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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. Call the Winnetka Park District at 501-2040 for more information. The Winnetka Public Library, located at the corner of Green Bay Road and Oak Street, just south of Village Hall, boasts over 106,000 books, as well as video and audio items (including books on tape and compact discs), periodicals, reference materials, internet access and direct computer link to 25 area libraries. Call 446-7220 to learn more about the library. Numerous recreational programs and activities for all age groups are available through the Winnetka Community House, a non-profit community organization. The Community House also serves as a meeting place for clubs and organizations. For more information about Community House programs call 446-0537.
The public school system offers three elementary, one junior high and one high school. Three private elementary schools and one private high school are also located within the Village.
Community organizations dealing with history, gardening, art, music, sports, and many other interests are abundant in Winnetka.
The Chicago and Northwestern (Metra) railroad serves Winnetka. Three stations are located in the Village (Elm Street, Indian Hill and Hubbard Woods). Pace bus transportation is also available.
Winnetka Government
Winnetka has the Council-Manager form of government. Council Meetings are held in the Village Hall Council Chamber at 7:30 in the evening on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Agendas are available at the Library or on this web site. A portion of every Council Meeting is set aside to hear comments from Winnetka residents regarding any Village issue.
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