The Final Days of the Illinois Tollway Hinsdale Oasis

[@brandocallejas9202]

The oasis in Lake Forest IL is still operational last time I went there was 2 months ago. I know because it’s close to where I live in Waukegan IL. But yeah it’s sad to see the other oasis shutting down because they have have so much history and they were unique to Illinois as well.

[@memoriesbywayne]

I used to live in Lake County, so yes I'm keeping a close eye on that one as well, and indeed it is still there and doing well. :-)

[@RobertKrebill]

The Belvidere, Chicago Southland, DeKalb, and Lake Forest oases will remain open.

[@memoriesbywayne]

@@RobertKrebill yep. We still got a few to visit and enjoy while we can. :-) Far as I know no road projects planned in the near future which would affect them.

[@Random_Guy11156]

It would be cool if they rebuild them in the future

[@memoriesbywayne]

I hope so. There is a rumor they may re-build them on the side of the road. But I am still kinda doubtful on that.

[@dvferyance]

@@memoriesbywayne Between O Hare and Hinsdale I would be fine with just rebuilding one of them. I think O Hare would make more sense.

[@memoriesbywayne]

@@dvferyance something between I-90 and I-88 would be awesome! Sure the construction will be worth it when the road looks as nice as I-90 and I-88 does now. But boy is it a mess currently.

[@ericmudd4047]

I remember when Wendy’s had half the oasis. You would order food and go up three stairs to an elevated floor that gave a better view of traffic below. Waiters or waitresses would bring the food, or you ordered from the hot-cold salad bar for self serve. All the Troopers from D-2 and D-15 also had and information desk inside and would eat there as well. Sad to see them go. Just another thing the Illinois messes up.

[@memoriesbywayne]

Thank you for sharing your memories from the "fast food days". I have fond memories and remember the large eating area of the Lake Forest and Hinsdale Oasis Wendy's as well. Other great examples include the gift shop at Des Plaines and Belvidere that had an unique view of the road. I remember a side door that would go from the hall to the McD dining area. O'Hare had a neat arcade in the middle which I played at a lot! I also have a very fuzzy memory of a very large (elevated?) arcade at Southland Lincoln. But I can't find pics and so don't know if that was a product of my childhood subconscious lol.

[@palmbeachasmr]

I remember years ago, I went to an oasis with a Wendy’s inside of it. I’m sad to see these go.

[@memoriesbywayne]

It is heartbreaking for sure. If you are remembering a Wendy's, it was either this one in Hinsdale, or Lake Forest. :-)

[@Seankey21]

Sad to see these go, I loved when we stopped here as a kid

[@memoriesbywayne]

Same here. Best thing we can do is consider ourselves lucky we have four to enjoy for the time being. :-)

[@RobertKrebill]

This place will be greatly missed

[@memoriesbywayne]

Indeed, it will be missed. I used to go there often when it was just a Wendy's. Glad there is still a few around for now.

[@Deez_xp]

I remember everytime when I always go to wiscosin dells or six flags I always pass by this

[@memoriesbywayne]

So sad to see it officially gone now. Thank you for sharing your memory!

[@Deez_xp]

And always got McDonald’s here when I went

[@memoriesbywayne]

@@Deez_xp always the most popular and open late. Sbarro has usually been my go to. :-)

[@bernadetteomalley8763]

So sad to see these go. People driving long distances or getting tired need a place to stretch and rest

[@memoriesbywayne]

At least there are a few left. All the ones closer to the airport and city will sadly be gone. And longer distances between the oases now.

[@noxious_nights]

I don’t know which one of these I have been to, but I recall being at one multiple times in my childhood. It felt surreal, and it’s sad seeing them go down.

[@memoriesbywayne]

Remember them before their current format? When they were just McD, Burger King, or Wendy's? If you remember what was inside I may be able to help narrow it down for you. Today's format, which started 2004/2005, are all basically the same. I'm glad you have childhood memories there though. :-)

[@IznbranahlGoose]

I've never been to this Oasis. The one I usually visit is the Belvidere Oasis which looks nearly identical to this one. Were it not for the big sign that says "Hinsdale Oasis" and the fact the entryway compass needle North is pointed the wrong way I'd think this WAS the Belvidere Oasis.

[@memoriesbywayne]

Yeah they all lacked the personality and uniqueness from back in the 80s and 90s. Though even then there were patterns. E.g. Belvidere and Des Plaines similar format.

[@eaglewarrior8707]

@@memoriesbywayne First time I been to the Oasis was when Wanes World in movie theaters at 5 years old. Feedin My... And I saw this cool skeleton earing in a claw machine that glowed in the dark. So cool. Before those internet days. Things were still cool cause you used your imagination more.

[@memoriesbywayne]

@@eaglewarrior8707 very cool that particular memory stuck with you all those years. Usually the way it works with me. :-)

[@dvferyance]

At least the De Kalb Oasis doesn't have to worry about no widening project. It doesn't go over the road.

[@memoriesbywayne]

Yep. I would like to think that one is pretty safe.

[@NWIndianaElevators]

This place is now closed as of September 13th

[@memoriesbywayne]

Sadly you are correct. Glad I got here when I did. I also stopped by there last briefly but did not film.

[@dvferyance]

Really they didn't start tearing it down until earlier this month. I would think they would have kept it open until April.

[@bernadetteomalley8195]

Almost completely down now

[@paigedoesnotexist]

Why did they get shutdown

[@memoriesbywayne]

O'Hare and Hinsdale closed to accommodate major road expansion/widening project on 294 from O'Hare to 95th. Also multiple major intersection projects in progress. May be adding a dedicated car pool or bus lane, like they did on 90. But supposedly the current structure and support beam in the middle would not support the project. :-(