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Park Ridge is a leafy city of about 39,000 people in Cook County, Illinois, on the northwest edge of Chicago next to O'Hare International Airport. It began in the 1800s as a brickmaking village called Brickton, took the name Park Ridge in 1873, and later became home to an early 1900s arts and crafts colony. Today it is a quiet residential suburb with tree-lined streets and a walkable downtown known as Uptown.
The centerpiece of Uptown is the Pickwick Theatre, an ornate 1928 movie palace with a tall tower that still shows films and hosts events. Around it are cafes, shops and restaurants, the public library and Hodges Park. The Park Ridge History Center tells the local story, including that of the town's most famous former resident, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the Brickton Art Center keeps the town's artistic tradition alive.
With Metra trains to downtown Chicago and O'Hare minutes away, Park Ridge works well as a calm base for exploring the city or for a layover with a movie and dinner.
An ornate movie palace that opened in 1928, with a tall tower, a richly decorated auditorium and a huge screen, still showing new releases, classic films and special events. It is one of the finest historic theaters in the Chicago suburbs. Tickets are inexpensive; arrive early to admire the interior.
A nonprofit art center named after Park Ridge's original village, with classes, workshops and gallery exhibitions of work by local artists in painting, ceramics and other media. Visitors can browse the gallery and sign up for short workshops. Check the schedule for openings and family art days.
The historic downtown around the Metra station and Pickwick Theatre, with independent shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants along Prospect Avenue and Northwest Highway. It is pleasant for an evening stroll, dinner and a movie. Street and garage parking are available, and trains from Chicago stop right here.
A small park in Uptown Park Ridge near City Hall and the public library, with lawns, benches and paths, used for summer concerts, farmers markets and community events. It is a peaceful place to sit with a coffee between shops. Check the city calendar for concerts and seasonal events held here.
A small museum run by the local historical society, with exhibits on Park Ridge's brickmaking origins, its early 1900s arts and crafts colony and famous residents, including Hillary Rodham Clinton. It also holds archives and photographs. Opening hours are limited, so check before visiting.
The city's public library in Uptown, a busy community hub with reading rooms, local history materials, exhibits and events for all ages. It is a calm place to rest during a walk around Uptown and Hodges Park. Visitors are welcome to browse; check opening hours and the event calendar online.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Kelly Martin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Kelly Martin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Zol87 from Chicago, IL, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Teemu008 from Palatine, Illinois, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Craig Harris, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Puttyhead, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
