Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Historic Bench in Forest Park
Comments (39)
Enjoyed the history but there is a a less historic bench opening in River Forest. Its a little less expensive to sit at, still get the historic feel.
“This is one bench on one corner… of one country, in one continent, on one planet that’s a corner of a galaxy that’s a corner of a universe that is forever growing and shrinking and creating and destroying and never remaining the same for a single millisecond. And there are so many benches to see.” — [not exactly] The Doctor, Season 7, Episode 4Things have changed...The bench remains the same.Lets, indeed, meet here.
They dont kid about going when it is open, I went when it was closed and it was wet. I was Disappointed I really could have used the bench to sit
I proposed to my wife on this bench, while listening to The Bee Gees on my Walkman. Great memories. We were divorced last year. It looks like the bench did better than we did.
My friends and I heard about this place. Rumor has it Ernest Hemingway wrote the Great Gatsby on this bench. Even thoughA deadly virus is sweeping the nation we decided to make a trip to this amazing spot. A must see in Forest Park.
Forest Park’s most cherished bench. A true hidden treasure!Initially Public Works placed the bench at Ferdinand and Adams in 1968. It was moved to its present location in 1987 after sidewalk repairs almost caused its accidental destruction.
The single most profound location in our known universe. They should have sent a poet.
What a bench. I was going thru some dark times. But this bench made me realise there still is hope and a place for me in this life. I highly recommend visiting this historic beacon of hope and prosperity. Make sure you get there before it closes or youll miss out.
Great for smacking
I was shocked and amazed how comfortable this historic bench was. I got there kind of late and was sad to see if closed at 2:15. But that’s okay, I’ll be back!!!!
The bench is great, but we got there at 3pm on a Thursday and it closed at 2:30pm, so we just missed it. Well have to try another day when its open.
Its always great to have one of these historic benches in the community. I find this gives life to the cityscape visual embraced by the Village. Such a treasure.
My wife and I were recently on a trip to Hawaii, and all we could think about was returning home because we missed this historic bench so much.
Scratch another one off the bucket list!
This bench is so important, it’s surrounded by other identical benches all over the neighborhood. Legend.
Best. Bench .Ever.Even though this monument was closed we just had to check it out and had an amazing time.Would recommend.
(jaded 7 year old comments with a jaundiced eye) its just a bench, whats so historic about it?
This bench was comfortable, but I think its history is a little too racist for me.
Truly a life-changing experience. Seeing Childish Gambino was great but this was even better.
Wanted to see for myself, was not disappointed. 10/10 would sit again.
Whats the history behind this bench?
I forgot again what president waited on this lofty bench
Legendary bench. 😍
Get here early to beat the crowds and you won’t be disappointed!
A true gem of the Western suburbs. If I could give 10 stars, I would.
Not historic enough. You can’t fool me. 1 star.
Oh, the pioneers used to ride these babies for miles.
Other benches should take notes
I tear up just thinking about it...
Total reviews rating 4.4
39 Reviews for Historic Bench 2023:
Review №1
2022-07-12When you have visitors from Europe, this bench is a must see! Rick Steves can drone on about the cathedrals of Europe, but has he seen this bench?!?
Review №2
2020-08-11Was disappointed to see that even in the face of a global pandemic, they EXTENDED the hours. Can’t keep 6 feet of distance from other visitors to the bench. Also no informational materials to explain the historic-ness of the site. 1 star. Stay home and #closehistoricbench!EDIT: upon discussion with the owners, the hours were amended to avoid unnecessary risk to COVID exposure for the bench’s patrons (i.e. nobody can remember when it’s open so might as well stay home!!) 5 stars.
Review №3
2021-12-16Love this bench, soaked up all its history in comfort and style
Review №4
2019-02-10I travelled 4,000 miles from the UK to see this bench, and I was not disappointed. The authentic wood-effect PVC slats really remind you of the hardships that people had to endure in historic times.
Review №5
2021-10-11We visited the bench when we flew into Chicago area to visit a close relative in the hospital in Oak Park. Kids loved it so much we ran out of time to go to the hospital and had to go straight back to the airport. So fun! Will be back for the funeral.
Review №6
2020-08-17I have sat on many benches. But this bench, man. Nothing else like it. I could feel the whole entirety of the human races history flash before me in a glorious light. However, there was pigeon poop on it. So, 3/5 stars. The caretakers of this profound bench need to do some serious maintenance. Maybe install one of those annoying screeching owl audios. I don’t want to see pigeons pooping all of this benches legacy.
Review №7
2020-08-21My husband and I enjoyed this bench 9 months before our oldest son was born, then another 9 months before our second son. Its amazing how time flies, yet the comfort of this historic bench remains steadfast. The streetlights can be off-putting, so evening visits must be properly timed with bulb replacements to fully embrace the ambiance.
Review №8
2021-10-26Had a hard time figuring out which of the two benches was the historic one. Or if its more of a two for one sorta deal. I guess Ill have to pay for a tour to get the inside scoop next time
Review №9
2019-03-11Ive been all over the world and let me tell you, the Sistine Chapel, Forbidden City, etc pale in comparison to this bench. I stood there weeping due to its grandeur and beauty. And my god, when I sat on this bench it was like heaven. I highly highly recommend this bench. I only wish the bench could stay open later than 2:15 though so more people could experience it.
Review №10
2021-11-20Wow, what an honor it was to sit on this bench. There was a line but, the 20 minute wait was worth the effort. FIVE STARS.