Dunn Museum – A Fun Place for Kids

Lake County now has a larger and more modern museum detailing its history, located in Libertyville. Dubbed the “Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County,” it is located in a modern office building at 1899 W. Winchester Road, rather than in the aging Wauconda barns where the County’s history had previously been showcased for 40 years.

“The Lake County Forest Preserve District did an analysis of its buildings and determined that our previous museum buildings were ‘old’ but not ‘historic’. They were in bad shape; would have been expensive to repair; and there was little of historic significance left,” said Nan Buckardt, the district’s director of education.

So they decided to consolidate forest preserve district offices and the museum into one location, purchasing a Libertyville office building in 2010. In August 2016, museum personnel shuttered the former Discovery Museum in Wauconda and began dismantling it and packing 20,000 artifacts for the massive move.

“We really felt it was important to safeguard our priceless artifacts in perpetuity,” Buckardt said. “Now we have great storage facilities which are efficient and climate-controlled.”

The new museum, named for the county’s first official historian, has double the gallery space for exhibits, dedicated teaching areas and even a research center which is open to the public. The museum features both authentic artifacts displayed in protected cases, and reproductions that visitors can actually touch. “Arrive Curious” is the slogan for the new facility.

The Dunn Museum takes visitors of all ages on a chronological walk through time in Lake County, punctuated by five short, animated films narrated by newsman Bill Kurtis. It starts with prehistoric times and progresses through “The First People,” to “An American Frontier,” “Innovations and Preservation,” which focuses on railroads, industry and agriculture, and ends in the “Woodland Theater,” which showcases the work of the forest preserve district.

“The new museum is very exciting,” said Craig Taylor, Lake County board member for the Lake Zurich area. “It has something of interest for all age levels and is first rate in every detail. It’s located almost in the center of Lake County and is just an easy 15- to 20-minute drive from the Lake Zurich area. There is plenty of parking and once inside there is plenty to see and do. It’s well worth your time to visit. You won’t be disappointed, promise!”

Visitors will see not only a 25-foot long, life-sized replica of Dryptosaurus, a dinosaur which historians believe roamed Lake County 67 million years ago, but also a replica of a saber-tooth tiger skull and an archaeological dig table where children can pretend to be paleontologists. Then they can learn about the county’s first people – Native Americans – and explore a wigwam, created with help from Native American tribe members.

Next they may learn about the non-native people who settled in the County; view a one-room schoolhouse; and learn about life in Lake County during the Civil War. The final exhibit section enlightens visitors about the expansion of the railroad, industry and agriculture and features a very popular train table where children may manipulate trains. The history of the Chain O’ Lakes is also covered.

All of the exhibits also chronicle how Lake County’s landscape has changed over the years. Mapping technology is used to allow visitors to see how various geographic areas looked years ago and how they look now.

Finally, visitors may enjoy the Woodland Theater where the work of the forest preserve district itself is showcased. It is also worth noting that special exhibits will rotate through museum. The current exhibit showcases items gathered by the Lake County History Alliance in honor of Illinois’ Bicentennial. Select objects on display include a vaudeville trunk from Waukegan and Hawthorn Mellody Farm memorabilia from Vernon Hills, Buckardt said.

“We have had fabulous attendance since we re-opened in March. In fact, we doubled our attendance over the last year that we were operating in Wauconda because everyone is curious,” she added. “And we have had very favorable comments.”

The Dunn Museum and its gift shop are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission rates vary but can be reviewed at www.lcfpd.org/museum/.

Visitors may tour free from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month.

Field trips by school and scout groups are welcomed.

RECREATION RESOURCES

Village of Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Department
https://lakezurich.org/98/Park-Recreation

Village of Deer Park
www.villageofdeerpark.com

Ela Township
www.elatownship.org

Village of Hawthorn Woods Park and Recreation Department
www.vhw.org/index.aspx?NID=92

Village of Kildeer
villageofkildeer.com

Long Grove Park District
http://lgparks.org

Village of North Barrington
www.northbarrington.org

The member businesses and communities of the LZ Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present this 2019 LZ Area Community Guide & Business Directory.

The Chamber is proud to place this annual publication, which highlights the villages and businesses in Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove, North Barrington, and Ela Township, on the doorsteps of local residents and businesses. Additional copies of this magazine are available at the Chamber office.

Our message to you, as a reader of this magazine, is to join us by shopping local. Supporting our local businesses keeps sales tax dollars in our community, local residents employed, businesses open and running strong, and our communities vibrant. Keep an eye out for our Spend & Support 47/10 logo and campaign during 2019 as you visit local businesses. And, remember that giving the local business a shout-out on Facebook or an online review is a small deed that really goes a long way for the business.

When you are in need of products or services, be sure to visit our directory listing of respected businesses in this publication or on our website at www.lzacc.com.

Thank you for supporting our business community.

Claire Slattery
Executive Director
cslattery@lzacc.com

2019 Executive Board
President | Ginny Opsahl, RE/MAX AT HOME
Vice President | James Hack, UBS Financial Services
Vice President | Brad Bailey, MB Financial Bank
Treasurer | Mark DaValle, Bryant & Davalle, PC
Past President | Gale Cohen-DeMarco, Sport Clips

2018-2019 Directors
Amanda Howland, Amanda D. Howland, J.D.
Sam Cavallari, Inland Bank
Henry “Skip” Tonigan, Kelleher & Buckley
Laurie Wilhoit, Historic Downtown Long Grove Association

2019 – 2020 Directors
Bruce Whittmeyer, International Hair Designs
Daniel Migacz, AM Woodland Outdoor Design
Amber Wirkus, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Peter Salerno, Stratus Concept, LLC

Directors-At-Large
Ray Keller, Village of Lake Zurich
Beth McAndrews, Village of Deer Park
Pam Newton, Village of Hawthorn Woods
Kaine Osburn, Lake Zurich CUSD 95
Gloria Palmblad, Ela Township
Wendy Perlin, Good Shepherd Hospital
Valerie Stern, Ela Area Public Library
Michael Talbett, Village of Kildeer
Craig Taylor, Lake County

LZACC Staff
Claire Slattery, Executive Director
Laura Lambertsen, Events & Programs Manager
Debra Kinne, Member Relations Manager

According to records, in early 1910 a group of businessmen organized and called themselves the Lake Zurich Commercial Club. Charter members were:  Emil Ficke, president; Herman Prehm, secretary; Carl Ernst, treasurer; and members J. D. Fink, Emil Frank, Walter Plagge, Herman Helfer, Phillip Young, Fred Seip, Lou Geary, August Froelich, Ernest Shenning, Otto Frank, George Prussia, Joe Whitney and Fred Blau.

Early accomplishments of this group included the spreading of crushed stone on Route 12 in front of what used to be known as the Hickory Hill Animal Hospital because that stretch of road was impossible for local and the Chicago tourist traffic.

During the World War I years, the Commercial Club men were instrumental in establishing the State Bank of Lake Zurich.  The initial stockholders and officers included:  Henry Stiels, Emil Frank, Henry Berghorn, Fred Hoeft and John Fink.

On June 20, 1930, a charter for the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce was recommended and accepted by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce with the mission of advancing the commercial, industrial, professional and civic interest of the Lake Zurich community. Little is on record of the activities and accomplishments of the forerunner of the present day Chamber, which was reorganized in 1954 with E. A. Lusk serving as president.

By 1965, the Chamber had grown to 52 members.  By the early 1970’s, it had doubled to 105.  In 2013, the Chamber has grown to almost 500 members.  For several years, the Chamber maintained a flag at the corner of Old Rand Road and Main Street and was responsible for securing Christmas decorations for the downtown section of the town.

The Chamber has been instrumental through the years in getting traffic lights at major intersections, for securing a “no parking” edict (for safety reasons) along the seawall (now called the Promenade), for cooperating through contributions for weed and pollution control on the lake and for paying one-third of the annual cost to send a Lake Zurich High School student to Washington, D.C. (Presidential Classroom for Young Americans).

In 1969, the Chamber headed the raising of funds for the village’s first ambulance and did the same for a second ambulance in 1971.  Also in 1971, the Chamber was instrumental in creating a 40-car parking lot in the center of town.

During the 75th Anniversary of the Village of Lake Zurich in 1971, Chamber members sold chances to win a whole steer.  Tickets for the raffle were 25 cents each or five for $1.

Today, the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, serving Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Long Grove, Deer Park, North Barrington and Ela Township, is a working partnership of business and community. Its members, the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and staff coordinate their efforts under effective leadership for advancement and development of the community, area and the free enterprise system.

Village of Deer Park
(847) 726-1648
23680 W. Cuba Rd.
Deer Park, IL 60010
www.villageofdeerpark.com

The Village of Deer Park has long been a community residents are proud to call home. Built on a rural, picturesque foundation with ample open space, lush forest preserves and endless walking paths, the village has thoughtfully developed over the years into a vibrant, living and shopping destination. Being located just minutes from Route 53, close proximity to two metro train stations and 20 minutes from O’Hare Airport, the success of the Deer Park Town Center continues to flourish.

Deer Park is home to over 70 distinctive shops at the Deer Park Town Center, Town Center Promenade, upscale and family-friendly dining, Century Movie Theatre and a growing business community at the Deer Park Office Center and the Reserve at Deer Park.

Housing options include Solana, an upscale senior community and Deer Park Crossing, a luxury 236-unit multi-family development. The village’s theme is to be “Resident Focused, Business Friendly” as they continue to improve and develop the Village of Deer Park.

Village of Hawthorn Woods
(847) 438-5500
2 Lagoon Dr.
Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
www.vhw.org

With approximately 8,000 residents, Hawthorn Woods remains a highly desirable place to live, work and play in a natural setting among trees, lakes and parks. Hawthorn Woods is recognized for its emphasis on beautiful open spaces and park amenities. The Village of Hawthorn Woods offers access to great schools, friendly business districts and professional services.

The services that the village provide include a full-service police department, public works department, finance department, building department and parks and recreation department, which all work together to provide excellence in service to the citizens, visitors and business community of Hawthorn Woods.

Hawthorn Woods welcomes you to learn more about our special oasis approximately 40 miles from downtown Chicago. Hawthorn Woods is a continuously developing and growing community with increasing residential development opportunities, while simultaneously preserving the rural atmosphere that the village was built upon. Hawthorn Woods creates a lifestyle full of amenities and special events and is well known as one of the safest communities in Illinois. The village has also been awarded one of the most desirable places to live.

Village of Kildeer
(847) 438-6000
21911 Quentin Rd.
Kildeer, IL 60047
www.villageofkildeer.com

The Village of Kildeer is a lovely community of custom homes on large lots in southwest Lake County where over 1,200 single family custom homes are nestled among majestic trees and scenic ponds. Village leaders take care to make sure that the village holds true to its motto, “a unique village in a natural setting.”

Kildeer is a wonderful and safe place to live and raise a family. Demand for high-quality housing is high here and three new residential subdivisions are planned for Kildeer in 2018-19.

The village is known as a prestigious place to own a home and there is plenty to do here to help residents enjoy life.  Residents benefit from highly rated schools, fine restaurants and four popular shopping centers. A new 50,000-square-foot medical office facility is scheduled to open in Kildeer in 2019.

Also, Kildeer is home to Kemper Lakes, a premier golf club and host of several major championships, the last of which took place in 2018.  Kildeer has convenient access to an international airport and all of the special venues in downtown Chicago.

Village of Lake Zurich
(847) 438-5141
70 E. Main St.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
www.lakezurich.org

Lake Zurich is home to over 20,000 residents with a stable, diverse, and expanding economy.  Lake Zurich’s convenient location in southwest Lake County, strong neighborhoods, and desirable demographics provide a welcoming, supportive environment for a wide range of business endeavors.

Lake Zurich’s median household income exceeds $118,000 (over 81% of the state average), with an average of $88,242 available for discretionary spending.  Over 85% of the community’s residents are homeowners, supporting a median home value of $369,000 (over 85% of the state average).  With a population of over 176,000 within a 15-minute drive, Lake Zurich was recognized by the Melaniphy 2017 Retail Sales Report as the 13th best municipality in the Chicago area for general merchandise sales.

Our Village has emerged as a prime area for retail development with an abundant mix of businesses and a pro-business climate.  In Lake Zurich, you will find a vibrant retail environment, easy access to markets, and a proactive, business friendly government with leadership that understands your needs. As a result of this stable economic environment, major commercial retailers such as Super Walmart, Target, Costco, Binny’s, Home Depot, Trader Joe’s, Mariano’s Fresh Market, Grand Appliance, and American Sales have chosen to locate in Lake Zurich.  Because of these highly successful retailers, excellent demographics, and pro-business culture, Life Time Fitness will join the Lake Zurich community in Spring 2020 when they open their new 120,000 square foot facility.  In turn, Life Time’s commitment to Lake Zurich has generated new business development inquiries for nearby properties, reinforcing the community’s desirability for additional opportunities.

The reemergence of our Main Street District began in earnest this year with the completion of 48 new high-end luxury apartments and the opening of the Sunset Pavilion Beer Garden, a new public-private project boasting a 1,800 square-foot open facility with 180-degree views of Lake Zurich.  The activity resulting from these projects is generating new opportunities, particularly for start-up and smaller businesses that are looking to establish themselves at the heart of our community.

I invite you to consider Lake Zurich as the future home for your business. Our Board of Trustees and dedicated staff will always do our best to serve you by providing information, assistance, and support to meet your needs. Please visit our website at LakeZurich.org and our Facebook page (Village of Lake Zurich) where a wealth of information and resources about the Village and links to other community businesses and organizations can be found.

Again, welcome to Lake Zurich, where you belong!

Tom Poynton, Mayor

Lake Zurich Homes and Places to Live:

DEER PARK CROSSING
21599 W. Field Ct.
Deer Park
(847) 380-4357
www.deerparkcrossing.com

LANDINGS OF LAKE ZURICH, THE
25 N. Buesching Rd.
Lake Zurich
(847) 726-2440
www.landings-homes.com

WATERS EDGE APARTMENTS
245 W. Main St., #106
Lake Zurich
(847) 726-7368

Senior living

ARBORIA OF LONG GROVE
2300 IL Rte.53
Long Grove
(847) 383-6737
www.arboriaoflonggrove.com

AZPIRA PLACE OF LAKE ZURICH
795 N. Rand Rd.
Lake Zurich
(847) 438-6100
www.Azpira-Place.com

CEDAR LAKE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
777 Church St.
Lake Zurich
(847) 550-0555
www.cedarlakeassistedliving.com

HARBORCHASE OF LONG GROVE
1190 Old McHenry Rd.
Long Grove
(847) 613-4372
www.hraseniorliving.com

SILVERADO SENIOR LIVING
555 America Ct.
Lake Zurich
(847) 307-6990
www.silveradocare.com

SOLANA DEER PARK SENIOR LIVING, THE
21840 W. Lake Cook Rd.
Deer Park
(847) 388-0608
www.solanadeerpark.com

A home away from home

HAMPTON INN & SUITES
21660 W. Lake Cook Rd.
Deer Park
(847) 726-0500
www.chicagodeerparksuites.hamptoninn.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES
197 S. Rand Rd.
Lake Zurich
(847) 726-7500
www.hiexpress.com/lakezurichil

Location

37 miles northwest of Chicago, within southwestern Lake County

Main Arterial Highways

• Rand Road (U.S. Highway 12)
• Main Street (State Highway 22)

Nearby interstate highways

I-90 | I-94 | I-290 | I-294

Regional Airports

• Chicago Executive Airport
• Schaumburg Regional Airport
• Waukegan Regional Airport

Commercial Airports

• O’Hare International Airport
  (Approximately 26 miles from Lake Zurich)
• Midway International Airport
  (Approximately 43 miles from Lake Zurich)

Public Transit

• Metra commuter rail’s Union Pacific Northwest line, located in neighboring Barrington at 201 S. Spring St.
• Pace Bus Dial-a-Ride
• Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital HSAT*
• Catholic Charities Senior Services HSAT*

*Human Service Agencies Transportation services are sponsored or volunteer-based transportation outlets offered through Lake County

BARRINGTON AREA LIBRARY

The Barrington Area Library is located at 505 N. Northwest Hwy. in Barrington. Open seven days a week, the recently renovated library offers a museum-quality interactive children’s department, free Wi-Fi, a variety of computers for in-library use, dozens of online research services, plenty of space to work, study, read and relax, along with hundreds of thousands of books, movies, CDs and magazines for checkout. Visitors may enjoy technology and craft workshops, live concerts and theatrical performances, art exhibits, and lectures on a wide variety of topics.

In addition, Barrington Area Library cardholders may reserve public meeting and study rooms; use the MakerLab and digital studios; download free e-books, audiobooks, music and magazines; stream free movies; take free online courses; and use the library’s automated pick-up lockers. Library materials may be returned at the main branch and at dropbox locations around the community. For more information, visit balibrary.org.

ELA AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

The Ela Area Public Library District is one of the few libraries in the Chicago area with no overdue fines. Serving residents in Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer and surrounding communities, the award-winning library connects thousands of visitors each year to information, ideas and experiences.

Along with providing educational opportunities, the library is committed to improving lives in the community. The state-of-the-art facility features dynamic, high-tech spaces for adults, children and teens; collaborative work areas; and a makerspace equipped with a 3D printer, scanner, sewing and crafting machines and various electronics and Silhouette Cameo Vinyl Cutters. There is a drive-up window, a quiet study area with fireplace, two media labs and dedicated spaces for preschoolers, emergent readers and teens.

The library’s mission is to share the joy of discovery. From lending telescopes and fishing poles to GoPro cameras and Wi-Fi hotspots, Ela Library provides many engaging tools for residents to experience something new. Attend a program, see an exhibit or enjoy a book on one of three outdoor patios.

For more information about the library, how to obtain a library card or attend a program, visit www.eapl.org.

FREMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

The Fremont Public Library, located at 1170 N. Midlothian Road in Mundelein, strives to Engage the Community, Inspire Creativity and Enrich Minds.

The library exists beyond its four walls by reaching out to the community in a variety of ways. We host concerts at the Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein, hand out books to kids participating in the free summer lunch program at the Mundelein parks, provide story times to preschools, and promote books to students in the three school districts we serve.

The library recently updated their technology capabilities by adding two Lulzbot 3D Printers, donated by the Fremont Library Foundation. 3D printing allows patrons the chance to create models, functioning prototypes, visual aids, real world products, educational materials, and art.

The library provides access to an array of online resources to help with research, learning, and information needs. Learn more about gardening, research your genealogy, get ahead in your career, or compare prices for a new car, with the tools you need. Most of these resources can be accessed at home, 24/7, with the use of your Fremont Library card.

Stop in today to explore all the Fremont Public Library has to offer. There’s something for everyone! For more information, visit www.fremontlibrary.org or call (847) 566-8702.

VERNON AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY

All are welcome at this vibrant library, located at 300 Olde Half Day Rd. in Lincolnshire. With lots of book displays and comfortable seating, the light-filled space resembles an inviting bookstore as much as the full-service library it is. Visitors will find a self-service café, study rooms, a quiet reading room with a fireplace, digital media lab and dedicated areas for tots and teens. In addition to popular books, movies and music, the library’s collection includes materials in world languages such as Russian, Spanish and Chinese. And there are no more late fees.

Vernon Area Public Library cardholders enjoy 24/7 access to e-books and audiobooks, digital magazines, streaming music and instant video for movies and television series.

The library hosts a variety of free classes, workshops and events including early literacy storytimes, book discussions, movie screenings, trivia nights, senior series and an annual TEDx event. Open seven days a week, the library serves residents of Lincolnshire and Prairie View as well as parts of Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills and unincorporated Vernon and Ela townships. Anyone with a card from an Illinois public library may borrow materials. For more information and a calendar of events, visit http://vapld.info.