Introduction to Des Plaines, Illinois
Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook county, is 16 miles NW of Chicago, Illinois. The city is included in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Des Plaines History
The present day City of Des Plaines was once inhabited by the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa Indians. Settlers from New England and New York arrived here around 1833. The area was named after the Des Plaines River. Des Plaines was originally incorporated in 1869 as a village. Franklin Whitcomb was the first Village President. It was reincorporated in 1873. The city form of government was adopted in 1925 and H.T. Bennet became the first mayor of Des Plaines.
Des Plaines and nearby Attractions
- Des Plaines Historical Museum
- Brookfield Zoo
- Friendship Park Conservatory
- Kiddieland Amusement Park
- The American Toby Jug Museum
- Blackhawk Park
Things To Do In Des Plaines
While staying in Des Plaines, you can enjoy fishing and boating on Shagbark Lake, Opeka Lake, Peterson Lake, and Des Plaines Lake. The local parks include Des Plaines Manor Park, Eton Park, Northshire Park, Kuthen Park, and Jaycee Park. You can also visit the Des Plaines History Center. Leisure hours can be spent at the Market Place Shopping Center and at the Oaks Shopping Center.
Des Plaines Transportation
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is nearby.
Des Plaines Higher Education
Higher educational facilities are provided by Oakton Community College and Triton College.
