Rosie

I would like to see historic or unique neighborhoods in the northern or western suburbs of Chicago. I've been to Wheaton and Naperville and loved them! Are there any other areas that are upscale and not run-down such as these? Does Warrenville have a historic downtown? Thank you!

patg

Any book on Chicago architecture could tell you about the Oak Park Historic District and River Forest, laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted. Lake Forest's Market Square is another beautiful district. Evanston's historic district is also notable.

If you think about it, you will realize that places where people with money continually live are have homes that have been remodeled many times, hence losing much of their architectural heritage. Areas that go out of fashion are most likely to retain homes with their original characteristics. Reclaiming these areas is usually a piecemeal effort, which is why they may be less than pristine. Put away your bias towards perfection and look for the beauty underneath.

J in Miami

Do not miss Oak Park or River Forest. Others include Evanston, WInnetka and Lake Forest.

marilyn

That would be Riverside (not River Forest) that was designed by Olmstead. Other suggestions: a street in Glencoe (sorry, I forget the name) with more than one Frank Lloyd Wright house and a bridge designed by him as well; driving the length of Sheridan Road, through beautiful houses, ravines, etc. (originally built to allow troops from Ft. Sheridan quick access to put down unruly mobs threatening rich peoples houses if needed); Woodstock, IL (where Groundhog Day was filmed).

evanston

A great way to see historic neighborhoods is by bike. Start at Northwestern University in Evanston and ride your bike north on the trail along the lake. It's really pretty and will take you through the North Shore towns of Glencoe, Winnetka and Lake Forest. At some point, the bike path follows a train bed. Maybe somebody can give you better pointers on the bike route. I moved away from the area about four years ago.

Judi

Just want to mention that Oak Park contains 20+ Frank Lloyd Wright houses plus Unity Temple, which he also designed. More of his houses in next-door River Forest.

The Architectural Foundation runs wonderful tours of historic neighborhoods in and around Chicago, The river tour and the architectural walking tours of the old and new buildings are fantastic.

Dan

Well if you liked Wheaton and Napervile you'll love Geneva and St, Charles. Geneva is about 10 miles west of Wheaton on rte 38. A walk along the third street shopping district will get you into a lot of old building. The historic district is mostly south of state Street and between 1st. and 7th St. I live in Geneva btw, so if you have any questions feel free to contact me. See the 302 restaurant and the Herrington Hotel as well.
St. Charles is just north of Geneva, also along the Fox River. I would say that the historic district is just north
of rt 64 on the east side of town. I would say that the absolute coolest historic building west of Oak Park is the Hotel Baker in St. Charles. It's an art deco hotel that has been restored to perfection. This is a MUST see. I think Warrenville has a historic district, but it looks pretty tiny.

Rosie

Thanks for all the great places! I went through Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, etc., today and yesterday. They're absolutely stunning! I've been to St. Charles and Geneva, loved them as well. Very charming! I saw Woodstock a couple weeks ago (including the Ground Hog Day house, which is now for sale).

I couldn't find the historic part of Warrenville. Any idea which streets?

Oak Park and Riverside are next on my list. If anyone has any more ideas, please let me know. Exploring historic towns is sort of a hobby for me.
Thanks!

Bill I

I would second the suggestion for Geneva ( I work in Geneva). Also Dundee along HWY 72 (Higgins Road) where it crosses the Fox River. ( A new Tom Hanks/ Paul Newman movie was filmed in both Geneva & Dundee recently because of the 1930's time era atmosphere.) & if you like Geneva/Naperville, you would probably like Long Grove & all the shops there, which is along Hwy 83 in the Northern suburbs.

Kim

You could check out Hinsdale. A lot of older homes. There has been a lot of tear down and new building, but there are still many older gems to see. The downtown is very busy. If you go on York Ave. a few blocks north of Ogden you will find the York Tavern near Grau Mill - many older stars used to stop there for a drink when they were performing at the Hinsdale Theater - sorry, but the only one I can remember is Vincent Price.

Chris

A trip to Chicago without a visit to the architecture of Oak Park is a mistake...Hemmingway and Frank Lloyd Wright....lots of good foord too......If you're into arch...make sure to take an archetechure tour of Chicago...one of my favorites is taking a cruise down the river as the guide describes....of course you only see the stuff on the river, but a great way to relax and see the city.

Chris is in KY

Dean

Some of the cities you've visited aren't really what I would call historic, but I think I know what you like. Did you go to Glen Ellyn when you visited Wheaton? Charming downtown and beautiful homes. Gemeva and Glen Ellyn are my favorite far western villages. Western Springs and Hinsdale are nice too.

Rosie

I did see Glen Ellyn, which I really liked. You're right, maybe it's not the historic look I like, but the charming downtown with character. That along with the huge trees and nice, older homes. I haven't been to Hindsdale or Wester Springs yet, so I'll add them to my list!

Thanks

Cher

Skip Warrenville, nothing to see. I agree with the above poster who suggested Geneva, and St. Charles.
Geneva has a lot of quaint little shops. Don't miss The Little Travler, a historical house converted into unique little shops, each room has a different theme, kitchen, toys, christmas, candy, and much more. www.littletraveler.com
I think it's closed Sundays.
St Charles is charming as well. www.visitstcharles.com to request a visitors guide.
I hope your visit to Naperville included a stroll along the riverwalk.
Regards, Cher

dominick_scafidiiii

Take a look at Wayne its a little bit east of St. Charles and I think you'll love it. Its quite rural and has plenty of old estates. Riverside and Lake Forest are beautiful and oak park surely has its charm too. Elmhurst has some good areas around Wilder mansion but a lot of the homes are being knocked down to renovate. Have fun though, these areas are great!

janisj

dominick: Welcome to Fodors . . . gentle suggestion - next time before topping a thread take a peek at the dates. This one is twelve years old . . .