Skokie
Skokie's come a long way since the early 1800s, when it was a land of swamps and forests and a place where buffalo, wildcat, fox and deer were plentiful. From those early beginnings rose the Village of Skokie that today, is a culturally diverse and economically progressive community. Skokie's history is rich with influences of American Indians, French and British explorers and the emigration of European settlers. Skokie's preferred proximity, just 16 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, makes it one of the North Shore's most accessible destinations. It's also chock full of world-class arts and cultural entertainment, superb dining options and celebrated shopping venues.
SKOKIE'S MUST-SEE CHECKLIST:
- Westfield Old Orchard With more than 100 specialty stores including retail giants like Nordstrom, Macy's and Bloomie's, this spectacular outdoor mall features beautiful gardens, landscaped walkways, sparkling fountains and children's play areas. For even more shopping options, visit Village Crossing Shopping Center, Skokie Fashion Square and the West Dempster Retail District.
- North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Catch a show at this dynamic two-theater complex providing cultural, literary and educational programs to benefit North Shore communities. The North Shore Center is home to the award-winning Music Theater Works.
- Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center Serves as a powerful memorial and educational institution, dedicated to preserving the memory of those lost in the Holocaust as well as telling the stories of survivors. The museum also offers a range of permanent and temporary exhibits and programs.
- Downtown Skokie Anchored by the acclaimed Skokie Public Library, Heritage Museum, the Illinois Science + Technology Park, Village Hall and home to Oakton Community College, downtown Skokie's vibrant mix of merchants and restaurants is comprised primarily of traditional independently operated and owned businesses. There's also plenty of al fresco dining in the warmer months.
- Diverse Dining Thanks to the diverse ethnicity of its residents, Skokie features a variety of cuisines including traditional American, Russian, classic Italian, Mexican, Asian, Kosher and many more!
- Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park Walk, bike or skate through Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, a magnificent open-air art exhibit displaying more than 70 sculptures positioned along two miles of beautifully landscaped walking, running and biking paths.
- Emily Oaks Nature Center Get back to nature at this 13-acre savanna nestled in the woodlands of Skokie. You'll marvel at the oasis of native wildflowers, grasses, oak trees and 3-acre pond. Bring along a picnic and your field glasses as you may even spot a great blue heron, coyote, flying squirrel, red fox or Cooper's hawk.
- The Exploritorium The Exploritorium is a place where children and adults can explore together through interactive play. Make-believe in the costumed dress-up area, run your fingers through the water play area, make music, and experience new heights in the Exploritorium's two-and-a-half-story tubes and tunnels.
- Skokie Theatre Nothing compares to the thrill of live entertainment, and you'll get just that at the Skokie Theatre. Home to Skokie Idol, you'll also be able to enjoy live music, cabaret and other unique events at this intimate venue located in downtown Skokie.
- The Great Outdoors & Ice Skating Skokie is home to a cultural center, an indoor ice rink, a driving range, a golf course, two water parks and a state-of-the-art rowing center where visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, sculling and fishing on the North Shore Channel.
- Fabulous Festivals Skokie plans an exciting calendar of street fairs, outdoor concerts, neighborhood festivals and annual art exhibits, kicking off with the Skokie Festival of Cultures every May and closing out the summer at the Backlot Bash.
- Skokie Farmers Market This fabulous farmers market, celebrating more than 50 years, offers bountiful produce, cheeses and flowers from farmers and vendors from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. The farmers market takes place every Sunday from June through early November at Village Hall in Skokie.
GETTING THERE:
Skokie is easly accessible via CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus routes and trains running to and from Chicago, the surrounding suburbs and the airports as well as by Metra, the commuter rail system.
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