O’Hare International Airport’s next-door neighbor keeps almost as busy as the airport itself. Named for the German singing groups that used to entertain Chicago families who gathered to picnic on weekends in the adjacent Schiller Woods, this 3-square-mile suburb was incorporated in 1914.
Located only 13 miles north and west of downtown Chicago, Schiller Park is served by Metra’s North Central line to Antioch, Illinois. It sits south of Rosemont, north of Franklin Park and River Grove, with Norridge to the east. Interstate 294 and O’Hare constitute its western boundary. Conveniently near both Interstates 294 and 90/94, the main crossroads are Irving Park Road and 25th Avenue.
The Des Plaines River’s rich soil first drew farmers, hunters and trappers to the Schiller Park area. William Kolze attracted a traveling public by building the White House Inn in the late 19th century; Julia Marenga Kolze, his daughter-in-law, became the first female mayor in Illinois history in 1932. Kolze is remembered for sticking to “kitchen table economics” -- running government on a budget the way she ran her household.
Today Schiller Park lays out the welcome mat for visitors at events like movie nights in the park and Rockin’ in the Park concert series. If you like craft beers, check out Short Fuse Brewing Company, where they also offer live music every Friday and Saturday. The local park district also hosts a wide array of sporting and leisure activities.
