Welcome to Glencoe
A penchant for culture and modern trends keeps this historic village fashionable, while grand architecture and mature landscaping emphasizes its old-world allure
The sophisticated village of Glencoe mixes the traditional with the modern, establishing a creative yet friendly environment that can appeal to a wide array of personalities. Located in northeastern Cook County and pressed against the scenic coast of Lake Michigan, Glencoe is bordered on its western edge by the Skokie Lagoons and an abundance of woodlands.
Glencoe’s history drawing in the affluent population seeking a more rural refuge from the hustle and bustle of Chicago began with the village’s incorporation in 1869. Since then, Glencoe’s well-planned layout and downtown have been the foundation of a historic-yet-trendy atmosphere.
Part of this well-blended style comes from the residential architecture, in which historic pre-1940s homes are as abundant as newer-build customs. Artfully contemporary mid-century houses, stately red-brick colonials, chateau-inspired single-family homes, and even the occasional 19th-century, castle-esque manor are all available in Glencoe, making it a great choice for anyone who favors visual variety. In fact, many homes in Glencoe were designed by notable architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Robert Seyfarth.
What to Love
- Mix of beach and woodland landscape perfect for outdoor adventures
- Jaw-dropping architecture and homes with private gated entrances
- A short jaunt from Chicago and everything the city offers
Local Lifestyle
Many residences in Glencoe are within walking distance of its nostalgic downtown “Main Street,” where local shops and eateries abound. On any given day, you can find residents enjoying sidewalk seating outside their favorite cafes, trekking through the trails of Cook County Forest, and taking advantage of the gorgeous beach — a beach that even was used in several Hollywood hits.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Don’t let the quaintness of Glencoe fool you — upscale boutiques, fashionable galleries, and foodie-approved eateries are always just around the corner. Hotspots like Hometown Coffee and Juice are full of happy locals grabbing their daily caffeine buzz or catching up with friends over a cold-pressed juice and items from the cafe’s health-conscious menu.
Even simple day-to-day necessities such as groceries are elevated in Glencoe, with popular grocers such as Food Stuffs specializing in all things gourmet and catering-related. For the creative-minded who appreciate fine art, there’s Anne Loucks Gallery, which features American Contemporary art in the mediums of painting, sculpting, and paper works.
Self-marketed as an American bistro with a sophisticated attitude, Guild Hall certainly lives up to the hype. Airy, modern, and eclectic, Guild Hall sources only the finest local and sustainable ingredients to create their mouthwatering menu of artisanal eats.
Things to Do
The epitome of culture and class, Glencoe brings together the best of the area’s natural beauty and artistic spirit. The village is home to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, which contains 385 acres of landscaped wonder. With dozens of garden exhibits and the option to tour the entire site by tram, the Chicago Botanic Gardens are a paradise escape from city life.When connoisseurs of art are searching for the latest show and the fastest-rising local creators, they can invariably trust that Glencoe will have a plenitude of opportunities for cultural exploration. The Glencoe Festival of Art, for instance, brings together not only regional artists but over 90 juried artists from across the nation, showcasing in a wide range of mediums.Live, intimate, and ground-breaking shows are the norm at the Writer’s Theater, which has been nationally recognized for its exceptional seasons. For those looking for a more traditional, small-town event will love the Movies on the Green series hosted by the Glencoe Park District throughout the summer.
Schools
Glencoe is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- New Trier Township High School (East Campus), 10-12, highly rated senior public high school, ranked #9 in the state
- North Shore Country Day School, PK & K-12, highly rated private school ranked #3 in the state
- Central School, 5-8, well-rated public middle school
