Des Plaines, IL : Interesting Facts, Information & Historical Monuments | What is Des Plaines, IL known for
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 14 Jun, 2023
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Des Plaines, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the northeast region of the state along the banks of the Des Plaines River. A great place to live and work, the city has seen a recent renaissance, transforming into an alluring destination filled with interesting facts, information and historical monuments.
From its small-town charm to big-city attractions, Des Plaines is a great place to visit and learn about the city’s history. What is Des Plaines, IL known for? Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Des Plaines City
1. Des Plaines was incorporated as a village in 1856 and later as a city in 1869.
2. Des Plaines is home to the first franchised McDonald’s restaurant, which opened in 1955.
3. The Des Plaines River formerly ran through the center of the city but was moved 400 feet to the west to make room for housing and industrial development.
4. There is an abandoned Surrealist Theater located in Des Plaines that was built in 1929.
5. The city is home to a Scandinavian folk dancers and other organizations which celebrate and teach the culture of Scandi countries in the Midwest.
6. The city even has its own city-run Des Plaines Public Library which began in 1923.
7. It is home to the oldest continually operating African-American church, founded in 1886.
8. The city has a long history of artist colony inhabited by many immigrants including Dutch workers.
9. Des Plaines was home to the Des Plaines Race Track, which hosted its very first race in 1922.
10.The city even has its own Des Plaines History Center, which celebrates aspects of the city’s past.
What is Des Plaines City is Known For?
Des Plaines, IL is best known for being the home of the first McDonald’s restaurant. It was opened in 1955 and its original location still stands today. The city is also known for being the location of the first modern parking meter, which was patented in 1939 and installed the next year.
History & Information About Des Plaines City
Des Plaines is a city located in northeastern Illinois, United States. The population was 58,364 at the 2010 census. It is the largest of the five municipalities that make up The Northeastern Illinois Towns which includes Park Ridge, Niles, Rosemont and Harwood Heights. Des Plaines is located just north of OHare International Airport and is a part of the larger Chicago metropolitan area.
The first inhabitants of Des Plaines were Potawatomi Indians. The first white settlers arrived in the 1830s and 1840s. In 1839, German immigrant Peter Miller built the area’s first settlement along the Des Plaines River. By the 1850s, other settlers had arrived and Des Plaines had become a village.
Des Plaines was incorporated as a village in 1857 and was formally incorporated as a city in 1869. It quickly developed into a popular industrial center and became home to a variety of industries, including a malted milk company, a steel foundry, a dairy, a brewery, a cannery and others. Educational institutions were also established, with the first public school opening in 1893.
The city of Des Plaines underwent a major period of growth in the late 1950s and 1960s. A booming population, as well as new residential and commercial development, caused the city to annex a great deal of land and create numerous new subdivisions. Today, Des Plaines is a growing and vibrant community, home to a variety of businesses, retail stores, restaurants and other attractions.
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Best Famous Monuments & Historical Buildings in Des Plaines City
Des Plaines, IL is known for its rich history and culture. From its Native American roots to the development of modernized buildings, Des Plaines has a plethora of famous monuments and historical buildings that make it a unique city. Here is a list of some of the famous monuments and historical buildings that can be found in Des Plaines, IL.
1. Potter’s Mansion – This is a historic Victorian house that was built in 1870. It is still standing today and is a tourist attraction. Inside the house are various artifacts that showcase the history of Des Plaines.
2. Methodist Ostrander Manor – This is a Victorian-style home built in 1882 and is now a museum that showcases the area’s history of immigration. The house has been restored and features a number of artifacts and documents from the time period.
3. Norsk Museum – This building showcases the immigration of Norwegians into the Des Plaines area, and brings visitors back to the year 1890. It includes items from the lifestyle and culture of the local Norwegian people.
4. Des PlainesHistory Center – This is a museum that was established in 1964 and includes a variety of artifacts from the city’s history. It also includes a library where visitors can do research and learn more about the city’s past.
5. Lake Park – This park is home to a variety of monuments and memorials that represent different aspects of Des Plaines’ history. The park also includes walking and biking trails, as well as a boat launch, fishing, and picnic areas.
These are some of the best famous monuments and historical buildings in Des Plaines, IL. Whether you’re a history buff or looking to learn more about the area’s rich past, Des Plaines is the perfect place to visit and explore!
Travel Guide For Visiting Des Plaines City
Des Plaines, IL is a city located just northwest of downtown Chicago. This area is known for being a family-friendly destination with a variety of attractions and activities perfect for a visit. Whether you are looking for an adventure or just to get away for the weekend, there is something here for everyone.
Getting Around:
There are several options to get around the city of Des Plaines. Throughout the city there are a variety of taxis, ridesharing apps, and bus services. The Metra commuter service is one of the most popular transportation modes, with two stations in Des Plaines making it easy to get around the city and the surrounding suburbs.
Attractions:
Des Plaines is home to a variety of attractions, including the incredible Colonial Park. This park is home to a number of different trails, forests, and wetlands, creating a picturesque nature escape with plenty of photo opportunities. A visit to the historic Des Plaines Theater is perfect if you are looking for some culture and entertainment. The town also boasts a vibrant and growing downtown area with a diverse array of culinary and shopping options.
Outdoor Activities:
Des Plaines is home to a variety of outdoor activities perfect for the whole family. Visitors looking to spend some time outdoors will want to explore all the parks and trails here. There is the Lake Park Trail, which takes visitors past a number of scenic lakes, while the Ned Brown Forest Preserve is perfect for those looking for a bit more of a challenge. For some water activities, the Des Plaines River has plenty of spots for fishing and boating.
Events & Nightlife:
Des Plaines has plenty of events and options for nightlife throughout the year. The city is home to a variety of music and culture festivals, charity runs, and other community events. There are a number of craft breweries, pubs, and eateries in the downtown area making it the perfect place to spend the evening. There are also a variety of live music and comedy venues as well as c**ktail lounges throughout the city.
No matter your reason for visiting, Des Plaines, IL is a great destination for your next getaway. With plenty of attractions, outdoor activities, and nightlife options, this city is bound to have something for every type of traveler.