River Forest

Illinois, United States

---

River Forest, Illinois, is a suburban village located about 12 miles west of downtown Chicago, with roots stretching back to the early 1830s when Native American tribes like the Ojibwa, Menominee, and Potawatomi inhabited the area.

European settlement began in the 1830s after two businessmen built a steam-powered sawmill on the Des Plaines River. The village grew steadily during the 19th century, incorporating in 1880, partly driven by the temperance movement and a desire for local governance to improve infrastructure such as streets, streetcars, and utilities. Its development was influenced by notable families like the Quicks and Thatchers, who helped shape the community's layout and character.

River Forest is known for its distinct residential neighborhoods, including architecture influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, and it is home to educational institutions including Dominican University and Concordia University. The village has maintained a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, supported by preserved natural spaces and community-oriented growth.