East Lake Forest Walking Tour

Welcome to Historic East Lake Forest! This walking tour provides a glimpse of the homes, winding streets and other sites included in the historic district. Tour created by the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation. LFPF.org

Tour created by Lake Forest Preservation Foundation. www.LFPF.org

The City of Lake Forest's claim to historic distinction rests on many factors both physical and social. It is a suburban town begun primarily to support the establishment of a church-related educational institution. Few suburban towns have been founded for such a purpose. A part of the present city is distinctive physically not only because of its picturesque street plan but as well because of the early date when it was laid out.

In addition, Lake Forest is also noted for the quality and character of its architecture whether erected for residential, religious, educational or public purposes. Although the names of the earliest architects working for Lake Forest clients are still largely unknown, it is probable they were among the foremost of their profession practicing in Chicago.

Noted Lake Forest architects were Charles Frost, David Adler, Stanley Anderson and Howard Van Doren Shaw. Even such well-known eastern architects as James Gamble Rogers and Charles Platt were called upon to design for Lake Forest clients. In short, the quality of the architecture in Lake Forest was very high indeed, and the quality of its construction equally so, if only because the clients could afford the best. It is these same factors that give Lake Forest its historical significance, that also make the estate areas of residential Lake Forest historically and visually distinctive.

The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, founded in 1976, is dedicated to the stewardship, safeguarding, and endurance of our exceptional architectural and landscape legacy for succeeding generations, through public education, historic preservation and advocacy.