Welcome to Winnetka
A thriving village filled with history and beauty
Winnetka is a magnificent community settled on the north shore of Lake Michigan. The name itself means “beautiful land,” and it is clear Winnetka lives up to that title. The outdoor parks, tree-lined streets, and relaxing beaches make Winnetka one of the best places to live. Natural beauty attracted the original settlers, and Winnetka has preserved the historic, small-town feel while creating a thriving neighborhood for its residents.
Commuters will appreciate the quick commute to Chicago by highway or metro train. There is an array of unique attractions and activities to entice residents of Winnetka. Entertainment abounds in the Skokie Lagoons, where you can enjoy horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, and more. Winnetka also has four distinct shopping districts boasting dozens of shops, restaurants, and specialty stores.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Winnetka’s thriving city center and family-oriented neighborhoods make this village stand out among the Chicago suburbs. The unique beauty of this community really stands out during autumn when the foliage turns fantastic colors, framing the streets in a magnificent hue. Winnetka’s downtown center is bustling with locally owned stores, coffee shops, and authentic restaurants. Residents can enjoy a peaceful stroll through one of the many parks and hiking trails.
Dining, Entertainment and Shopping
Winnetka has four separate shopping districts: East Elm, West Elm, Hubbard Woods, and Indian Hill, each with its own distinct charm. These delightful neighborhoods offer upscale boutiques, antique stores, high-end fashion shops, and dining options. East Elm boasts traditional and contemporary architecture with Tudor-style buildings adding to the Winnetka’s historic charm.
In Winnetka, fresh, authentic food is easy to come by, including French and Greek cuisine.
Pomeroy is a quaint bistro dedicated to bringing French culture to Chicago. Diners can enjoy escargots or foie gras on the outdoor terrace. If you’re in the mood for Greek, Avli serves authentic Greek food with vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan dishes to cater to most dietary needs. For a quick caffeine boost,
Hometown Coffee and Juice is perfect for innovative coffee drinks, homemade smoothies, and bakery items.
Winnetka is full of rich history, and there’s no better place to learn about it than the
Winnetka Historical Museum. This museum is one of the last remaining monuments to Gothic architecture in the area. The Winnetka Historical Society and Museum are dedicated to preserving the deep and complex history of the village to further educate residents about their roots. For fans of the arts, the
Writers Theatre puts on exciting productions each year and is known as one of the best theater companies in the country.
Things to Do
One of the great things about Winnetka is its proximity to nature. The
North Branch Trail is 20 miles of winding trail weaving through Cook County. This outdoor trail is perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. North Branch along with other nature facilities is managed and maintained by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Each area offers beneficial amenities such as picnic areas, large parking lots, and access to major highways.
If you love to golf, the
Winnetka Golf Club is one of Chicago’s premier golf facilities. This 18-hole golf course boasts tree-lined horizons, beautiful water features, and meticulously manicured grass to ensure you always have the best golf experience. Golf club members can benefit from early tee times, private practices, and a 26-station driving range.
Schools
Winnetka is served by
Winnetka Public School District 36.
