Welcome to Kenilworth
Lush greenery on the border of Lake Michigan
Kenilworth is surrounded by elegant gardens and lush green space and is known as the small town hidden inside a park. The town borders the scenic Lake Michigan, which can be viewed by visiting Kenilworth Beach. Kenilworth was founded in 1889 by Joseph Sears, who prioritized the neighborhood’s natural beauty in community planning. Although you feel tucked away living in Kenilworth, you are only a short drive from the bigger villages of Wilmette and Winnetka and the city of Chicago. Living in Kenilworth is akin to finding a diamond in the rough.
What to Love
- Small-town living
- Parklike setting
- Sense of community
- Close to neighboring towns and cities
Local Lifestyle
The population of Kenilworth has hovered around 2,500 since the 1930s, making for a close, tight-knit community. People in Kenilworth get to know their neighbors and tend to form life-long friendships. The town hosts fun community events that help to forge and strengthen their connection to one another. Since Kenilworth is small, there are few dining and shopping choices within the town itself; however, it is snuggled next to Wilmette and Winnetka villages, both of which have ample retail areas only minutes away.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Great Coast Commons restaurant has a sleek city look with a casual, friendly feel. They use farm-fresh ingredients and serve everything from steak to vegan dishes. It is a great spot to meet pals for a drink and is equally family-friendly, offering family-style meals for delivery or carryout.
As mentioned above, Kenilworth has a small footprint; many locals drive to nearby Wilmette or Winnetka for additional shopping and dining options. Bella Cosa Jewelers is an exquisite jewelry store in nearby Wilmette. The family-owned shop is highly rated for both the quality of its items and its detailed and personalized service. Two fine-dining sister restaurants in Winnetka share the same building space. Aboyer and George Trois are operated by acclaimed chef Michael Lachowicz and chef Miguel Escobar. Aboyer serves American-French cuisine, and George Trois serves a nine-course tasting menu of contemporary French cuisine.
Things to Do
The first 4th of July Parade in Kenilworth occurred in 1973 when a few locals riding on lawnmowers and children on bicycles decided to form a procession to celebrate Independence Day. Since then, the parade has grown into a big event with floats and a few thousand spectators. It is held annually on the evening of July third.
Kenilworth has a one-day Holiday Festivities event every year. Children can get their photos taken with Santa. Adults like the Sip and Shop Holiday Market, where they can enjoy a drink while shopping for a unique gift. Most meet with friends at the Kenilworth Fountain for the annual tree lighting ceremony and caroling. Then they head back to Kenilworth Assembly Hall to listen to live music and shop some more.
A balcony sporting dark metal tables overlooks the tranquil Kenilworth Beach. People often picnic there and watch the waves break along the shore. For a closer look, an elevator and stairs are available to lead you down to the sand and water below. The beach is divided, with one section used for sailing and the other for sunbathing. Townley Field is behind Joseph Sears school; field hockey, soccer, football, and lacrosse are all played on the field. Locals also visit Townley to take their children to the Tot Lot playground or to appreciate the Circle Garden.
Schools
There is only one public school in Kenilworth District 38 — the highly ranked Joseph Sears school. High school-aged students attend New Trier Township High School. Students may attend:
