All The Ways to Spend a Day in the Village of River Forest, Illinois

Take a Deep Breath of Fresh Air

With its beautiful parks and nature preserves, River Forest is where locals love to unwind—whether it's a morning jog beneath the trees, a peaceful afternoon picnic, or a family adventure exploring the trails. It’s the perfect escape for anyone looking to trade city noise for fresh air and green space.

Keystone Park and Thatcher Woods are popular destinations for outdoor recreation, and thanks to organizations like River Forest Township, residents have access to additional community programs, including senior activities and youth services.

Keystone Park | 400-430 Keystone Avenue, between Lake & Central, River Forest

Keystone Park is a local favorite, offering plenty of space for sports, playground fun, and family picnics beneath shady trees. The park is split into Keystone Park East and Keystone Park West, with tennis courts, batting cages, a multi-purpose athletic field, and a well-loved sledding hill in winter. Whether you're looking for a game of soccer or a relaxing afternoon outdoors, this park is a River Forest gem.

Thatcher Woods | Chicago Avenue, west of Thatcher, River Forest

Part of a lush, forested 245-acre escape along the Des Plaines River, Thatcher Woods is ideal for immersing yourself in nature without venturing too far from town. Perfect for a leisurely nature walk or a peaceful afternoon of reflection, Thatcher Woods features miles of walking trails with numerous bird watching opportunities—at least 45 bird species are nesting residents in this extensive forest habitat, and more than 250 native plant species. Be sure to visit the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History for information about local wildlife and their habitats and to explore native animal displays and vibrant wildflower gardens. 

Insider Tip: There’s an accessible indoor bathroom available here. 

Thatcher Woods is part of the central zone of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Cummings Square, located at 536 N Harlem Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, serves as the gateway to the Forest Preserve’s expansive trails, ideal for running, biking, leisurely walks, and a variety of outdoor activities. Head north in Thatcher Woods to the Sunset Bridge Meadow, where you can connect with the Des Plaines River Trail System, a 28-mile unpaved trail that follows its namesake river through more than a dozen protected wooded areas.

Find Those Old-School University Vibes

If you’re looking to take a stroll around stunning architecture, two private Christian liberal arts universities anchor River Forest help shape its character and provide its residents and visitors with various cultural and educational experiences.

Dominican University | 7900 West Division Street, River Forest

The 37-acre Gothic-style Dominican University River Forest campus, which serves nearly 3,500 full- and part-time graduate and undergraduate students, is a great place to spend some time during your day in River Forest, where you can take a walk along picturesque wooded pathways through its inspiring architecture. Celebrating its 25th season, the Dominican University Performing Arts Center (DUPAC) welcomes visitors to concerts, plays, lectures, art exhibits, and special events throughout the year. Partially funded by the Oak Park Area Arts Council, in partnership with the villages of Oak Park, Forest Park, and River Forest, and the Illinois Arts Council, DUPAC also serves as a host site for local arts organizations, touring youth theatre companies, including TheatreWorks USA and Chamber Theatre, and the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition, among many others.

Concordia University Chicago | 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest

Concordia University Chicago enhances River Forest’s collegiate vibe with its combination of traditional and modern architecture. Founded in the Lutheran tradition by German immigrants, Concordia was once a college exclusively for educating teachers for parochial schools. The university now offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, enrolling over 5,000 full-time students while maintaining strong ties to its faith-based heritage. It offers public events, guest speakers, and performances that enrich the community, serving as a hub for education and theology. Spend time exploring the 50-acre campus grounds in River Forest and enjoying a stroll through the beautiful campus. 

Connect with Chicago’s Gangster Past

While River Forest is renowned for its scenic beauty and university charm, it also has deep-rooted connections to Chicago’s notorious gangster era. During the 1920s and 1930s, the village’s peaceful, tree-lined streets and stately homes offered a quiet escape close to the city for many key figures in organized crime, including associates of Al Capone, who blended into the wealthy suburban landscape to keep a low profile, while running illicit operations in the city. Many of these homes still stand today, offering a glimpse into the lifestyles of these notorious figures.

Infamous Residents of River Forest 

Tony Accardo, also known as "Joe Batters" and "Big Tuna," began his criminal career as a bodyguard for Al Capone and ended it as a boss. He was one of the most powerful mob bosses in Chicago history, serving as chief for over 60 years. 

Joseph Andriacchi, who controlled the Chicago Outfit’s north region and headed its Elmwood Park crew, built a French country-style mansion on a corner lot on Franklin Avenue in River Forest.

Gangster Tours of River Forest & Oak Park

Local historian and author John Binder focuses on organized crime history in Oak Park and River Forest on his tour of the homes of 13 of Chicago’s most famous gangsters, including Tony Accardo, Paul Ricca, Sam Giancana, Sam “Teets” Battaglia, “Tough Tony” Capezio, and “Machine Gun Jack” McGurn. John discusses the careers of the former owners, the gangsters’ families, their hidden wealth, gangland murders, and the interesting features of each home, including secret tunnels and hidden rooms.

Tours are available on select days during the late summer and fall. No walking is required on this luxury bus tour that starts and ends at FitzGeralds at 6615 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. Consider this unexpected but fascinating way to experience River Forest’s place in Chicago’s rich and sometimes infamous history.

For more information and to book a tour, contact ChiTown Gangster Tours.

River Forest’s Dining Gems

After your day of exploring, River Forest has some great places for food and treats, loved by locals. 

For organic, health-focused smoothies and snacks, Good Earth Market & Café, at 7900 Madison Street in River Forest, features smoothies, fresh juices, and soups. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick, healthy bite, the cafe sits within Good Earth Greenhouse, a local go-to for green gardeners with native plants, trees, perennials, annuals, and more.

Frank Bertolli and his family have been creating delicious Italian favorites at Bertolli's Pizza, 7973 West Lake Street, River Forest, since 1963. Try the chicken Parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo, tiramisu, and, of course, Frank’s divine pizzas. The restaurant also offers BBQ ribs, jumbo shrimp, meatball subs, and antipasto salads.

A must-visit for chocolate lovers, River Forest Chocolates & Confectionery, located at 7769 Lake Street in River Forest, offers handmade truffles, decadent caramels, and gourmet confections. Stop in for signature English Toffee, homemade fudge, and an assortment of pre-packaged sweets and retro candies.

For a pick-me-up, stop by River Forest's new coffee shop, Black Fodder Coffee, a specialty café offering craft coffee, espresso, and cold brews. Founded by Maciej and Monika Wolfart, the café evolved from their successful mobile coffee catering business into a community space. In addition to offering only the freshest, small-batch roasted coffee beans, Black Fodder Coffee features options for coffee catering, brew parties, and coffee carts. 

Yolk, located at 7301 West North Avenue in River Forest, is the best place to start your day. It offers new and creative breakfast offerings, specialty juices, and premium coffee. All served in generous portions, their menu ranges from signature specialty dishes such as pot roast benedict, breakfast mac & cheese, red velvet French toast, to signature pancakes, waffles, omelets and much more.

Oak Park Dining

While River Forest showcases some incredible locations, many visitors frequent their very close neighbor for additional dining options after a day well spent! Downtown Oak Park, especially on Lake Street and Marion Street, is known for fantastic dining, from cultural cuisine to modern farm-to-table dishes. During your tour of River Forest, include a stop in Oak Park for a delightful brunch, a casual coffee break, or a delicious dinner.

Check out some favorites:

Hemmingway’s Bistro (211 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park) offers French-inspired classics in an elegant setting, bringing a taste of Paris to the area.

Katy’s Dumplings (113 Lake Street, Oak Park) offers fast-casual Pan-Asian cuisine prepared with homemade noodles, fresh ingredients, and frozen dumplings to take home!

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (1038 Lake Street) is a staple for visitors looking for a  Chicago classic. Try the deep-dish and find out what all the fuss is about.

Maya Del Sol (144 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park) offers bold flavors and creative cocktails at a vibrant Latin fusion spot with a large outdoor patio.

Wise Cup (1018 Lake Street, Oak Park) is a cozy independent coffee shop with delicious pastries and notable brews, open for breakfast and lunch.

Click here for more Oak Park dining options

Plan Your Perfect Escape to River Forest

River Forest is a quiet retreat on the edge of the Des Plaines River. Known for its university campuses, many elegant homes, including several designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the thick forests that wrap around the village’s western boundaries. River Forest provides a perfect blend of nature, culture, and convenience. In fact, it's why a lot of city goers come for a visit, and plan to stay - some even permanently. With access to great elementary school, middle school, and high school, River Forest is perfect for families, too. 

Getting There

River Forest is just 10 miles west of the Chicago Loop, easily accessible by the Metra commuter line (UP-W) from Ogilvie Center, and an easy 25-minute drive via I-290 West. You’re welcome to bring your bike on the train during non-rush hour travel if you plan to explore the many trails of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Experience River Forest 

Whether you’re attracted to its historic university charm, beautiful green spaces, or proximity to shopping and dining in Oak Park, you’ll find River Forest an ideal day trip. Experience everything River Forest offers—for a morning hike or ride, an afternoon of shopping, or a leisurely evening meal.

Discover more about River Forest and plan your visit today at visitoakpark.com.

Or check out their calendar of upcoming events through the River Forest Park District.