Village of Riverside

Discover Riverside, Illinois: A National Historic Landmark Community 

As one of the country’s first planned communities, Riverside has been welcoming visitors and residents to its serene riverbanks since its founding in 1869. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Riverside’s expansive parks and parkways, curvilinear streets, remarkable architecture, and gas-lit street lanterns take you back to the rural pleasures of yesteryear. And it’s all just a short 11 mile drive or train ride from downtown Chicago.

Visit Riverside’s shops and restaurants, take a leisurely bike ride along the village’s tree-lined streets past more landmark homes than you will find on any other bike route in America. See magnificent homes by Frank Lloyd Wright and other famous architects, and visit the country’s first commercial arcade building, beautifully restored with its signature copper cupola. Stroll or bike across our swinging bridge and take a relaxing break in the shade of the historic Water Tower.

Come to where yesterday meets tomorrow in one of Chicago’s most historic suburbs. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970, there is always another delightful surprise waiting for you around the next curve in Riverside, Illinois.