Barrington, Ill., is a community in the Chicago metropolitan area with a distinct character defined by its unique blend of suburban living and rural charm. The village's identity is shaped by its history, commitment to natural preservation, and a civic culture supporting local business and community events. A deeper look into Barrington's specifics reveals many fascinating details and historical nuances that contribute to its unique appeal.
These facts about Barrington IL showcase a community rooted in its past and actively shaping its future, providing a lifestyle unique to its location.
The Historic Train Station and Metra
The Barrington train station, a central fixture of the village's downtown, is more than just a transportation hub. It is a historic structure that serves as a tangible link to the village's past and its development. The station's presence is a defining feature of the downtown area.
The station, built in 1898, is a working station for the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line, which connects Barrington to downtown Chicago. Its architecture, with its distinctive brick and stone facade, is a prime example of late 19th-century railroad architecture. The station's location in the heart of the village makes it a convenient and visible landmark. The train station's presence provides transportation and serves as a reminder of the railroad's role in the village's growth from a small farming community to a bustling suburb.
The station, built in 1898, is a working station for the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line, which connects Barrington to downtown Chicago. Its architecture, with its distinctive brick and stone facade, is a prime example of late 19th-century railroad architecture. The station's location in the heart of the village makes it a convenient and visible landmark. The train station's presence provides transportation and serves as a reminder of the railroad's role in the village's growth from a small farming community to a bustling suburb.
The Equestrian Heritage
Barrington has a strong and enduring equestrian heritage that is a core part of its identity. The village and its surrounding areas, particularly Barrington Hills, are known for their rolling hills, horse farms, and extensive trail systems. This equestrian culture is a distinguishing characteristic of the community.
The area is home to numerous horse farms and equestrian centers that offer riding lessons, boarding, and training. The community also has a network of bridle paths that wind through the natural landscape, providing a unique recreational opportunity. While no longer practiced in its original form, the tradition of fox hunting is a part of the area's history and is honored through social events and equestrian traditions.
The area is home to numerous horse farms and equestrian centers that offer riding lessons, boarding, and training. The community also has a network of bridle paths that wind through the natural landscape, providing a unique recreational opportunity. While no longer practiced in its original form, the tradition of fox hunting is a part of the area's history and is honored through social events and equestrian traditions.
The Barrington Area Library as a Community Hub
The Barrington Area Library is a modern and comprehensive resource that serves as a central hub for the community. Its services and programs extend beyond a traditional library, providing a venue for cultural enrichment, education, and social gatherings. The library's presence reflects the community's commitment to intellectual and cultural engagement.
The library offers many services, including a state-of-the-art makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, and a recording studio. It also has a dedicated teen center, a children's section with a hands-on learning area, and many books, movies, and other media. The library hosts a regular calendar of events, including author talks, workshops, and concerts.
The library offers many services, including a state-of-the-art makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, and a recording studio. It also has a dedicated teen center, a children's section with a hands-on learning area, and many books, movies, and other media. The library hosts a regular calendar of events, including author talks, workshops, and concerts.
The Ice House Mall and Village Shops
The Ice House Mall and Village Shops is a retail and dining center housed in a historic building that once served as a warehouse for the Bowman Dairy. This adaptive reuse of a historic structure has created a unique and charming shopping environment that is a destination for both residents and visitors. The mall's architecture is a key part of its appeal.
The mall features a mix of independent boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. Its interior, with its rustic brick walls and exposed beams, retains the character of its industrial past. The mall is a place to find unique clothing, jewelry, and home goods unavailable in a typical shopping center. The Ice House Mall's commitment to local businesses and its historic setting make it a central part of Barrington's commercial landscape.
The mall features a mix of independent boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. Its interior, with its rustic brick walls and exposed beams, retains the character of its industrial past. The mall is a place to find unique clothing, jewelry, and home goods unavailable in a typical shopping center. The Ice House Mall's commitment to local businesses and its historic setting make it a central part of Barrington's commercial landscape.
The Community of Four Distinct Barringtons
The broader Barrington area is not a single municipality but comprises four distinct villages: Barrington, North Barrington, South Barrington, and Barrington Hills. Each town has its own government and unique character, yet they all share a common identity as part of the Barrington community.
The Village of Barrington is the commercial hub, with its walkable downtown, train station, and historic buildings. Barrington Hills is a more rural and expansive community, with large estates and a strong equestrian culture. North and South Barrington are residential communities with their own distinct characteristics. The cooperation and shared identity among these four villages are a unique aspect of the local culture and the primary driver of the region's overall character.
The Village of Barrington is the commercial hub, with its walkable downtown, train station, and historic buildings. Barrington Hills is a more rural and expansive community, with large estates and a strong equestrian culture. North and South Barrington are residential communities with their own distinct characteristics. The cooperation and shared identity among these four villages are a unique aspect of the local culture and the primary driver of the region's overall character.
The Catlow Theater: A Historic Landmark
The Catlow Theater is a historic movie theater in downtown Barrington that has been a community landmark since 1927. Its architecture, Spanish-style Art Deco design, and single-screen layout make it a unique and charming destination. The theater has been a cultural center for the village for nearly a century.
The theater's interior features a majestic organ and a classic movie palace design. The Catlow has a long history of showing first-run films and hosting special events, such as movie marathons and classic film series. The theater is a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its historic buildings and cultural heritage. Visiting the Catlow Theater is a step back and a unique way to experience a classic movie-going experience.
The theater's interior features a majestic organ and a classic movie palace design. The Catlow has a long history of showing first-run films and hosting special events, such as movie marathons and classic film series. The theater is a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its historic buildings and cultural heritage. Visiting the Catlow Theater is a step back and a unique way to experience a classic movie-going experience.
Commitment to Open Spaces and Conservation
The Barrington area has a deep commitment to preserving open spaces and conservation. The community is home to numerous parks, nature preserves, and hiking trails that are integral to the local lifestyle. This focus on natural preservation is a key part of the area's identity.
The Barrington Area Conservation Trust works to protect open spaces and preserve the region's natural landscape. The community is also home to several forest preserves, such as Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve and Spring Lake Forest Preserve, which offer extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. This conservation commitment ensures that the area's rural charm is maintained.
The Barrington Area Conservation Trust works to protect open spaces and preserve the region's natural landscape. The community is also home to several forest preserves, such as Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve and Spring Lake Forest Preserve, which offer extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. This conservation commitment ensures that the area's rural charm is maintained.
The Barrington White House
The Barrington White House is a historic mansion converted into a cultural and community center. Built in 1898, it is a prominent architectural landmark in the village and a venue for various events. Its preservation and reuse are testaments to the community's commitment to its heritage.
The Barrington White House hosts many events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures. It also serves as a rental space for private events like weddings and corporate gatherings. The house's stunning architecture, ornate woodwork, and grand rooms provide a beautiful and unique setting for these events.
The Barrington White House hosts many events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures. It also serves as a rental space for private events like weddings and corporate gatherings. The house's stunning architecture, ornate woodwork, and grand rooms provide a beautiful and unique setting for these events.
Work With the Real Estate Experts in Barrington
With over two decades of experience and a track record as Barrington’s top REALTOR for closed volume since 2010, John Morrison and the Morrison Home Team deliver the expertise, strategy, and results you need. Leading the area’s most successful real estate team — outselling every Barrington brokerage since 2019 — John combines deep market knowledge with clear communication, personalized guidance, and a proven system to navigate any market.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a luxury property, or selling for maximum value, work with John Morrison and the Morrison Home Team to achieve your Barrington real estate goals with confidence.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a luxury property, or selling for maximum value, work with John Morrison and the Morrison Home Team to achieve your Barrington real estate goals with confidence.