North Riverside

What does a small village in Cook County, Illinois, have in common with a shopping mall? They are both integral parts of North Riverside. This village, known for its big heart, may appear unassuming at first glance, but it boasts a history as rich and layered as a slice of Chicago deep-dish pizza! North Riverside wasn’t always a bustling hub of shops and restaurants. Before the arrival of European settlers, the Potawatomi tribe called this land home, roaming the forested areas along the Des Plaines River. In the mid-1800s, the landscape began to change. David A. Gage, then treasurer of Chicago, acquired a sizable portion of land here. This land would later become part of North Riverside’s foundation. Fast forward to the 1920s, and North Riverside officially became a village, its growth spurred by the allure of the Des Plaines River. Residents found solace in the tranquility of nature, with canoe clubs, the Riverside Golf Club, and the Melody Mill Ballroom providing leisurely escapes. However, North Riverside’s transformation wasn’t complete. The arrival of North Riverside Plaza in the 1960s, followed by the iconic North Riverside Park Mall in 1975, cemented its fate as a retail destination. Today, these shopping meccas contribute significantly to the village’s revenue, allowing North Riverside to maintain its small-town charm while offering its residents a high quality of life. From humble beginnings to a thriving suburban community, North Riverside’s story reflects the spirit of resilience and adaptation that defines the American Midwest.