Meet us where historic homes are part of the landscape
Tour three of Oak Park’s main attractions with the Historic Homes and Garden Tour! All three beautiful spots have extensive gardens and a lot of history for you to explore.
This day-long tour takes you through the Oak Park Conservatory, Pleasant Home and Cheney Mansion.
Oak Park Conservatory
Built in 1929, this Edwardian-style conservatory is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while being home to more than 3,000 plants and a few parrots.
Breathe in the aroma of lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme in the conservatory's Mediterranean room, then examine the exotic plants within the tropical room, and
cap it the visit off by checking out cacti and succulents in the desert room.
Pleasant Home
A marvel of early Prairie School architecture, Pleasant Home has more than earned its spot on the National Historic Landmark roster. The 30-room mansion was designed in 1897 by local architect George W. Maher for banker and philanthropist John Farson and his wife Mamie Ashworth Farson. The home has original stained glass windows, mostly original flooring and 30 rooms!
Cheney Mansion
Designed by architect Charles E. White in 1913, this 12,000-square-foot mansion looks just like an English country home. Cheney Mansion's 2.2 acres of landscaped grounds boasts a greenhouse and waterfall fountain.
The guided historic homes and gardens tours take place year-round on Wednesdays or Thursdays depending on availability.
The day-long tour is $20 without lunch and $35 including lunch. Transportation to Oak Park is not included.
The experienced docents of the Park District of Oak Park will take you on this day-long adventure through Oak Park’s top attractions.
You’ll start at the Oak Park Conservatory, which is located at 615 Garfield Street. The Conservatory is just steps from the Oak Park stop on the “L” stop or a 20-minute drive from downtown Chicago. Free street parking is available.
