Round Lake Heights, IL

County: Lake

History

Round Lake Heights, Illinois

Round Lake Heights, Illinois, is a small village located in Lake County. Its history is closely tied to the development of the surrounding area and the growth of Round Lake through the years.

The area where Round Lake Heights now stands was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, drawn to the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The village sits adjacent to Round Lake, which was initially named by early settlers due to its shape similar to a circle.

The region's development accelerated after the Civil War, especially with the arrival of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The railroad played a vital role in connecting Round Lake Heights and nearby towns, facilitating trade, and encouraging population growth. The village itself was officially incorporated in 1946.

Throughout the mid-20th century, Round Lake Heights experienced steady growth as more people moved to the area seeking affordable housing options and a suburban lifestyle. This growth was further fueled by the expansion of major highways and improvements in transportation infrastructure, making Round Lake Heights more accessible to neighboring communities.

Over time, the village has focused on providing essential services and amenities to its residents. This includes the establishment of schools, parks, shopping centers, and public facilities. Today, Round Lake Heights maintains its status as a close-knit community, offering a small-town atmosphere within proximity to larger urban areas.

While the village has faced its share of challenges, such as economic fluctuations and infrastructure needs, Round Lake Heights continues to thrive and evolve. Its history reflects the changing demographics and socio-economic trends of the region, shaping the character and identity of the community.

Attractions

Round Lake Area Park District

While Round Lake Heights, IL is a small village, there are a few attractions nearby that residents and visitors can enjoy:

Round Lake Area Park District

This park district offers a variety of recreational activities including sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.

Round Lake Beach

Located nearby, Round Lake Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It also features a beachside playground and a pavilion.

Lakewood Forest Preserve

This large nature preserve is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with its trails, fishing spots, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It also has a dog park for pet owners.

Volo Bog State Natural Area

A short drive away, Volo Bog is one of the few remaining quaking bogs in the state. Visitors can explore the boardwalk trails and learn about the unique plant and animal species in the area.

Volo Auto Museum

Those interested in vintage cars and classic automobiles can visit the Volo Auto Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of over 300 vehicles from different eras. There are also exhibits featuring TV and movie cars.

Six Flags Great America

While technically located in Gurnee, IL, Six Flags Great America is just a short drive away. This amusement park offers thrilling rides, water attractions, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Chain O'Lakes State Park

Situated nearby, Chain O'Lakes State Park is a perfect destination for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. It features numerous lakes connected by channels and offers scenic beauty.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve

Just a short drive away in Libertyville, IL, Independence Grove is a 1,135-acre preserve with a 115-acre lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, paddleboat rentals, and swimming at the beach.

While Round Lake Heights itself may not have many attractions, its proximity to these nearby destinations allows residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational and outdoor activities.

Climate

The climate of Round Lake Heights, IL can be classified as a humid continental climate. It experiences four distinct seasons - a warm summer, a cool autumn, a cold winter, and a mild spring.

Summers in Round Lake Heights are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid to high 80s Fahrenheit (around 28-32 degrees Celsius). July tends to be the hottest month, with temperatures occasionally reaching the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37 degrees Celsius). Thunderstorms are common during the summer months.

Autumn in Round Lake Heights brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. September and October have pleasant temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 13-24 degrees Celsius).

Winters in Round Lake Heights are cold and snowy. January is typically the coldest month, with temperatures averaging around 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -1 degree Celsius). Snowfall can be significant, with the area receiving an average of 35 inches (89 cm) of snowfall annually. Sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon during the winter months.

Spring in Round Lake Heights is mild and gradually brings warmer temperatures. March and April have temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit (around 4-15 degrees Celsius). Spring also sees frequent rainfall.

Overall, Round Lake Heights experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year, with warm summers, cold winters, and pleasant transitional seasons.

Neighborhoods

Round Lake Heights, IL is a small village located in Lake County, Illinois. It is situated about 50 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. While Round Lake Heights itself is relatively small, there are several neighborhoods and surrounding areas that have their own distinct characteristics.

Round Lake Heights Village Center

This is the heart of Round Lake Heights and is home to the village government offices, as well as parks and recreational facilities. Most of the residential areas are concentrated around this central area.

Valley Lakes

Located in the northern part of Round Lake Heights, Valley Lakes is a newer development with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. This neighborhood offers a suburban feel and is known for its well-maintained properties and amenities such as parks, lakes, and trails.

Fairfield Lakes

Situated on the eastern side of Round Lake Heights, Fairfield Lakes is another newer development that features a variety of single-family homes. The neighborhood is known for its spacious lots, well-designed architecture, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Round Lake Area Park District

While not a specific neighborhood, the Round Lake Area Park District is an important part of the community. It provides residents with numerous parks, sports fields, and recreational facilities spread throughout Round Lake Heights and the surrounding areas.

Round Lake Village

Although located adjacent to Round Lake Heights, it is worth mentioning Round Lake Village as it shares a school district and some community services with Round Lake Heights residents. This neighboring village offers a mix of residential areas, commercial districts, and recreational facilities.

Overall, the neighborhoods in Round Lake Heights, IL offer a range of housing options, community amenities, and recreational opportunities. The area is known for its family-friendly nature and its proximity to the natural beauty of Lake County, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a suburban lifestyle.

Nearby Cities