Anita Willets Burnham Log House: A Step Back in Time
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 1830s log home and studio of artist Anita Willets Burnham in Winnetka, Illinois.
The Anita Willets Burnham Log House, nestled in Winnetka's Crow Island Woods, offers a unique window into the past. Built around 1836, this hand-hewn oak log house was originally located on a farmstead in south-central Winnetka. In 1917, artist and author Anita Willets-Burnham purchased the house and moved it to serve as her home and studio. Anita Willets-Burnham was a prominent artist known for her Impressionistic and realistic paintings. She discovered the log house while on a painting expedition. Later in life, she became a writer, penning "Round the World on a Penny," a travelogue about her family's adventures in the 1920s. Willets-Burnham cherished the log house for its historical significance, furnishing it with period pieces from the 1800s. Her dedication to preservation predates other North Shore log cabin preservation efforts by over 50 years. After Willets-Burnham's death in 1956, her daughters continued to live in the house until 2001 when it was gifted to the Winnetka Historical Society. To ensure its survival, the Society moved the log house to its current location in Crow Island Woods in 2003, opening it to the public as a museum in 2006. Today, visitors can explore the exhibits, participate in scavenger hunts, and even play pioneer games. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Local tips
- Check the Winnetka Historical Society's website for the most up-to-date information on hours and special events.
- Visit during the open house on Sundays between May and November to explore the interior.
- Take time to explore Crow Island Woods, where the Log House is located.
A brief summary to Anita Willets Burnham Log House
- 1140 Willow Rd, Winnetka, Illinois, 60093, US
Getting There
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Walking
From the Crow Island School, walk west into Crow Island Woods. Follow the path for a short distance; the Log House will be visible on your left. The walk is short and easy.
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Driving
From Willow Road, turn into the gravel entrance to Crow Island Woods. Limited parking is available on the gravel drive to the west of the Log House. Additional parking can be found on Euclid Avenue to the west or along Willow Road. Be mindful of parking restrictions.
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Public Transport
Take the Metra Union Pacific North Line to the Winnetka station. From the station, walk north on Green Bay Road, then turn west onto Willow Road. Continue on Willow Road until you reach Crow Island Woods. Enter the woods and follow the path to the Log House. Alternatively, Pace bus route 423 stops near Willow Road. Check the Pace bus schedule for specific stop locations and times. A single ride on Pace costs $1.75.
