The Green Line: Chicago to Oak Park (and All the Fun in Between)
Ready to ride the rails? The CTA Green Line is your golden ticket to Oak Park and beyond, connecting Chicago’s Loop to the walkable streets, indie shops, and architectural gems that put this village on the map. With its westernmost stop at Harlem/Lake, the Green Line makes it easy to plan a car-free day packed with food, culture, and small-town charm.
PRO TIP:
Load up your Ventra card before you go and ride in comfort. Whether you hop on at Harlem/Lake, Oak Park, or Ridgeland, each stop offers its own flavor.
Stop: Harlem/Lake
Circle Bowling
(Forest Park .2 miles from stop)
This longtime neighborhood alley keeps it classic with polished lanes, retro decor, and a no-frills energy that’s all about fun. Families, league bowlers, and casual players alike find it a laid-back spot to spend an afternoon or kick off a night out.
Firecakes Donuts
(.2 miles from stop)
Firecakes is famous across Chicagoland for gourmet creations like maple bacon, old-fashioneds, and seasonal specials. The Oak Park shop carries that same energy, offering a sugar rush that’s equal parts indulgent and Instagram-worthy.
Goldyburgers
(Forest Park .2 mile from stop)
Goldyburgers has been a local favorite for decades, known for hearty burgers stacked high and a cozy, lived-in bar atmosphere. Adding to its lore, the owner’s daughter competed on Top Chef, giving this Forest Park staple a little national spotlight.
Marion Street corridor
(.3 miles from stop)
Cobblestoned and lively, Marion Street is Oak Park’s centerpiece for boutique shopping, dining, and people-watching. You’ll find stylish storefronts, cozy cafés, and plenty of spots to linger, making it an easy place to lose track of time.
Oak Park Tennis Center
(.2 miles from stop)
Serving the community for generations, this indoor and outdoor tennis hub is where locals gather to play year-round. With a mix of lessons, leagues, and open courts, it’s a welcoming stop for both serious players and casual hitters.
STOP: Oak Park
Courageous Cupcakes
(.05 miles from stop)
Bright and cheerful, this dessert shop serves over-the-top cupcakes and colorful ice cream cones that are as photogenic as they are delicious. It’s the kind of place that feels like a celebration every time you step inside.
Hemingway birthplace museum
(.3 miles from stop)
This Queen Anne home is where Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899, and today it serves as both museum and time capsule. Inside, you’ll find period furnishings alongside exhibits that trace Hemingway’s Oak Park roots and literary journey.
Maya Del Sol
(.2 miles from stop)
Maya Del Sol brings modern Latin cuisine to Oak Park with bold flavors and one of the best patios in the suburbs. From fresh guacamole to sizzling fajitas, it’s a lively spot that shines especially bright on warm summer evenings.
Scratch on Lake
(.1 miles from stop)
This laid-back eatery is Oak Park’s go-to for burgers, sandwiches, and craft beer. The Scratch Burger, topped with cheddar, bacon, and house-made aioli, has a loyal following that keeps the place buzzing.
Split Milk
(.2 miles from stop)
Part bakery, part café, Spilt Milk is known for pies, pastries, and nostalgic desserts with a modern twist. Seasonal specials keep the menu fresh, but their hand pies are the enduring crowd favorite.
Unity Temple
(.2 miles from stop)
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the architect’s most daring achievements. Tours take you inside the bold concrete structure, where light and geometry combine in ways that still feel ahead of their time.
STOP: Ridgeland
Ridgeland Commons Ice Rink
(.2 miles from stop)
Home to year-round skating, Ridgeland Commons is where families and athletes lace up for everything from lessons to open skates. The indoor rink makes it a reliable go-to no matter the season or the weather outside.
Stevenson Park & Skate Park
(.4 miles from stop)
At Stevenson Park, open green space meets an active skate park complete with ramps and rails. It’s a place where kids, teens, and skaters gather while others spread out on the lawns to relax or watch.
Zen Life Meditation Center
(.5 miles from stop)
Zen Life offers classes, workshops, and community programs designed to help visitors slow down and reset. Whether you’re new to meditation or a longtime practitioner, the center provides a calm, welcoming environment.
STOP: Austin
Oak Park River Forest Museum
(.3 miles from stop)
This small but rich museum dives deep into local history, highlighting the stories that shaped Oak Park and River Forest. With rotating exhibits and plenty of artifacts, it’s an easy and enlightening stop between train rides.
One Lake Brewing
(.2 miles from stop)
Housed in a historic bank building, One Lake Brewing combines inventive craft beers with hearty comfort food. The rooftop patio is a highlight, offering stellar views and a relaxed atmosphere for a perfect end to your Green Line journey.
