Oak Park sits directly west of Chicago’s city limits and is home to more buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright than any other place in the world. The architect lived and worked here for the first twenty years of his career, and the streets around his home and studio are lined with houses he designed. Add Unity Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the house where Ernest Hemingway was born, and you have one of the best half-day or full-day trips in the Chicago area, easily reached by train.
Key takeaways
- The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is where Wright lived and worked for about two decades.
- Unity Temple is part of a group of Wright buildings inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- The CTA Green Line and Metra both serve Oak Park, so you do not need a car.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Wright built his home in Oak Park in the late 1880s and later added a studio where he and his team developed the Prairie style. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust runs guided tours of the home and studio, which show how his ideas about space, light and built-in furniture evolved. Tours run on set schedules and can sell out, especially on weekends, so book in advance.
The historic district
The blocks around the home and studio form the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District. Many of the houses here were designed by Wright or by architects influenced by him. Most are private homes, so you view them from the sidewalk, but a self-guided walk is free and rewarding. The Trust also offers guided neighborhood walking tours, which explain which houses to look for and why they matter.
Unity Temple
Unity Temple, on Lake Street, is a Unitarian Universalist church completed in the early 20th century and one of Wright’s most important public buildings. Built of poured concrete, it was a radical design for a church. It is one of eight Wright buildings in the United States inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tours are offered on set days; check the schedule, since the building is still an active congregation.
Hemingway’s birthplace
Ernest Hemingway was born in Oak Park in 1899, and his birthplace home is now a museum. It is a short walk from Unity Temple and can be added to the day if you have time. Check the museum’s hours before you go.
Two ways to plan the day
| Half day | Full day | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops | Home and Studio tour, short historic district walk | Home and Studio, district walk, Unity Temple, Hemingway birthplace |
| Time | 3 to 4 hours | 6 to 7 hours |
| Best for | A first look at Wright’s work | Architecture fans |
| Booking | Home and Studio tour | Two or three timed tours |
Tip: Book the Home and Studio tour first, then build the rest of the day around its time. The other stops are more flexible.
Getting there
The CTA Green Line runs from the Loop to Oak Park, with stations at Oak Park Avenue and at Harlem/Lake at the end of the line. Unity Temple is a short walk from the Green Line. Metra’s Union Pacific West line also stops in Oak Park. Driving is easy, but check local parking rules, which can be strict in residential areas.
Who this trip suits
- Architecture and design fans.
- Visitors who want a day trip without a car.
- Book lovers, for the Hemingway connection.
Before you go
- Book tours in advance through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
- Check Unity Temple’s tour days; it is an active church.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the historic district.
- Remember that most houses are private. View them from the sidewalk.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is arriving without a tour booking and finding everything full. Another is walking onto private property to get a better photo. The houses are homes, and the owners appreciate visitors who stay on the sidewalk.
Frequently asked questions
How many Frank Lloyd Wright buildings are in Oak Park?
Oak Park has the largest concentration of Wright-designed buildings in the world, most of them private homes in the historic district.
Can I go inside the houses?
You can tour the Home and Studio and Unity Temple. Most other houses are private and can only be seen from outside.
How do I get to Oak Park from downtown?
Take the CTA Green Line or Metra’s Union Pacific West line. The ride takes about half an hour.
Another essential Wright house, Robie House, is part of our Hyde Park and Jackson Park: A Day on the South Side Lakefront. For architecture in the city center, see Seeing Chicago Architecture: River Cruise vs. Walking Tour.