Winnetka, Illinois

Winnetka was incorporated on March 10, 1869. Its founders named the new community Winnetka, a Native American word meaning “beautiful land.”

Winnetka has retained the natural beauty that brought early settlers to the area. Picturesquely situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, just 16 miles north of Chicago, the Village is made up of tranquil tree-shaded streets and family-oriented neighborhoods as well as three quaint in-town business districts that are home to a variety of shops and businesses.

The Village’s vision statement describes Winnetka as a village in a natural setting committed to its tradition of residential neighborhoods, citizen involvement, local shops and educational excellence. Recreational facilities abound in Winnetka. Four public beaches and a boat launch, numerous parks, athletic fields, an indoor tennis club, ice rink, public golf course and forest preserve areas can be enjoyed by Winnetka residents.