Wilmette
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.
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.
Village of Wilmette
Chamber of Commerce
Library
"The City of Evanston is the first suburb north of Chicago located on Lake Michigan. With its close proximity to Chicago, Evanston is extremely easy to reach. Evanston is only a half hour drive away from the bustling O'Hare International Airport and an hour away from Chicago Midway International Airport. The Chicago Transit Authority has extensive bus routes and trains running to and from Evanston to the city, the surrounding suburbs and the airports."
Source: City of Evanston Website
"Northwestern University, a major landmark of Evanston, was actually founded before the City itself. In 1851, the plans for Northwestern began and in 1855, Northwestern University opened its doors for the first time to 10 students. The founders of Northwestern, one being John Evans, submitted to the county judge their plans for a city and their wishes to rename the town Evanston in 1854. In 1857, the town of Evanston was named.
Today, Evanston is still thriving as an independent city. There are many cultural outlets in Evanston, there is a thriving business economy and public lakefront recreation activities. Evanston continues to prosper and refuses to be overshadowed by Chicago."
The City's website is absolutely packed with useful, fun information about everything from dining to shopping to museums and more.
Map
Metra Rail
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.
The Village of Wilmette offers wonderful shopping opportunities in four distinct shopping districts, a beautiful lakefront, various cultural opportunities, great dining, and a magnificent French Market that runs from May through October.
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.
Park District
Wilmette Golf Club
Wilmette Lakefront & Beaches
Centennial Indoor Ice Rinks
Plaza Del Lago
Historical Museum
Ravinia Festival
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 while grades 7 and 8 attend Wilmette Junior High. Student test scores consistently reflect achievement well above state and national norms.
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.
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.
Wilmette Public Schools District 39
Avoca School District 37
New Trier High School
School Reviews on GreatSchools.org
Neighboring Communities
Winnetka
Glenview
Kenilworth
Evanston
Skokie
Northfield
