Welcome to River Forest

Welcome to River Forest. We believe that our village motto, “Proud Heritage and Bright Future”, accurately reflects what River Forest has to offer. For over 125 years, River Forest has recognized the need to maintain a high standard of living for its residents. We pride ourselves on being a community that is never satisfied with standing still. We are constantly finding ways to improve and maintain a quality experience for all River Foresters.

Since our inception, we have been a caring community that prides itself on its long tradition of fine homes and rich architecture. Recently, the Village, in cooperation with the Historical Preservation Committee, designated our first historic landmark, the Waller Gates, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1901.

River Forest has long felt that one of our most valuable assets is the premier education provided by our local schools, both public and private. Our elementary school district recently won the Academic Excellence Award, which is the highest honor bestowed to school districts on the Illinois School Honor roll. The local high school Oak Park-River Forest has also won numerous academic awards. River Forest is home to three outstanding private elementary schools and an excellent private high school. In the realm of higher education, River Forest is home to two outstanding universities, Concordia University and Dominican University.

River Forest has a vibrant recreational system provided by the River Forest Park District and River Forest Community Center. Both are committed to providing recreational programs and maintaining high quality parks and services for people of all ages. The Village also features an excellent public library that provides free wireless internet access, as well an enviable collection of books and periodicals.

This high quality of life and community is made all the better by River Forest’s small-town feel located just 10 miles from downtown Chicago via expressway or a 20-minute train ride from the River Forest Metra Station to much of what Chicago has to offer. This includes Chicago’s premier artistic scene, featuring the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera, numerous live theaters, world-class museums, like the Art Institute and Lincoln Park Zoo. For those with travel needs or desires, we are conveniently located near both airports.  For the athletically inclined, we are a short drive to Wrigley Field (Cubs), U.S. Cellular Field (White Sox) and the United Center (Bulls and Blackhawks).

The Village Board and I, along with our many committee and commission members and Village staff have a strong commitment to provide the highest quality of public service and safety for all our residents. Our mission is to ensure that River Forest will always be a great community to live in.

Sincerely,

John P. Rigas
Village President