Overview

Algonquin is a quaint village along the Fox River approximately 47 miles northwest of Chicago, located in both Kane County and McHenry County. In recent years residential and commercial development has flourished in Algonquin along with expanding industrial and business growth. Located a short distance from Interstate 90, several major roads through the village include Route 31, Route 62, and Randall Road. Commercial development on Randall Road has been significant. Its most recent addition has been The Algonquin Commons, a large retail development consisting of 51 free-standing stores and restaurants sharing a common parking area. Nearby construction includes The Galleria, an upscale shopping complex. O'Hare International Airport is approximately 30 miles from Algonquin along Interstate 90, and Metra commuter train service to Chicago is available in nearby towns.

The excellent School Districts 158 and 300 provide quality education to residents from elementary to high school, as well as several private schools and child care centers. Nearby colleges include Elgin Community College and McHenry County College. Other colleges and universities in the Chicago area are within easy driving distance. The village offers many family activities in and around the 21 area parks, such as swimming, biking and walking paths, picnicking, summer concert series, baseball diamonds, fishing, Founder's Days Festival, and boating through private launching services along the Fox River. Portions of Algonquin also fall within the Barrington-Countryside Park District, the Huntley Park District, and the Dundee Township Park District. All of these park districts offer additional activities.

As new housing developments and business draw families to Algonquin, the village still maintains its friendly atmosphere and small town charm.

History

Originally inhabited by Pottowatomi Indians, the first settlers arrived from Virginia in 1834. The village started to grow further in 1855 with the arrival of the railroad, enabling the farmers and dairy owners to transport their products to Chicago. In the late 1890's Algonquin became a popular vacation destination for Chicagoans. The famous Algonquin Hill Climbs began in 1906. Automobiles arrived from across the United States and were challenged to successfully climb the hills of Algonquin and win the very prestigious Algonquin Cup. Although this event ended in 1913, a new park named Hill Climb Park opened in 2004 in honor of these historic climbs.

Government Offices

Village Hall
2200 Harnish Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-2700

Public Works
125 Wilbrandt Street
Agonquin, IL 60102
847-658-2754

Police Dept.
2200 Harnish Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-2723

Fire Dept.
1020 Algonquin Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
847-658-8233

Public Library
2600 Harnish Drive
Algonquin, IL  60102
847-458-6060

Post Office
801 Algonquin Road
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-0012

Utilities
Gas
NICOR
P.O. Box 2020
Aurora, IL 60507
888-642-6748

Electric
ComEd
P.O. Box 767
Chicago, IL 60690
800-334-7661

Telephone
AT&T
P.O. Bx 2500
Bedford Park, IL 60499
800-244-4444

Cable
Comcast
Addison, IL 60101
866-594-1234

Waste Disposal
Waste Management
900-796-9696

Trivia

In 1835, Dr. Andrew Cornish was the first doctor to settle in Algonquin. He also operated the first ferry crossing the Fox River just below the present dam.

In 1853, Alan Pinkerton began his famous career in Algonquin where he helped break up a counterfeiting ring operating on an island one mile north of the Algonquin Dam. He also helped protect President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.

During the Civil War, Union Army volunteers included almost 275 volunteers from Algonquin and the surrounding farmlands.