Brookfield, village in Cook County, Illinois United States of America
Brookfield is a small village in Cook County, Illinois, north of Chicago, with flat terrain and oak-filled parks. It has a functioning train station dating to the late 1800s, several parks, and sits near the Brookfield Zoo.
Lawyer Samuel Gross founded the settlement in the late 1880s by purchasing land next to railroad lines and building homes for commuters. The place was originally called Grossdale but was later renamed as residents preferred the name Salt Creek.
The village takes its name from Salt Creek, the stream running through the area. Community gatherings in parks throughout the year bring residents together to celebrate local traditions and strengthen neighborhood bonds.
The area is well served by trains and buses that go to Chicago and surrounding communities. Walking and biking paths, particularly the Salt Creek Trail, make exploring on foot or by bicycle easy and enjoyable.
The historic train station was built by Samuel Gross and still functions today as a museum and home of the Historical Society. This makes it a rare example of an original 1880s station still in use, connecting visitors to the settlement's railroad heritage.
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