Three school districts, Board of Education districts #102, #105 and #106, provide excellent schools for the students of La Grange. This educational system is anchored by the nationally ranked Lyons Township High School. In addition, there are six public elementary schools, two public junior high schools and several private schools for all grade levels. For those seeking higher education, there is an extension campus of the University of Illinois in LaGrange and other campuses such as the College of DuPage, the Rosary College and many other excellent colleges and universities are just a short drive away.

The Park District of LaGrange serves a three-square-mile area that encompasses the entire village. The district maintains 67 acres of parkland at 11 different locations and offers hundreds of recreational activities and programs for residents. Clubs for sports including soccer and diving can be found in the village, and a wide range of child and youth athletics programs and camps are available.

The Village of LaGrange is well known as the home of the annual Pet Parade, established more than 50 years ago. 10,000-plus visitors attend this festivity the first Saturday of every June. During the rest of the weekend, the event has grown to include “Experience La Grange,” which provides arts, entertainment, food and carnival rides for all ages. The community also hosts a summer-long Farmers’ Market, the Endless Summer Carnival, a children’s Halloween parade and a traditional Christmas celebration.

For those who love to shop, the Village of LaGrange provides ample opportunities to find antiques and unique gifts. The nationally recognized Historic District provides shopping facilities ranging from small boutiques to the large nationally-known retail stores. Also in the downtown area is the Jackson Square Mall, featuring more than 10,000 square feet of interesting décor, antiques, accents and other goods for the home. Of course, there are almost limitless shopping areas in the nearby Chicago metropolitan area.

The village is also home to many outstanding, well known restaurants. Delicious French and Italian food can be found in a number of establishments. There are also many traditional American-style restaurants, as well as outdoor/beer garden-style dining.

In its early days, LaGrange consisted of log cabins, farms and a few commercial enterprises. F.D. Cossitt -- the founder of the community and a former cotton planter from Tennessee -- envisioned a thriving community. Setting aside land for schools and churches, he worked diligently in order to develop his ideal. The Village of LaGrange was incorporated in 1879 and was named after Cossitt’s hometown in Tennessee.

LaGrange today is a quaint suburban neighborhood that provides excellent schools, a diverse selection of homes, a strong economy and healthy community spirit.