A peaceful rural pocket in Chicago's northern suburbs
The village of Old Mill Creek has a modest population of less than 400 residents and is bordered by Wisconsin’s state line to the north and Interstate 94 to the east. The neighborhood is covered in agricultural fields and filled with local wildlife within its many natural preserves. Surrounded by suburbs, the neighborhood provides a serene atmosphere for those looking to live a quiet life while still being close to daily amenities in neighboring towns. “You feel like you’re in a rural, middle-of-nowhere area,” says Daina Jacobson, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and native of Chicago’s northern suburbs. “But you’re 10 minutes from Six Flags Great America and halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee.”
The wildlife of Pine Dunes Forest Preserve
Old Mill Creek is home to an array of equestrian facilities, from stables that house residential horses to training facilities for aspiring equestrians. A spattering of preserves offers plenty of trails for horseback rides. More specifically, many head to Pine Dunes Forest Preserve, as it has a parking area for horse trailers and a 2.5-mile trail to explore. It is also a popular spot in spring for scenic walks, with views of local wildlife like egrets, cranes and more. Residents can also become members of Mill Creek Hunt Club and get a taste of history at Russel Military Museum, located on the northeast corner of the community.
The homes of Old Mill Creek
Hunt Club Road, the community’s lived-in throughway, runs parallel to sprawling crop fields and open plains, which turn yellow and white in spring thanks to the blooms of prairie flowers. Though the majority of land is used for agriculture, farms and private residences on its north end are typically framed by white fencing. Breaking off are smaller residential roads where homes sit at the end of long driveways atop large plots and sometimes behind a private gate. “it’s a nice area with a lot of homes on substantial acreage,” explains Jacobson. “There’s also ag-zoning in this community, so you can have horses, chickens or bees.” Architectural styles vary greatly here, from ranch, farmhouse and new traditional styles to custom-built estates. These homes range in price from $650,000 to $800,000, while larger homes with 10 or more acres can reach up to $4 million and are typically sold with on-site horse stables or agricultural facilities.
Stops into The Farmstand at Tempel Farms Organics
Thanks to the community's agricultural presence, residents get to enjoy the fruits of their neighbor’s labor at marketplaces like The Farmstand at Tempel Farms Organics. The locally owned farm offers fresh, seasonal produce, organic-grade eggs year-round and a handful of local goods from other small farms. For day-to-day groceries, residents head to Old Mill Creek Country Store off state Route 173. Many locals dine out at The Shanty Restaurant and Eggspress Café, a breakfast spot in the southwestern corner of the neighborhood known for its authentic Mexican fare and American-style breakfast menu. Meanwhile, retail therapy is done just a couple miles south at Gurnee Milles, home to a wide array of big-name stores to peruse.
Beach Park School District 3
Many homes fall within Beach Park School District 3. Despite the area's rural nature, the school division offers bus services to all students in the community. Children can attend Newport Elementary School and Beach Park Middle School, both of which maintain a C-minus grade on Niche. Meanwhile, older students head to Zion-Benton Township High School, which has a B-minus rating and is home to The ZB Majorettes, who have won 18 straight state titles.
Commuting from Old Mill Creek
Roughly two-thirds of residents commute out of the neighborhood for work, which is made convenient thanks to I-94 next door. This main thoroughfare allows for 46-mile trips north to Milwaukee and 33-mile trips to south Chicago O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago, just 15 miles farther. This same route can also carry locals to Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, 14 miles away.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
