Diverse architecture, well-maintained parks, excellent public and private schools.
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Known for its beautiful lakefront, the Village of Wilmette is located approximately 16 miles north of downtown Chicago and extends about 5 miles west from Lake Michigan. Residents enjoy diverse architecture, tree-lined brick streets, well maintained parks and excellent public and private schools.
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The community is also committed to its history, preserving its brick streets and old fashioned street lights. In 1674, Father Marquette and his expedition beached their canoes and spent the night on the shores of present day Wilmette. In 1829, Antoine Ouilmette, a French-Canadian fur trader and his part-Indian wife, Archange, moved their family to a cabin near the foot of present day Lake Avenue. The first Wilmette public school opened in 1871. In 1872, the village was incorporated.
Wilmette Schools
"Serving more than 3,500 students in grades K - 8, Wilmette Public School District 39 includes a significant portion of Wilmette and a small portion of adjacent Glenview. Children in grades K-4 attend one of four existing neighborhood elementary schools: Central School, Harper School, McKenzie School, or Romona School. Students in grades 5 and 6 attend Highcrest Middle School. Students in grades 7 and 8 attend Wilmette Junior High School. Average class size ranges from 22 to 24 students, with the highest levels at the older grades. Student test scores consistently reflect achievement well above state and national norms. Graduates of Wilmette Public Schools District 39 attend the highly acclaimed New Trier High School.
The Avoca School District 37 serves students from parts of four surrounding communities: Glenview, Northfield, Wilmette, and Winnetka. The greatest number of our students live in Wilmette. There are two schools in the district: Avoca West, a K-5 elementary school; and Marie Murphy, a 6-8 middle school. Graduates of Avoca District 37 attend the highly acclaimed New Trier High School.
New Trier High School is one of the most highly acclaimed public high schools in the State of Illinois. The major campus is located in Winnetka and freshman students attend the Northfied campus."
(quoted from www.Wilmette.com)
Arts, culture & recreation
Over 300 acres of parks and open land are managed by the Wilmette Park District. Perennial favorites include Gillson Park and Beaches, Keay Nature Center, Community Playfields, and Mallinckrodt Park. A wide range of recreation programming encompasses children and adults from newborn to seniors. The Wilmette Golf Club is billed as the best public golf course challenge in town! While Wilmette Golf Club's total yardage is only 6,400 from the back tees, it plays to much greater length. The short par 4's and the fact that there are only two par 5's in this par 70 track make Wilmette play like a 7,000 yard layout.
Shop Wilmette | Restaurants List
Each of Wilmette’s seven commercial districts has its own unique identity to provide a distinctively different shopping experience. Public transportation and free street parking provide convenience and accessibility. The number of specialty shops, restaurants and boutiques in the Village’s traditional business districts create a destination for those who appreciate the energy of a thriving, North Shore community.
The Wilmette Chamber of Commerce is an association of local businesses, which serves its members and the community by being the voice of Wilmette & Kenilworth business and the source of information and creative leadership essential to the success of Wilmette & Kenilworth businesses.
The Wilmette Historical Museum was established by the village in 1951. It's mission is to "collect, preserve and present the history and culture of the people of Wilmette in an enjoyable learning environment. Through our programs, exhibits, publications, research facilities and many other services, we seek to inspire visitors from this community and others to discover the many fascinations of local history."
The Wilmette Public Library District exists to serve the informational, intellectual, cultural and recreational needs of the Wilmette and Kenilworth resident and business communities. If you’re planning a visit to the library, they are open 76 hours each week from Labor Day to Memorial Day - including Sunday nights until 9:00 p.m. - and 72 hours weekly during the summer.
