Historic Oak Park, just 9 miles or so from Chicago, is filled with so many architectural treasures, a lovely downtown with lots of shops, restaurants, festivals, music, and things to do.  However in the seemingly never-ending Chicago winter…we cannot help but count the days to warm vacations far, far away.

Determined to enjoy a little warmth and a taste of Oak Park’s hidden beauty on a recent Sunday afternoon, we set off to visit one of the top 3 historical sites, the Oak Park Conservatory.  Admission to this greenhouse gem is free, but of course donations are welcome.

April might be a little early in the season for the flowers to come, but there were some lovely blooms on display along with ferns, cacti, lemon trees, Koi fish pond, goldfish, turtles and 3 talking parrots.

George the African parrot was having a grand time saying Hallo over and over to a toddler who was parroting him back.  George’s mate, Sara will also sing if you sing to her first.

The Conservatory was built in 1929, designated an Oak Park Landmark in 2004, and consists of three indoor showrooms along with outdoor urban gardens.

Check out their website and you find their popular events list for children, KidsFest, Fall Fest, camps, the annual spring plant sale, gardening and nature classes, and the Uncorked Wine Nights where  perhaps we’ll run into you while celebrating summer.

C’est tout!