Good things often come in small packages.
That’s why the Illinois Association of Museums named Oak Park River Forest Museum the state’s Small Museum of the Year soon after it opened its doors in 2017. The museum is in an 1898 firehouse that underwent a $1 million renovation, transforming a vacant building into a welcoming Oak Park Landmark next to Stevenson Park.
It’s also why last summer the museum developed a family-friendly Hometown Legends Scavenger Hunt that challenges visitors to find 2-inch-high LEGO versions of famous residents hidden around the museum, earning prizes and learning some local history.
Not only the keeper of local history and storyteller, your hometown museum offers a variety of programs for the community, and can be rented for private events. OPRF Museum, at 129 Lake St., Oak Park, is operated by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest.
The featured exhibit on the museum’s first floor tells the 150-year history of OPRF High School. Whether you’re interested in sports, the arts or building additions, this exhibit has it all.
The museum’s second floor contains a “Wall of Fame” highlighting famous residents, a children’s play area, and an award-winning exhibit about Fair Housing.
Visit our Fields Research Center, open by appointment, to research almost everything related to the villages including homes, community groups and businesses.
Membership has many benefits. For information, visit oprfmuseum.org or call 708-848-6755 and follow The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest on Facebook.
Oak Park River Forest Museum
Oak Park River Forest Museum is the caretaker of local history and community storyteller. It offers many programs and exhibits for visitors and can be rented for private events. The museum, located in a renovated 1898 firehouse at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park, is operated by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. Check out our family-friendly Hometown Legends Scavenger Hunt that challenges visitors to find LEGO versions of famous residents hidden around the museum. A gift of any amount funds our 2026 activities, research, knowledgeable staff, and elevator addition project.
Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or call 708-848-6755.
