Hinsdale Area Guide
Offering all the opportunity of Chicago while ensuring the charm and gentility of a scenic Illinois suburb, the village of Hinsdale is an area steeped in rich history and filled with incredible people. Boasting awe-inspiring public parks, up-scale boutiques, and unbelievable events and attractions; Hinsdale is one of the finest places to live in the United States!
History
The beautiful Chicago suburb of Hinsdale is a village characterized by both deep cultural and historical elements that trace their origins back over a century. The downtown area of Hinsdale is presently a National Register Historic District.
William Robbins is often referred to as the “Father of Hinsdale,” and led an eclectic life before purchasing the land west of Chicago that would later become the gorgeous town.
Robbins worked as a teacher, miner, merchant, and banker before finally settling into the role of farmer and land speculator. 
Robbins purchased the land in 1865 after becoming aware of plans by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company to run tracks one mile south of Fullersberg.
His background served him well as he developed the village of Hinsdale by grading roads, planting trees, and building homes with the help of landscape architect H.W.G. Cleveland.
In 1866, Robbins built the town’s first school, and in 1872 he became one of the town’s founding trustees by signing a petition of incorporation. One year later, the thriving town officially incorporated!
Also in 1866, one-hundred and fifty members formed and incorporated the Hinsdale Library Association.
The success of Hinsdale led other developers and speculators to purchase additional land and extend the village’s boundaries.
In 1868, Oliver James Stough purchased a parcel west of Robbins’ where the Hinsdale Public Library stands today. Stough proved to be a valuable benefactor, as he supported social institutions such as churches, parks, schools, and land improvement projects.
In 1893, the Hinsdale Library Association formalized via tax-support, and later in 1929 it was given a permanent home after decades of nomadic transience.
The library exploded in growth over the proceeding years, causing it to outgrow its space. D.K. Pearson donated his home and a fraction of his estate to the library, funding a 1957 expansion of the collection. It was expanded again in 1988. Overall, in its long history, the library has survived fires, additions, and eleven different displacements!
During the 1920’s and 30’s, R. Harold Zook relocated his business to the town of Hinsdale and became well-known locally for his eccentric and unique architectural stylings. Zook applied signature design elements to cottage-style homes, using Art Deco as an element of finely detailed expression.
Parks and Recreation
The parks department of Hinsdale offers access to a number of gorgeous public facilities as well as over six-hundred annual events and programs tailored to meet the interests of its residents including celebrations for major holidays, parades, outdoor concert series, and festivals!
Parks and Recreation Official Site
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr/
Complete list of Park Facilities
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr/park_facilities.htm
Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge
This historic fifty-two acre memorial park rests on a beautiful wooded lot ideal for events and gatherings! Designed and built by R. Harold Zook in 1927, this unique English-style building offers spacious estate rooms in addition to its gorgeous ball room and fireplace. Ideal for meetings, parties, banquets, weddings, or other social events, this historical retreat is perfect for rest or recreation! This park also includes a dog park and 6 paddle tennis courts.
5901 South County Line Road
Hinsdale, IL
Phone: (630) 789-7095
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/klm/default.php
Burns Field Park
This open recreation area was built 1936 by R. Harold Zook and landscaped by architect Edson L. Mott. The nine-acre grounds feature six tennis courts, 2 platform tennis courts, playground equipment, picnic pavilions, and an ice-skating area!
304 N Vine St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 323-0795
Stough Park
This beautiful public recreation area features over two acres of family amenities located atop lush green lawns beneath sprawling shade trees. The park features
athletic fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, ice-skating area and playground equipment.
19 East Chicago Avenue, Hinsdale, IL
Phone: (630) 789-7090
Melin Park
This three-acre recreational paradise is comprised of nearly three-acres of athletic fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds!
900 S Quincy St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 323-2626
Brook Park
Home to numerous activities and events throughout the year, this expansive collection of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic pavilions serves a communal meeting spot for residents. In addition to hosting sports, it is also the site of various shows, demonstrations, and concerts throughout the year!
E 3rd St & Columbia Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 323-2626
Pierce Park
This 8.8 acre park has many activities to offer including, 2 tennis courts, ball fields, picnic areas, playground and shelter.
669 E Walnut St
Hinsdale, IL 60521
(630) 654-4487
Robbins Park
This beautiful park is set on 14 acres and includes football/soccer fields, playground and 2 tennis courts.
W 7th St & S Vine St
Hinsdale , IL 60521
(630) 323-2626
Attractions
Located just twenty-miles west of Chicago, Hinsdale enjoys its quant small-town charm, but is also an All-American village bursting with life and energy!
Graue Mill Museum
This museum has the only operating waterwheel gristmill in Illinois, and one of the only 3 authenticated Underground Railroad Stations in the state.
www.grauemill.org
Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve
Located on the Hinsdale, Oak Brook border next to Graue Mill. 222 acre nature sanctuary with multi-purpose trails. Vistors and Environmental Centers are also located here.
3609 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 850-8110
http://www.dupageforest.com
Ruth Lake Country Club
This immaculate collection of tree-lined golf courses is one of the area’s most beautiful recreational spots. Members enjoy tennis lessons, golf camps for the kids, and a private pool loaded with amenities overlooking the lake!
6200 S Madison St.
Hinsdale, IL 60527
Phone: (630) 986-2060
Immanuel Hall
This historic site was constructed in 1900 and is currently utilized as a banquet room for residents to enjoy occasions and events throughout the year!
302 S Grant St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 789-2600
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
www.czs.org
Events
http://www.americantowns.com/il/hinsdale/events
http://business.hinsdalechamber.com/events