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Western Springs Water Tower Museum

Explore local history at the iconic Western Springs Water Tower Museum, a landmark preserving the village's heritage and stories.

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The Western Springs Water Tower Museum, housed in a historic 1892 water tower, showcases the village's history through exhibits and artifacts. Once a functional part of the town's waterworks and municipal offices, it now stands as a landmark and a testament to local heritage.

A brief summary to Water Tower Museum--Western Springs Historical Society

Local tips

  • Visit on a Saturday morning, the only time the museum is open, to explore the exhibits.
  • Check the Western Springs Historical Society website for information on special events or rotating exhibits.
  • Take your time to explore the surrounding Tower Green park, a public space since the tower's construction.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Water Tower Museum via public transportation, take the Metra train on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) line to the Western Springs station. From the station, walk south on Wolf Road, then turn left onto Hillgrove Avenue. The museum is located at 914 Hillgrove Avenue, about a 15-minute walk from the station. Metra tickets from Chicago to Western Springs range from $2 to $6. Check local bus routes for options that connect to Hillgrove Avenue, though availability may vary.

  • Walking

    If you are in downtown Western Springs, the Water Tower Museum is easily accessible by foot. From the intersection of Wolf Road and Hillgrove Avenue, head east on Hillgrove Avenue. The museum is located at 914 Hillgrove Avenue, a short walk from the intersection. Sidewalks are available along Hillgrove Avenue.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Western Springs, IL. From I-55 or I-294, exit onto Ogden Avenue (IL-34) and follow it to Hillgrove Avenue. Turn onto Hillgrove Avenue, and continue for about 0.5 miles. The Water Tower Museum will be on your left at 914 Hillgrove Ave. Street parking is available. Parking is free but may be limited depending on the time of day.

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Discover more about Water Tower Museum--Western Springs Historical Society

The Western Springs Water Tower Museum, located in the heart of Western Springs, Illinois, offers a glimpse into the village's rich history. Built in 1892, the Romanesque Revival-style structure initially served as both a water tower and a municipal building, housing the police department, jail, and village offices. The 112.5-foot tower, constructed with hand-quarried Naperville limestone, became a symbol of the growing community. As the village expanded, the original water springs dried up, necessitating a modern waterworks system. Civil engineers Benezette and Edgar Williams, along with Ethan Philbrick, all Western Springs residents, designed the system, with the water tower as its centerpiece. The tower's steel tank had the capacity to hold 169,000 gallons of water. In 1957, village services relocated, and the tower stood vacant for several years. However, in 1966, the Western Springs Historical Society formed and established a museum in the Water Tower. After extensive renovations, the museum opened in 1970, preserving local heritage through exhibits and educational programs. The museum displays artifacts and tells the stories of prominent residents and key moments in Western Springs' past. In 1981, the Water Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A lightning strike in 1991 caused a fire that damaged the roof and punctured the water tank, leading to a new roof being completed in 1993. Today, the Water Tower Museum continues to serve as a community hub, connecting residents and visitors to the history of Western Springs.

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