Explore Oak Park and Beyond Debuts New Name and Regional Focus
Published on May 07, 2025
Visit Oak Park has a new name and a broader vision. Now known as Explore Oak Park and Beyond, the rebranded tourism entity reflects an expanded focus on promoting not just Oak Park but also 19 vibrant neighboring communities in Chicago’s near west suburbs.
The new identity accompanies the launch of a regional tourism campaign, but the rebrand itself marks a significant shift in how the organization defines and showcases its destinations. With “and Beyond” officially added to its name, the organization acknowledges the rich cultural, culinary, and recreational assets across communities nearby Oak Park including Riverside, La Grange, Brookfield, Forest Park, and many others. 
“This name change is more than just cosmetic—it’s about inclusivity and regional storytelling,” said Annie Coakley, executive director of Explore Oak Park and Beyond. “Each community offers something distinct, and together they create a destination experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.”
The rebranding also includes a refreshed visual identity and a new digital presence, designed to unify the region’s attractions under one cohesive brand.
By reintroducing itself as Explore Oak Park and Beyond, the organization aims to welcome more visitors, encourage longer stays, and highlight the unique offerings of each partner community.
“We are thrilled by the exhaustive process our staff and board took over the last seven months to identify a name that best represents what consumers will use to travel, dine and shop in Oak Park and beyond,” said James Prescott, board chairperson of Explore Oak Park and Beyond.
For more information, visit www.visitoakpark.com.
About Oak Park -The Village of Oak Park, located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, Oak Park serves as an ideal place to live, work and play. As a longstanding community of choice, the Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
About Explore Oak Park and Beyond - Explore Oak Park and Beyond is the state-certified convention and visitor bureau serving the Village of Oak Park and its neighboring western Cook County communities of Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Brookfield, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Hillside, La Grange, La Grange Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, North Riverside, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Schiller Park and Westchester. To learn more, visit www.vistoakpark.com.