Old Town Triangle

Located just northwest of Chicago, Des Plaines is a suburb with roots that run deep and a location that keeps it connected. It sits along the Des Plaines River and has long been a throughline between city and nature, history and development.

Transportation has always played a major role here. With access to Interstates 90 and 294, plus several Metra stations, getting into downtown Chicago or around the suburbs is straightforward. This network of routes shaped Des Plaines into a hub for those who value both mobility and a quieter day-to-day setting.

The river, for which the city is named, winds through the area and adds a natural element to the landscape. Residents and visitors often take to its trails or drop in a kayak when the weather allows. Several local parks—like Lake Park and Apache Park—offer open space for a range of recreational uses year-round.

Downtown Des Plaines has seen steady reinvestment in recent years, balancing its history with newer additions. Historic storefronts sit alongside restaurants, cafes, and venues like the restored Des Plaines Theater, which hosts a mix of live performances and film events.

The city’s past is preserved at the Des Plaines History Center, where exhibits explore local milestones and everyday life through the decades. Annual community events, including summer festivals and holiday parades, provide a recurring rhythm to the calendar.

From longtime residents to newer arrivals, Des Plaines has a pace and personality shaped by its geography, its infrastructure, and its layered history.

Old Town Triangle is a part of Old Town.