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The historic Village of Long Grove is located
about 35 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois.
Off the beaten path, this quaint village is
laid out around the crossroads of Old McHenry
Road and Robert Parker Coffin Road. Long Grove
is known for its picturesque beauty and a vital
shopping district that features over 80 shops
and restaurants. The village features many buildings
from the mid-1800s, brick walkways, public art,
fountains, and many places to stop, sit, and
enjoy the moment.
History of Long Grove
Around 1840, John Gridley settled at a minor
trail crossing deep in Long Grove, a large grove
of oaks standing in a prairie along the southern
boundary of Lake County. German immigrants followed
in the mid-1840s and discovered that the open
prairie had already been claimed. As a result,
they made their claims deep within the grove.
In 1847, a post office was established under
the name Muttersholz (Mother's Woods), highlighting
the area's strong German influence.
The first World War's influence on the culture
of German-American residents lead to a greater
use of the English language and Muttersholz
became Long Grove once again. The small community
remained isolated as the area's major roads,
Routes 53 and 83, bypassed the still rural community.
In the early 1950s, area property owners formed
an association to oppose a major development
plan, resulting in village regulations that
aimed to preserve the area's historic character.
Sometime after 1959 village president Robert
Coffin pushed to retain the village's antique
style through ordinances prohibiting neon signs
and the development of convenience and chain
stores. Any new business construction had to
feature 1880's-style facades. The village now
has very strict building ordinances to preserve
its "country atmosphere." There are no sidewalks,
street lights or curbs throughout the village's
many communities.
Long Grove Festivals
Today, the Long Grove Business & Community
Partners host a series of free festivals that
draw visitors from across the country. The festivals
feature food, entertainment, and merchant offerings
that match each festival's theme. The festival
season kicks off with The Long Grove Chocolate
Festival the weekend before Mother's Day (the
first Sunday in May). The signature festival
is the Long Grove Strawberry Fest, celebrating
its 25th year in 2007. The other major festival
is October's Apple Festival where the early
Autumn weather and changing leaves combine to
give the village a warm and nostalgic feel.
Other events include an Art Festival (August),
Greek Days (August), the Irish Days (Labor Day),
and Oktober Fest. More about Long
Grove Festivals.
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