Clarendon Hills Area Guide
The upscale residential suburb of Clarendon Hills is home to one of the most educated and refined citizenries in the world. Featuring breath-taking public parks, award winning schools, and an incredible array of shops and attractions; Clarendon Hills has become of the most sought after areas to live in the nation!
History
The area presently known as Clarendon Hills was originally purchased by John J. Monell in the 1830’s. A speculator and early settler of the area, Monell purchased a three-hundred acre swathe of land before being issued a patent to six-hundred near the end of the decade.
Monell sold one third of this land to Alfred Belknap, and later a portion to Myron P. Bush and George Howard.
In 1863, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad began construction on a line crossing the area which was completed the following year.
This rail line bisected the area now known as Clarendon Hills and led to speculators purchasing pallets of land all around.
One of these speculators, former Railroad Company President Robert Harris, suggested the name Clarendon Hills for the eighteen mile area of land platted in 1873. He suggested this name in honor of a Boston suburb.
Originally catering to farmers, CB&Q Railways eventually developed a commuter line. Eventually, trains switched from wood-burning engines to coal, and then from steam to diesel.
Clarendon Hills was originally formed as a real-estate venture. It was planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, a prominent landscape architect.
Henry Middaugh was instrumental in establishing the history of Clarendon Hills. In the mid-1870’s he drained his land and planted eleven miles of trees. Later, in 1893, he built a stately mansion and served eight years on the Dupage County Board of Supervisors, the last four as chairmen! His mansion passed to various benefactors throughout the years and is currently listed as a nationally recognized historic site.
Clarendon Hills became noted in the early twentieth century for its scenic beauty, as people flocked from Chicago and to gaze upon its breath-taking daisy fields.
Many of Clarendon Hills’ streets are named for early landowners including Ogden Avenue, which was originally a well-travelled Indian path. Also named for a turn of the century inhabitant is Hammill Lane, named for Robert Hammill, who purchased three houses across forty acres. His property was later utilized by the Lion’s Club for a park and swimming pool.
In 1924, the village of Clarendon Hills officially incorporated. In 1944, the village adopted a caucus system for naming candidates for public office after the party system of the preceding decades proved divisive and troublesome.
Clarendon Hills has long been known as “the volunteer community,” as many of its public works and organizations are occupied by volunteers. This includes public parks, fire departments, libraries, and other public offices.
Attractions and Activities
Brookfield Zoo
The incredible Brookfield Zoo offers a variety of exhibits and collections for your enjoyment, putting you up-close with over ninety different animal species from all over the world! Founded in 1934, this expansive collection offers the chance to enjoy exotic animals and first-class amenities!
3300 Golf Rd.
Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: (708) 688-8000
Morton Arboretum
The awe-inspiringly beautiful grounds of Morton Arboretum are meticulously well kept to maximize enjoyment and learning about the extensive varieties of plants from around the world on its shady grounds. Boasting paved walkways, winding trails, and an open-air tram, Morton is a fantastic botanical retreat! Offering biking, hiking, and general wildlife immersion, this seventeen-hundred acre prairie and woodland area features over four-thousand different species of plant and animal wildlife!
4100 Lincoln Ave.
Lisle, IL
Phone: (630) 968-0074
www.mortonarb.org
DuPage Children’s Museum
The open-ended, hands-on experiences and opportunities at DuPage Children’s Museum are designed to enhance young children’s curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Designed and led by a team of qualified and passionate professionals, these activities provide a fun and stimulating environment for children of all ages!
301 N. Washington Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: (630) 637-8000
http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org
Enchanted Castle
Offering laser tag, arcades, miniature golf, go-karts, karaoke and a six-hundred seat party room, this fun center is the epicenter of amusement!
1103 S Main St, Lombard, IL
www.enchanted.com
Willowbrook Wildlife Center
This fifty-acre wildlife preserve specializes in rehabilitating injured animals while affording the public the opportunity to learn hands-on about eagles, owls, songbirds, foxes, and other incredible creatures!
525 Park Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6932
Phone: (630) 942-6200
www.willowbrookwildlife.com
Parks and Recreation
Clarendon Hills features approximately fifty acres devoted to parks located in four sites. In 1946 an election was held to form the Clarendon Hills Park District. In 1957 a referendum gave the district authority to issue bonds for park planning.
Clarendon Hills Park District
315 Chicago Ave.
Clarendon Hills, IL
Phone: (630) 323-2626
www.clarendonhillsparkdistrict.org
Westmont Park District
55 East Richmond Street
Westmont, IL
Phone: (630) 969-8080
www.wpd4fun.org
Prospect Park
This gorgeous twenty-three acre park features tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, a fishing pond, and numerous picnic pavillons! http://www.clarendonhillsparkdistrict.org/park_prospect.asp
Lions Park Pool
One of the best ways to stay cool and have fun during the beautiful summer months is to take a trip to Lions Park to enjoy the lap pool, volleyball court, and waterslide! Featuring swim teams, kayak lessons, and a delectable selection of snacks at the concession stand, Lions Park is a great place to meet with friends and have a blast!
100 Byrd Ct
Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Hosek Park
This nine-acre public park includes a basketball court, playground, and lighted ice-skating area all situated around meticulously well maintained grounds and lush garden areas!
Ruby, Harris, Hudson and Western Avenues
Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
http://www.clarendonhillsparkdistrict.org/park_hosek.asp
Events
http://www.clarendonhillschamber.com/events.php
http://www.americantowns.com/il/clarendonhills/events