Thanks for reading this year’s Wednesday Journal Answer Book — we’re happy to have you here! The Answer Book shares a lot of the little details that help you get to know Oak Park and River Forest. Whether it’s government offices, libraries, park districts or local businesses, we’ve got the details you need to get the information you want about your hometown.
This year, we delve more deeply into local museums, business districts, music schools and activities with the help of Jackie Pisano. Hector Cervantes turns an eye to how local libraries remain relevant in a digital age, and Sydney Lovan shares her ideal 36 hours in the community through some wonderful photos. Rise Sanders-Weir shares a highly coveted recipe along with the scoop on local cooking classes.
We’ve got a visual delight in Javier Govea’s coverage of the 2026 Sculpture Walk and with Marc Stopeck’s special edition of Shrubtown. Real estate statistics give a look into what the local market looked like in the past year.
We hope this year’s Answer Book helps you get out and enjoy Oak Park and River Forest and the people and businesses (not to mention the local press!) that make this place home.
See you around town,
Lacey Sikora
Answer Book Editor
INSIDE THIS GUIDE
Letter from the OP-RF Chamber
Welcome to the Answer Book, your companion for everything Oak Park and River Forest have to offer. Every year, this community reminds us why we hold on so tightly to…
Make your own kind of music
While everyone listens to music, only a fraction of people can actually play an instrument. Whether you’re a total beginner to music or someone hoping to brush up on your…
The cultural and educational splendors in our backyard
From historic gems to interactive spots, the Oak Park and River Forest area is rife with a unique lineup of museums for visitors of all ages. Wonder Works Children’s Museum…
Everyone can cook
Whether you grew up in the kitchen or eating meals that came out of the frozen food section of the grocery store, there’s no time like the present to learn…
Local libraries lean into technology while keeping community focus
Oak Park and River Forest libraries are expanding digital services and technology access as they adapt to a more connected world. Barbara Fitzgerald, manager of collection services, and Juanita Harrell,…
What makes a neighborhood
Oak Park and River Forest are two suburbs known for their close-knit communities, picturesque streets and dedication to preserving old-fashioned, neighborhood feels. Oak Park boasts over 54,000 residents, and River…
The kale scone Rosetta stone
If you’ve ever heard of the area’s “life-changing” scone, this is it, according to many of its admirers. One fan put it this way, “I don’t really like scones. I…
135 years of heritage
For 135 years, the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association and Club has served as a cherished local hub helping shape the social fabric of the Oak Park community. Established in 1891…
36 hours in Oak Park and River Forest
Under the summer sun, Oak Park and River Forest shine as bright as ever as people make the most of the season. Sydney Lovan, photojournalist and reporting intern for Wednesday…