Schaumburg is located in northeastern Illinois, and it has a population of 78,723. It’s only 28 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop, and it was ranked as the best place to live in 2018 by Money Magazine. Shoppers love Schaumburg as it's the home of the Woodfield Mall, which is the 10-largest mall in the United States.
The village of Schaumburg was incorporated on March 7, 1956, but its beginnings date back to a time when Native American Tribes, such as the Sauk, Fox, Potawatomi, and Kickapoo lived there. European settlers first began to arrive in the mid-19th century from Bonn, Germany. German settlers and "Yankees" from New England made up much of the village’s initial population, and most people relied on farming for most of their economic activity. By 1870, Schaumburg township was completely German, as the Yankees moved further west. The area's German heritage is still important to the residents, although many of the German-owned farms were bought by large companies during the Great Depression.
The area of Schaumburg transitioned from a rural community to a suburban city in 1959 when Alfred Campanelli started the first large-scale development. The mall opened shortly after in 1971.
When you visit Schaumburg, you'll find many areas to explore. Athenaeum International Sculpture Park provides visitors with 20 acres of green space that is home to many unique sculptures. Lego Land Discovery Center is a wonderful family destination with a factory tour, one-of-a-kind exhibits, interactive videos, and a 4D cinema. Learn about life in the 1880s at Spring Valley. This 135-acre attraction includes a living museum, three miles of hiking trails, an observation tower, and replicas of a farm and log cabin.
Schaumburg September Fest - This upcoming event in Schaumburg is held each September. It's an outdoor festival with three entertainment stages, an arts and crafts show, and a craft beer and wine area.
Duane County Fair - This upcoming family-friendly event in Wheaton, Illinois is held each July. It celebrates the area's strong agricultural roots.
Itasca Oktoberfest - This upcoming event in Itasca is held each autumn with a beer tent, polka music, and dancing.
Indiana Dunes National Park is 69 miles from Schaumburg. It's located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan where you can enjoy 15 miles of lakefront, in addition to 20 square miles of countryside. Hiking, biking, fishing, water sports, and horseback riding are all popular activities within the park.
Gateway Arch National Park is 298 miles from Schaumburg, and it's the home of St. Louis' iconic arch. It marks the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition and encompasses 91 acres along the river.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Ohio, 377 miles from Schaumburg. Discover 100 waterfalls, including the state's tallest one at 65 feet. The park sits along the Cuyahoga River and encompasses wetlands, narrow ravines, rolling hills, and lush forests. Visitors enjoy the 125 miles of hiking trails and the scenic railroad.
Big Foot Beach State Park is 55 miles from Schaumburg on the shoreline of Lake Geneva. Featuring 271 acres to explore, this park was named after the Potawatomi leader, Chief Big Foot. The park includes 900 feet of shoreline and several hiking trails of varying difficulty.
Kankakee River State Park is found in northeast Illinois, 65 miles from Schaumburg. It includes 4,000 acres along both sides of the Kankakee River. It's the perfect spot for hiking, fishing, biking, camping, and canoeing.
Shabbona Lake State Park encompasses 1,550 acres located 65 miles from Schaumburg. This man-made lake is a popular fishing spot. Fish from a boat or the shoreline.
Pullman National Monument preserves the history of a planned community founded by George Pullman. This community provided employee housing and promised more efficient manufacturing.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail follows the edge of Wisconsin's last glacier. The glacier left behind lakes, rivers, hills, and ridges. This 1,200-mile-long trail travels through farms, forests, canyons, towns, and several state parks.
Lincoln Home National Historical Site is the only home President Lincoln ever owned. It's restored to look like it did in 1860. The president and his wife lived here for 17 years.