The Deerfield Historic Village
The Deerfield Historic Village: Address, Phone Number, The Deerfield Historic Village Reviews: 4.5/5
The Deerfield Historic Village
The Deerfield Historic Village
4.5
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Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
249 within 3 miles

Bobby's Deerfield
166
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Italian Kitchen Restaurant
87
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly

Deerfields Bakery
59
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • American

Cherry Pit Cafe
34
0.3 mi$ • American • Cafe • Diner

Naf Naf
12
0.2 miQuick Bites • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern • Israeli

Upper Crust Bagels
26
0.3 mi$ • Bakeries • American • Vegetarian Friendly

Golden Star
13
0.2 mi$ • Chinese • Asian

Starbucks
13
0.2 miQuick Bites • Cafe

Rosebud Italian Country House & Pizzeria
95
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly

Domino's Pizza
3
0.2 mi
Attractions
60 within 6 miles

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1,219
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Marriott Theatre
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Theaters

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204
Children's Museums

Rosewood Beach
71
Beaches

Northbrook Court
44
2.1 miShopping Malls

The Grove
84
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Birchwood Club
1
1.7 miSports Complexes
Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park
1
1.7 miParks

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56
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2.2 miBiking Trails • Hiking Trails
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
13 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Ellen B
2 contributions
I enjoyed seeing this little gem! My husband and I visited about a month ago and were impressed by the knowledge and friendliness of the staff/guides. One reviewer said that this village is fake. It most certainly is not! If he had taken the time to ask questions and read he would realize the red school house is a 'model' of what a school house of that era would look like. He would also realize the cabin was renovated so of course it looks amazing and newer than what it is. These buildings weren't all originally from this little plot of land, they were moved from other locations so visitors could see them all at once an, more importantly, the Historians could keep these buildings 'safe' on this land that is semi-protected.
Sincerely, Ellen Brand-Restis
(ancestor of the Brand Brothers).
Ironically, a few of my uncles also built their homes in the 1950s so it must be in the Brand blood to want to build houses!
Sincerely, Ellen Brand-Restis
(ancestor of the Brand Brothers).
Ironically, a few of my uncles also built their homes in the 1950s so it must be in the Brand blood to want to build houses!
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
illinois travelere
1,719 contributions
Friends
Warnng: There are no public restrooms. If you are visiting with children, plan ahead -- just as you would do for a car trip, except this is a trip to the past.
The Village consists of five buildings clustered under shady trees. Two are replicas (the school house and carriage house) and three are original (relocated from their original sites). They date from 1837 to 1905.
Thanks to dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, the buildings are open from 2 - 4, Sunday afternoons, from June through September.
Each building is authentically furnished with LOADS of interesting items.
Here are just a very few examples to give you the flavor of the village:
In the schoolhouse you'll see dunce caps, metal lunch pails, and a sign that reads: "Raise Hand. Stand. Answer. Sit down."
In the carriage house you'll see a doctor's buggy and blacksmith tools.
In the Ott cabin, you'll see a rocking chair -- created by putting bed springs on the front legs of an ordinary chair. The Otts raised seven children in this one-room cabin.
In the Brand-Luther house you'll see a loom, vintage pharmaceuticals, and a wooden wall telephone.
In the two-story Sack farm house you'll see a kitchen and parlor on the first floor and three bedrooms, complete with chamber pots, on the second floor.
Outdoors you'll see a storm cellar, water pumps, and a rain barrel.
There is a tiny gift shop with reasonably priced souvenirs, including stovepipe hats for boys ($3) and white bonnets ($2) for the girls.
street and lot parking.
The Village consists of five buildings clustered under shady trees. Two are replicas (the school house and carriage house) and three are original (relocated from their original sites). They date from 1837 to 1905.
Thanks to dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, the buildings are open from 2 - 4, Sunday afternoons, from June through September.
Each building is authentically furnished with LOADS of interesting items.
Here are just a very few examples to give you the flavor of the village:
In the schoolhouse you'll see dunce caps, metal lunch pails, and a sign that reads: "Raise Hand. Stand. Answer. Sit down."
In the carriage house you'll see a doctor's buggy and blacksmith tools.
In the Ott cabin, you'll see a rocking chair -- created by putting bed springs on the front legs of an ordinary chair. The Otts raised seven children in this one-room cabin.
In the Brand-Luther house you'll see a loom, vintage pharmaceuticals, and a wooden wall telephone.
In the two-story Sack farm house you'll see a kitchen and parlor on the first floor and three bedrooms, complete with chamber pots, on the second floor.
Outdoors you'll see a storm cellar, water pumps, and a rain barrel.
There is a tiny gift shop with reasonably priced souvenirs, including stovepipe hats for boys ($3) and white bonnets ($2) for the girls.
street and lot parking.
Written August 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gennady S
Deerfield, IL70 contributions
Couples
It is truly a treasure. When we have guests we walk here. When my wife and I going for a walk we stop here. Few times a year you can find very knowledgeable volunteers in the 19th century attire. Few of the earliest buildings in the Lake County, IL are brought here. Antic items are placed around. The best time to visit is during colorful Midwest autumn. Spring and summer also good times, while in the winter you would need boots or just look at the buildings from the distance. It is worthy to make a destination here, especially if you are in the area, but if you passing by - stop is a must.
Written May 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alex F
Colorado Springs, CO176 contributions
Family
Deerfield has a fairly long history and this is the place that tells it. From the way people lived in the Ott Family Home and the way children learned in the Little Red School House, there is a lot to offer. It's a short visit but really great for kids to get a sense of local history.
Written December 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RJK_Chicago
Deerfield, IL627 contributions
Solo
I live directly north of this historical village and always tell people that are visiting to use the 'Little Red Schoolhouse' as a way of knowing they are in the right area. This is delightful even if the buildings are not open. It is a set of old buildings set on a piece of land next to Deerfield Road and near the center of Deerfield. It is open for tours on Sundays, from 2 to 4 p.m., from June through September. There is also a Fall Festival, although this year (2016), there will not be one due to the extensive work being done on Deerfield Road. We always took our boys, when they were younger, and spent the afternoon as they had all sorts of inexpensive, fun, outdoor activities.
Written September 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
slstraveler
Chicago64 contributions
Family
If one is interested in how one lived in "suburban Chicago" in the 1800's, this would be worthwhile. A good afternoon outing for the kids. Not something that I would go out of my way to see.
Written April 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LadyOfTheLakeDF
Deerfield, IL35 contributions
Couples
This lovely little collection of historic buildings is an anomaly amid the bustle of the north shore. It's definitely worth a visit when open on Sunday afternoons during the good-weather months. Children love it! A tradition in Deerfield schools is a day in the little red schoolhouse at the end of 4th grade. My 20-something daughter still says this was the happiest day of her elementary school years!
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
illinois travelere
1,719 contributions
This is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The dedication and hard work of the Deerfield Area Historical Society volunteers have resulted in a fascinating living museum.
See my earlier review (August 10, 2014) for more details. update -- There is no longer an on-site gift shop. T-shirts, totes, mugs, etc. are available online at the Society web site.
A couple of new attractions since my last review:
Troop 41644 is sponsoring an outdoor, small book exchange house -- take a book; leave a book -- so you might want to bring a couple of donations when you visit.
The Brand Luther house has been completely redecorated.
There is a mirror artfully placed in the Ott cabin so that you can view the loft. Of course, there would have been mattresses, not beds, upstairs.
Also in the Ott cabin is a museum-quality bed spread woven by Canadian weaver Julius Noll.
Notice that the washing machine displays wrapped Fels Naptha, Swan, and American Family bars of soap.
Fels Naptha dates back to 1866, when it was developed by Jewish philanthropist, Lazarus Fels.
'40s favourites, Swan and American Family, are no longer manufactured. You may be old enough to remember that Swan sponsored Burns and Allen and Bob Hope on the radio.
American Family soap was known as the most popular soap in Chicago because its formula worked so well in our Midwest's hard water.
Admission to the village is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
The Society's 2022 Fall Festival will be Sunday, September 11, from noon till 4:00.
See my earlier review (August 10, 2014) for more details. update -- There is no longer an on-site gift shop. T-shirts, totes, mugs, etc. are available online at the Society web site.
A couple of new attractions since my last review:
Troop 41644 is sponsoring an outdoor, small book exchange house -- take a book; leave a book -- so you might want to bring a couple of donations when you visit.
The Brand Luther house has been completely redecorated.
There is a mirror artfully placed in the Ott cabin so that you can view the loft. Of course, there would have been mattresses, not beds, upstairs.
Also in the Ott cabin is a museum-quality bed spread woven by Canadian weaver Julius Noll.
Notice that the washing machine displays wrapped Fels Naptha, Swan, and American Family bars of soap.
Fels Naptha dates back to 1866, when it was developed by Jewish philanthropist, Lazarus Fels.
'40s favourites, Swan and American Family, are no longer manufactured. You may be old enough to remember that Swan sponsored Burns and Allen and Bob Hope on the radio.
American Family soap was known as the most popular soap in Chicago because its formula worked so well in our Midwest's hard water.
Admission to the village is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
The Society's 2022 Fall Festival will be Sunday, September 11, from noon till 4:00.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Loungd
Iran1 contribution
Solo
I went there on a field trip it’s fake it it was real it would be in awful shape That’s why it fake.
Written November 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charlie S
Deerfield, IL34 contributions
Couples
I love historical stuff and was surprised to actually meet a descendent of the actual home owner, who described where she played as a child.
Written April 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Deerfield Historic Village
- Hotels near The Deerfield Historic Village:
- (0.68 mi) Residence Inn Marriott Deerfld
- (1.68 mi) Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield
- (5.72 mi) Deer Path Inn
- (3.47 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago-Lincolnshire
- (4.48 mi) Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago/Lincolnshire
- Restaurants near The Deerfield Historic Village:
- (0.23 mi) Bobby's Deerfield
- (0.23 mi) Italian Kitchen Restaurant
- (0.20 mi) Starbucks
- (0.21 mi) Naf Naf
- (0.20 mi) Domino's Pizza