Riverwoods was a popular recreational area along the Des Plaines River in the 1920s. Incorporated in 1959, the village remains committed to preserving the woodlands’ natural beauty for generations to come.

Steel magnate Edward L. Ryerson fell in love with the area in 1923, building a cabin for weekend getaways and later a country house. When an adjacent property went up for sale, he was concerned the land would be developed, destroying the area’s peaceful serenity. So he bought the property and started a farm.

Today, the area is open to the public to enjoy, thanks to Ryerson and neighbors who donated the land to the Lake County Forest Preserve. The preserve includes 6.5 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Homes in Riverwoods include a significant number of ranches and mid-century modern homes. More than 40 homes were designed by Edward Humrich, a notable “prairie modernist” architect.

The village is located at Deerfield Road between Route 21 and I-94, providing easy access to downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. Nearby Deerfield provides Metra service to Chicago.