over. You can enjoy a day with your family through the many areas, including ice skating in the winter, athletic exhibits throughout the year as well as natural exhibits at the Conservatory. There are also many hotels in the area making the perfect weekend get-away.