North Riverside, IL
County: Cook
History
North Riverside, Illinois is a suburb located in Cook County, about 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. It is a relatively small village with a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s.
The area where North Riverside stands today was initially part of the larger Riverside Township. In the late 1800s, the land was primarily used for farming, and it was not until the early 20th century that the area began to see development.
In 1908, the land that would become North Riverside was purchased by the Riverside Golf Course Company. The company intended to create a golf course, as well as a residential subdivision around it. The project was delayed due to financial difficulties, but it eventually moved forward, and the North Riverside Country Club opened in 1911.
The area surrounding the golf course began to attract residents, and in 1925, the village of North Riverside was officially incorporated. The village took its name from the nearby suburb of Riverside, which had been developed in the late 1800s. The North Riverside Golf Course remained a centerpiece of the village, offering recreational opportunities for residents for decades.
Over the years, North Riverside continued to grow, and by the mid-20th century, it became a popular residential community. A major development within the village was the construction of the North Riverside Park Mall, which opened in 1975. The mall became a significant commercial hub, attracting visitors from surrounding areas.
Today, North Riverside is a vibrant community with a diverse population. The village has a strong sense of community, with various parks, recreational facilities, and community events. The golf course, now known as the North Riverside Park District Golf Club, remains a popular recreation spot.
Despite its small size, North Riverside has a unique history and continues to be a desirable place to live in the Chicago metropolitan area. With its accessibility to the city and charming suburban atmosphere, the village has managed to maintain a balance between modern development and preserving its historical roots.
Attractions
North Riverside Park Mall
A popular shopping destination with a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Brookfield Zoo
Located just south of North Riverside, this renowned zoo features exhibits and habitats for a wide range of animals from around the world.
Riverside Brookfield High School
Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of this historic high school, designed by renowned architect William Le Baron Jenney.
Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park
This amusement park offers a variety of activities and attractions, including go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, and an arcade.
Miller Meadow State Park
A beautiful park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a large open space for outdoor activities such as frisbee or kite flying.
Des Plaines Valley Trail
A scenic trail that runs along the Des Plaines River, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Veterans Park
A local park featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and a splash pad for children.
The Salt Creek Greenway Trail
Another scenic trail that follows the Salt Creek, offering outdoor activities and a chance to see wildlife.
McCormick Woods
A small forested area with walking trails and picnic spots, perfect for a peaceful nature retreat.
North Riverside Historical Museum
Located in the Village Hall, this museum showcases the history and heritage of North Riverside.
Climate
North Riverside, IL has a continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers in North Riverside are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s°F to the lower 80s°F (around 24-28°C). However, heat waves can bring temperatures into the 90s°F (32°C) or even higher. The area receives an average of 12-13 days with temperatures above 90°F (32°C) each year.
Winters in North Riverside are cold and snowy. Average high temperatures during winter range from the upper 20s°F to the lower 30s°F (around -2 to 0°C). However, temperatures can drop well below freezing, with occasional extreme cold snaps causing temperatures to plunge into the single digits or even negative double digits°F (-10 to -20°C). Snowfall is common during winter, with an average of 30-40 inches (76-102 cm) of snowfall throughout the season.
Spring and fall are transitional seasons in North Riverside. Spring brings milder temperatures with average highs in the 50s°F to 60s°F (around 10-20°C), while fall experiences gradually cooling temperatures with average highs in the 60s°F (15-20°C). Both seasons can be unpredictable, with occasional fluctuations between warm and cool spells.
North Riverside experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with an average of around 38 inches (97 cm) annually. Rainfall is evenly distributed across the seasons, though summer tends to be slightly wetter than other times of the year. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, and the area occasionally experiences severe weather events such as tornadoes.
Overall, North Riverside, IL has a climate that allows for the enjoyment of all four seasons, with warm summers, cold winters, and pleasant transitional periods.
Neighborhoods
North Riverside, IL is a suburban village located in Cook County, near Chicago. While it is a relatively small community, it is divided into several neighborhoods with their own distinct characteristics. Here are some of the main neighborhoods in North Riverside:
Komarek
This neighborhood is named after Komarek Elementary School and is primarily residential. It features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes. Komarek Park is located within this neighborhood, providing recreational spaces for residents.
Hollywood
The Hollywood neighborhood is known for its charming residential streets lined with predominantly single-family houses. It is a peaceful and family-friendly area, with easy access to local amenities and the nearby public library.
Zoo District
As the name suggests, this neighborhood is home to the Brookfield Zoo, one of the largest and most well-known zoos in Illinois. The Zoo District has a mix of residential and commercial areas, catering to both residents and visitors to the zoo.
Desplaines Gardens
Located in the northern part of North Riverside, Desplaines Gardens is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial properties. It is known for its proximity to transportation options, such as the Desplaines Avenue Metra station.
North Riverside Park Mall Area
The North Riverside Park Mall Area is centered around the North Riverside Park Mall, which is a major shopping destination in the region. This neighborhood has a mix of residential areas, including single-family homes and apartment complexes.
Overall, the neighborhoods in North Riverside offer a variety of housing options and amenities, providing a comfortable suburban experience with convenient access to nearby urban centers like Chicago.