The village of Lake Villa was established in 1901. U.S. Census figures obtained in 2010 has the village with a population of 8,774.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Lake Villa has changed from a resort town into a diverse community with a rich history and growing businesses.
Generally bounded by Route 59 to the west and Deep Lake Road to the east, Lake Villa is nestled between the villages of Round Lake Beach to the south and Antioch to the north.
The town was incorporated on Feb. 21, 1901, however, the area was settled in the early 1800s, according to the Lake Villa village website.
Chicago business owner E.J. Lehmann had a profound impact on the history of Lake Villa by bringing the railroad and a resort hotel to the area once dubbed the "Lake Geneva" of its time, according to Lake Villa's website. The first passenger train stopped at Lake Villa on July 26, 1886, and the current train station was reconstructed in 1996.
In 1910, the population of Lake Villa was 343, according to the village's website. The 2010 census lists the Lake Villa population at 8,774.
Rich in history, numerous landmarks dot the village, including many memorials at Lehmann Park, located in the historic downtown district.
Take a look around and let us know which icons of Lake Villa are special to you. Which ones stir a memory for you? Where do you love to go in town?
Look for a new "Icons of ..." town gallery every Sunday at dailyherald.com/galleries and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. On our social media sites, share your favorite Lake Villa photos with us by using #shareyoursuburb.
A large boulder at Lehmann Park on Cedar Avenue is dedicated to Russell W. Goodnow, a dedicated employee of Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The law offices of Daniel Venturi - who also seres as the Lake Villa Township Supervisor - is located in one of the older buildings in downtown Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Galati's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is one of several restaurants located in downtown of Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The Lake Villa village hall and police department are located at 65 Cedar Avenue in downtown Lake Villa
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Lake Villa Restaurant is one of several businesses located on Cedar Avenue in downtown Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
One of the most majestic buildings on Grand Avenue near downtown Lake Villa houses the Lake Villa Fire Protection District.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The Blackthorne Grille is located at the corner of Cedar and Grand avenues in Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Peter J. Palombi Middle School is located on McKinley Avenue in Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Teens have free use of a skate park at the Frank M. Loffredo Park at 485 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The 17-acre Frank M. Loffredo Park on Milwaukee Avenue includes football and lacrosse fields, a skate park, a small baseball diamond and a playground area.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The Lake Villa Baseball and Softball Park is located on Grass Lake Road in Lake Villa. It features four lighted fields, four batting cages and a concession stand.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The Lake Villa District Library is located at 1001 East Grand Avenue in Lindenhurst.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
A statue of children carrying books is located outside of the Lake Villa District Library.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The front doors of the Lake Villa District Library at 1001 E. Grand Avenue in Lindenhurst.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The Lake Villa Metra Station was renovated in 1996 to match its original plans.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Flags honoring America and all military branches line the driveway for the Lake Villa VFW Post 4308.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Lake Villa VFW Post 4308 is located at 130 E. Grand Avenue in Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
A monument honoring members of the Lake Villa Volunteer Fire Department is located at Lehmann Park on Cedar Avenue.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The Lake Villa Centennial Clock is located at Lehmann Park on Cedar Avenue.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
Lehmann Park is located within walking distance of Lake Villa village hall on Cedar Avenue.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
The Lake Villa water tower looms large over the village Metra station and downtown area.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
A memorial to veterans is located in Lehmann Park in downtown Lake Villa.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com
A World War II memorial for those who served the country from Lake Villa Township is located at Lehmann Park on Cedar Avenue.
Lee Filas/lfilas@dailyherald.com