Where is Oak Forest, Illinois

Oak Forest is a city in northeastern Illinois, located in Cook County about 25 miles south of downtown Chicago. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and is known for its residential neighborhoods, forest preserves, parks, and convenient access to major highways. The city lies near the Tinley Creek watershed and provides easy access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding southern suburbs.

Location Map of Oak Forest, Cook County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Oak Forest in Cook County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Oak Forest Map, Illinois

Where is Oak Forest Located?

Oak Forest is a city located in Cook County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in the southern suburbs of Chicago, about 25 miles south of downtown Chicago and roughly 5 miles west of Homewood. Tinley Park is around 5 miles west, while Midlothian is about 4 miles north. Oak Forest is positioned near 41.602° North latitude and 87.752° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 27,478 residents. The city covers about 5.90 square miles, or 15.28 square kilometers, including land and water. Oak Forest has a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, parks, and forest preserves. The nearby Tinley Creek watershed provides wetlands, wooded areas, and recreational opportunities. Oak Forest developed as a rural settlement along the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and was incorporated as a village in 1949 before becoming a city in 1971. A unique feature of the city is its close proximity to the expansive forest preserve system of Cook County, giving residents access to trails, golf courses, lakes, and natural areas. The city's Metra station also provides rail service to downtown Chicago.

Most Viewed US Maps

Oak Forest City Facts

Distance from Oak Forest, IL to Nearby Cities

• Midlothian, IL – 4 miles (6 km)
• Tinley Park, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Homewood, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Markham, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Orland Park, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
• Country Club Hills, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Blue Island, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Palos Heights, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Harvey, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Calumet City, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
• Chicago, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Joliet, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Naperville, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Gary, IN – 30 miles (48 km)
• Hammond, IN – 25 miles (40 km)
• Valparaiso, IN – 40 miles (64 km)
• Aurora, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Rockford, IL – 80 miles (129 km)

Top Attractions in Oak Forest, IL

• George W. Dunne National Golf Course – A large public golf course operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, with wooded surroundings and multiple fairways.
• Oak Forest Heritage Preserve – A natural area preserving native habitats, wetlands, and open landscapes in the southern suburbs.
• Tinley Creek Trail – A regional trail system offering opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying wooded and wetland environments.
• Midlothian Meadows – A nearby forest preserve with open meadows, trails, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.
• Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center – A nearby nature center with educational programs, walking trails, ponds, and native habitats.
• Whistler Woods Forest Preserve – A large forest preserve along the Little Calumet River with trails, picnic areas, fishing, and natural scenery.
• Odyssey Fun World – A nearby family entertainment center with indoor and outdoor attractions and seasonal activities.
• Chicago Ridge Mall – A nearby shopping center serving communities across Chicago's southwest suburbs.

Airports Near Oak Forest, IL

• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 20 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 35 miles
• Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) – 30 miles
• Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 35 miles
• Lewis University Airport (LOT) – 25 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Oak Forest city website and local government records.

Illinois Related Maps and Info