Conservatory – Tours – Park District of Oak Park

OAK PARK CONSERVATORY

INFORMATION

Tours

Historic Homes & Gardens Tour

Oak Park Conservatory

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Edwardian-style glass Conservatory, built in 1929, houses a botanical collection of more than 3,000 plants. Enjoy a rich atmosphere of flora and fauna throughout three indoor showrooms, including a Mediterranean, Tropical and Desert room. Urban outdoor gardens surround this city escape. Sweeps of Illinois native grasses welcome you as you enter.

Pleasant Home

Pleasant Home is considered one of the earliest and most distinguished examples of Prairie School Architecture in the nation. The 30-room architectural gem is a showcase of 19th –century craftsmanship and artistry, with rich custom woodwork throughout the location, extraordinary art glass windows, a massive fireplace, intricate woodcarvings, and tile work. The house was designed by noted architect George W. Maher.

Cheney Mansion

Nestled in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District of Oak Park, Cheney Mansion is reminiscent of a gracious English country home. The mansion was designed by Charles E. White, Jr. in 1913. The 12,000-square-foot residence features an elegant entry and living room, paneled library, handsome reception rooms, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and separate servants’ quarters. There is an expansive lawn.

Cost

$20 without lunch package/per person
$35 including lunch package/per person *Minimum 10 people
Transportation not provided to Oak Park
Times: Wednesdays or Thursdays, year round based on availability *2 weeks minimum booking requirement
Pleasant Home (no ADA bathrooms)
REMINDER: The Historic Homes & Garden tour has a 10 person minimum and 2 week advance.

Booking

How to book: Contact Patty Staley at the Oak Park Conservatory at 708-725-2451 or via email at patti.staley@pdop.org
Cancellation Policy: Minimum 2 weeks Final Head Count: 1 week prior

Overview

Visit 3 historic Oak Park locales in one day!

The Historic Homes & Gardens Tour is a unique opportunity to tour three of Oak Park’s historic gems, the Oak Park Conservatory, Pleasant Home and Cheney Mansion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Edwardian-style glass Oak Park Conservatory built in 1929, houses a botanical collection of more than 3,000 plants. Pleasant Home is considered one of the earliest and most distinguished examples of Prairie School Architecture in the nation showcasing 19th –century craftsmanship and artistry. Designed by Charles E. White, Jr. in 1913, Cheney Mansion is reminiscent of a gracious English Country Home. It was designated a local Oak Park landmark in 2004.

LEARN MORE

Diverse Learners Tour

This tour has been specially designed for individuals 18+ with special education needs. Tours can be modified for all ages. The plant-based tour is aligned with Illinois State Standards, uses visual prompting, introduces vocabulary of the day, and invites active participation through multi-sensory, interactive, and hands-on learning techniques. Tour Costs $5/adult (minimum fee for a group tour is $20)

Educational Tours

Free for Oak Park district schools and $2 per child for out of district and private schools. The minimum fee for a group tour is $20.

Self-Guided Tours

Groups & Self-guided tours are welcome to visit the Conservatory Tuesday – Sunday 10am-4pm. Please call the Conservatory in advance for groups of 10 or more. NOTE: the Historic Homes & Garden tour has a 10 person minimum and 2 week advance notice.

Docent led tours are now available! To learn more about guided tours and purchase one, please visit the Friends of Oak Park Conservatory website.

Do you ever wonder about the various ecosystems houses in our three garden showrooms? Have questions about plants you see in the Conservatory? Take a guided tour today! Led by trained docents, tours of the Oak Park Conservatory are available at a cost of $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children under 12. The minimum fee for a group tour is $20.