1841
Miller’s Mill
John Miller built a water-powered sawmill near where the Chicago River met today’s Dempster Street. Miller’s Mill Road became Lincoln Avenue.
Living in Morton Grove, Illinois
A village on the North Branch of the Chicago River, about 14 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop, named for a vice president.
01 — At a Glance
A village on the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Morton Grove is named for Levi Parsons Morton, the future vice president who helped finance the railroad that stopped at the old Miller’s Mill. The village incorporated on December 24, 1895. The North Branch of the Chicago River runs through the middle of town, with forest preserve land along both banks. The 2020 census counted 25,297 residents.
02 — History
The story of Morton Grove.
Morton Grove grew from a sawmill, a railroad stop and some of the biggest greenhouses in the world. A few chapters.
1872
The railroad
The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bought Miller’s Mill and laid track through the area.
1885
Greenhouses
The first greenhouses went up, and the Poehlman Brothers grew one of the world’s largest floral firms.
1895
The village
Morton Grove incorporated on December 24, 1895.
03 — Education
A tradition of learning.
Several elementary districts and two high school districts serve Morton Grove.
Boundaries follow the address. Confirm school assignment for each address with the district before you buy.
Search HomesPublic · K–8
Elementary districts
Districts 63, 67, 69 and 70.
- Melzer and Nelson (District 63)
- Hynes and Golf Middle (District 67)
- Edison, Madison and Lincoln Junior High (District 69)
- Park View School (District 70)
Public · 9–12
High schools
Two districts.
- Maine East (District 207)
- Niles North and Niles West (District 219)
Independent
Private schools
Faith-based options in the village.
- Jerusalem Lutheran School
- MCC Academy
04 — Lifestyle
Everyday life in Morton Grove.
The river, the train and Dempster Street shape everyday life in Morton Grove.
Getting Around
Metra
Milwaukee District North Line to Union Station.
Pace Pulse
The Dempster Line through the village.
Lincoln Avenue
Once Miller’s Mill Road.
Outdoors
The North Branch
The river runs through the middle of the village.
Forest Preserves
Land along both banks of the river.
Austin Park
On the site of an old railroad gravel pit.