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Northbrook is a village of about 35,000 people on Chicago's North Shore, in northern Cook County, Illinois, about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. Originally a farming settlement called Shermerville, it changed its name to Northbrook in 1923, and grew into a leafy suburb after World War II.
The village has a long skating tradition and has produced several Olympic speed skaters, and today it is known for its parks, forest preserves and quiet residential streets. The Village Green is the center of community life, with concerts and events in summer.
Nature lovers can explore River Trail Nature Center and the prairie and woodland of Somme Prairie Nature Preserve, while the towers of the Techny campus rise above the fields on the south edge of town. The Chicago Botanic Garden in neighboring Glencoe and the lakefront towns of the North Shore are a short drive east.
A Forest Preserves of Cook County nature center along the Des Plaines River, with woodland trails, a small museum of live animals and exhibits, and seasonal programs such as maple syrup demonstrations. Deer and woodpeckers are common sightings. Admission is free; check the hours and program calendar before visiting.
A protected remnant of native prairie and oak savanna within the Somme Woods forest preserves, restored by volunteers over many years. In summer it fills with wildflowers such as blazing star and coneflowers, attracting butterflies and birds. Stay on the paths, as the plants are fragile, and visit in July or August.
A large campus built by the Divine Word Missionaries in the early 1900s, with tall brick towers and a chapel that rise above the open fields on the edge of Northbrook. Today it serves as a conference and retreat center. The towers are a local landmark best seen from the road; ask ahead about visiting the grounds.
The central park of Northbrook near the village hall and library, with lawns, shady paths and a playground. In summer it hosts concerts, festivals and community events, and it is a pleasant place to rest on a walk through downtown. Check the village calendar for events during your visit.
A neighborhood park on the west side of Northbrook with open lawns, sports fields, paths and play areas set among trees. It is popular with local families for walks, picnics and casual games. Combine it with the nearby forest preserves for a longer nature outing, and bring a ball or a blanket on sunny days.
A park district sports complex with indoor ice rinks used for public skating, figure skating, hockey and lessons, part of Northbrook's long skating tradition that has produced several Olympic speed skaters. Public skate sessions are open to visitors; check times online and bring warm layers.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: CL Minecraft, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: CL Minecraft, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: CL Minecraft, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: CL Minecraft, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: GR_Pei, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: SimLibrarian, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: SimLibrarian, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
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