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City of Northbrook IL

Northbrook , Illinois is located in the North Shore area, in the suburbs of Chicago. Residing a mere twenty five miles from the Windy City, residents of Northbrook , zip code 60062 , are far enough from the traffic and the noise to experience the peacefulness that comes from living in a smaller community, yet close enough that just a short drive will put them right in the middle of all of the excitement and elegance that downtown Chicago has to offer.

Though the village itself was incorporated back in 1901, it was known as Shermerville, on behalf of the man who donated the land to be used for its first train station. After a while, residents grew tired of the name, citing a lack of public appeal, and the village moved to change its name to something that had a little more staying power, and so in 1923 the name of the village was officially changed to Northbrook , Illinois . At that time, Northbrook had only five hundred residents, and so changing the name was much easier than it would be today, now that the village boasts 35,000 residents and counting.

Even though there are quite a few more people now living within the small 13 square mile radius of the town, there is still plenty of space to raise a family. The North Shore area of Chicago is an upscale neighborhood, with million dollar homes and well landscaped properties. Northbrook is included in this upper middle class region, though slightly less prominently. The mean cost of a home in the area is $500,000, which is still relatively high for the Chicago area in general, while the mean household income is around $100,000 a year.

The Northbrook community prides itself on keeping the village clean, and raising awareness of environmental issues such as green living. The village of Northbrook , Illinois , zip code 60062 , urges its residents to conserve energy, to educate their children about ways to save energy, such as turning off the lights when leaving the room, and recycling everything form paper, plastic and aluminum to used batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and old cell phones.

Northbrook has a beautiful parks district, as the city maintains a high standard when it comes to keeping the parks well maintained. There are nature trails, bicycle trails and picnic areas all throughout the community, with over five hundred acres of land dedicated to parks and recreation in the village. In addition, Northbrook offers excellent resources and programs for children and adults alike, ranging from preschool through senior programs that feature physical fitness, the performing arts, golf, cycling, athletics and after school care. Northbrook prides itself on the level of commitment that it has towards maintaining active, focused and healthy lifestyles for residents of all ages.

Northbrook residents have plenty of access to the outdoors simply because of all of the parks, but right outside the village is a nature center that has done its best to preserve the integrity of the land amidst all of the developments that mankind has made over the years. Ten thousand years ago, the park was created as a result of huge glaciers that slowly melted, creating the interesting rock and land formations.

Just a couple of hundred years ago, American Indians lived on the land and hunted bison, as well as deer and elk. Today, there is still so much to learn in this outdoor classroom. Birds and animals of many different species live in the area, making it easy to spend the day with a pair of binoculars on your eyes. Birdwatching is a popular past time, and the nature preserve is a perfect place to view several stunning species.

People who want to learn about the history of Northbrook , Illinois , zip code 60062 , can stop in to the historical museum. the two story Inn that was converted into the museum is an architectural beauty. The top floor of the museum is a recreation of an 1890's home that actually existed in Northbrook , before the town had changed its name from Shermerville. The lower level is full of historical explanations and information that gives visitors to the museum a true grasp of the towns early days.

Of course no true community would be complete without a golf course, nowadays, and Northbrook has that covered, as well, with its beautifully manicured, 9 hole fairway. This is a popular place on the weekends, as many people just want to unwind in the sunshine and hit a few balls. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this golf course will satisfy.

Cycling is a big deal in Northbrook , IL . Because of its health benefits, many people have jumped on their bikes and rediscovered that what they loved to do as a kid is just as fun now as it ever was. Cycling is so popular in Northbrook that an outdoor bicycle racing track was built. This 382 meter track is perfect for daily bike rides, as well as organized races.

The North Shore area, of which Northbrook is a part, offers an astounding array of activities that bring culture, nature and education to nearby families and students. The local botanical garden is a favorite field trip for students as well as a remarkable place to spend the day. Boasting babbling brooks and glimmering lakes, waterfalls, walled gardens and even miniature trains, if the plant life does not lure you in, then the added touches will. Many festivals are held here throughout the year, too, bridging the fragile beauty of nature with the community that so heartily supports it.

The children's museum in the North Shore area, including zip code 60062 , has been a family favorite for generations. The exhibits here are hands on and fully interactive, giving kids the opportunity to create music and works of art, build a house, discover the mysteries of a maze, play with water and learn about natural wildlife habitats, all under the same roof. Providing a full day of fun and learning through play, this museum is a must do for families that are visiting the Northbrook area

Occasionally visitors to the Northbrook , Illinois area crave more than the typical tourist haunts and attractions. These individuals want to see something truly different. Veering slightly left of the beaten path seems to be a calling for some, and the interesting and unique finds that they can uncover in and around Northbrook , IL will surely give them something to talk about when they get back home, as well as some really strange pictures.

If you have never been to a lighthouse, chances are that it is something you may be interested in seeing. Just a few miles away from Northbrook stands a captivating lighthouse that is available for public tours. First lit in 1873, this towering yellow monolith with bright red trim seems to touch the clouds at 113 feet in height. For a unique tourist stop, this will captivate children and adults of all ages.

If a lighthouse is still not obscure enough for you, then keep driving, because near the village of Northbrook there are several quirky roadside attractions that are sure to make you wonder why in the world they exist at all. One such attraction is a giant Paul Bunyan statue, standing next to a truly enormous cow statue that makes the giant man look diminutive. Just around the bend from this odd couple is one of the largest, well, probably the largest, milk bottle that you will ever see. It is taller than a house. Why? Who knows.

Up the road a bit, you will find yet another humongous man holding a garage, yes, a garage, under his arm and a very large hammer in his other hand. If pictures are worth a thousand words, this one might write you a novel. If these statues are still not enough 'weirdness' for you, then stop and take a peek at a private residence that is built in the shape of a pyramid. This 17,000 foot tall, six story golden pyramid is a replica of King Tuts tomb, complete with a 64 foot tall statue of Ramses. Although the owner of the home no longer gives tours of the property, it is enough just to stand at the gate and gape at the amount of actual gold that was used to construct this behemoth.

The list of things to see and do in and around Northbrook , IL , including zip code 60062 , seems to never end, from outdoor recreation such as hiking, kayaking, biking, golfing and every imaginable team sport, to museums that recreate history and allow freedom of expression, all the way down the line to the oddities that may seem slightly ludicrous and off kilter, but are highly amusing nonetheless, one thing is for certain; residents and visitors to the area will never be bored. Northbrook , Illinois and the surrounding area has something for everyone. Whether you have made your life here, or you are just passing through for the weekend, you are sure to find a high level of entertainment value for your dollar that will put a smile on your face.