There are several important sites located in Oak Forest that make it stand out from the rest of the region. The Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, which is reputed as one of the most haunted places in the world, is located near Oak Forest in the Rubio Forest Preserve. The famous public George W. Dunne Golf Course and Driving Range is located just south of 158th Street and is open for all golf lovers.

The Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County is in close proximity to all residents and serves all medical needs. Higher education is also easily accessible at the South Suburban College "University and College Center." In addition to SSC, you will also find branches of DePaul University, University of Saint Francis, Chicago State University, Governors State University and Illinois Institute of Technology.

Oak Forest was originally known as Cooper’s Grove and was settled in 1840. The earliest reference to the community as "Oak Forest" (probably so named after the nearby forest preserves and mature oak trees throughout the area) was in an 1893 Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway timetable. It was officially incorporated as the City of Oak Forest in 1971 and became a Home Rule Community in 1981. The city holds an annual Oak Fest Celebration which was first held in 1987.