The Village of Winnetka features tree-lined streets, sandy beaches, renowned schools, outstanding parks, quality recreational facilities, a centralized community house, local non-profit organizations, and numerous houses of worship. The Village of Winnetka features four distinct shopping districts: Hubbard Woods, East Elm, West Elm and Indian Hill. As its name suggests Winnetka is truly a “beautiful land.”

Winnetka, with its roots based in the mid 1800’s, is today a thriving village and an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. Its small-town spirit, charm and traditions make it one of the most delightful, friendly, and dynamic villages along Lake Michigan’s North Shore.

Named “one of the best places to live” by CNN Money, Winnetka is located 20 miles north of Chicago and is accessible from the Eden’s Expressway (I-94). There are three Metra stations that serve the village.

Business, Shopping and Dining

Charming Winnetka boast numerous interesting shops, restaurants, specialty merchants and businesses. The Village of Winnetka also features four thriving and vibrant retail shopping districts. Winnetka businesses offer superlative customer service and an interesting and unique array of products and services. Retail stores and restaurants in Winnetka are easily accessible, shoppers find it easy to stop into a store and pick up a few things and there are many visitors from outside the area that make Winnetka a destination for a day of fun. There is no place like Winnetka for leisure activities, shopping and dining.

Education

The first public school in Winnetka, Illinois was opened on October 1, 1859 on the corner of Maple and Elm Streets. The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 is proud to celebrate 150 years of public education in our community. Winnetka is served by the Winnetka Public School District 36 and a portion of Winnetka is served by Avoca School District 37. Winnetka is also served by several private primary and secondary schools. As part of New Trier Township, Winnetka students may attend New Trier High School.

The quality of education available in Winnetka is well known and many residents choose to live in Winnetka for outstanding educational options.
Public Library

In 1884, the Winnetka Public Library was established to serve the intellectual, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District has been serving the community of Winnetka and Northfield since 1974 as a separate governmental unit. The Winnetka branch of the library is a modern space that hosts activities for patrons of all ages. Book groups, story time, reference questions, concert series and more are available at the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. As part of the Winnetka-Northfield Library District, the branch is also a member of the North Suburban Library District (NSLD) and the Co-operative Computer Service (CCS). Stop by the Winnetka branch of the library in person or online, and remember their motto; “We’re up when you are: 24 hours a day.”

Recreation

Winnetka is well served by the Winnetka Park District and the Winnetka Community House for its recreation needs. In addition to Winnetka parks, the Winnetka Park District features: an ice arena, a golf club, a tennis center, platform tennis facilities, and wonderful beaches with parking and facilities. The Winnetka Park District also has instructional classes for sports for patrons of various levels and ages, as well as team sports for different ages and levels. The Park District host many treasured local events, like the 4th of July parade and activities, holiday events, beach events and summer programs.

Since 1911 The Winnetka Community House has served as a unique centerpiece of Winnetka and the entire North Shore. The Community House is starting a new centennial and it remains a place to turn to for education, fitness, events and the arts, classes and programs for all ages. The Winnetka Community House has a full service health club, a theater and a gymnasium. Host to many other North Shore non-profits, including the North Shore Art League the Winnetka Youth Organization and the Winnetka Children’s Hour, the Community House provide space for club and group meetings of all kinds.

The shopping districts, the beaches, the recreational facilities, the schools the walking trails and the lovely tree lined streets have made Winnetka a special place 150 years after the first settlers came to the area.

Come to Winnetka for the day, or come here for a lifetime …Winnetka truly has it all.