Northbrook Illinois, a vibrant suburban community in northern Cook County, is home to numerous upscale shopping and dining destinations. A thriving center for outdoor recreation, it's also known for its nationally renowned quarter-mile bike track and its exciting entertainment and events.
The Village of Northbrook has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when Pottawatomie Native Americans settled the area, claiming the land as their own. The community's name, Shermerville, comes from the settlement's founder Frederick Schermer who donated land for the town's first train station.
Shermerville became a brash and boisterous town in the early years, as settlers threw rowdy gatherings at its five saloons. A renaming contest was held in 1921, and the town's residents chose the name Northbrook. It was chosen as an attempt to distinguish the community from Shermerville's negative reputation.
Today, Northbrook is a highly diverse community with people from all walks of life. It is one of the most sought-after communities on Chicago's North Shore.Located seven miles northeast of Mount Prospect, Illinois, Northbrook is a vibrant community with a charming historic downtown. Traces of the original settlers still can be seen on the 18 streets named for them, along with a wide variety of retail and restaurant options.
A thriving business and cultural center, Northbrook has become home to a number of prominent companies including Underwriters Laboratories, Crate & Barrel and Astellas. It is also the North American headquarters of Plibrico Company, LLC and Bell Flavors & Fragrances.
Shop 'til You Drop In the downtown shopping district, you'll find a lively collection of stores and restaurants to satisfy your every craving. The Village Center boasts boutiques, specialty shops and popular Sunset Foods while Willow Festival offers an impressive list of upscale retailers and one of the largest Whole Foods locations in the region.
The village's charming Village Green is surrounded by many of Northbrook's most beautiful buildings and is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy some time outdoors. A variety of restaurants and shops surround the park, as well as a Metra train station.
Be sure to visit the local history museum, which resides in the southeastern corner of Village Green Park. There you can view the Schinleber Collection, a collection of photographs of early Shermerville and Northbrook, as well as learn more about the town's rich history through the exhibits.You can also walk along the river, which runs through Northbrook. The River Trail Nature Center has educational natural history displays, live animal exhibits and a dedicated trail.
Whether you’re a sports fan or a nature lover, there is something for everyone in Northbrook. There are a number of athletic teams to support, including the Highwood Braves 13/14U baseball team and North Suburban Youth Soccer League.There are also a number of professional sporting events held in Northbrook each year, including the Chicago Bears football team, Northbrook College basketball team and Glenbrook North High School's varsity and junior varsity teams.