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• Elgin was founded in 1835 by the Gifford Brothers, who were attracted to the Fox River on their trek west.
• Elgin is named after the Scottish Hymn the song of Elgin.
• Elgin is located 35 miles northwest of Chicago.
• Elgin had a total population of 108,188 as of the 2010 census, making it the eighth largest city in Illinois, and the 241st largest city in the USA.
• In 2025, Elgin was named one of the best places to live in the United States by U.S. News and World Report, ranking No. 5 among cities in Illinois and earning the No. 122 spot nationally on the publication’s 2025-2026 list of “250 Best places to Live in the U.S.”
• The last four stops of the Chicago’s Metra Milwaukee District/West Line are in the Elgin Area. The Pace bus system serves the communities in the area.
• The Elgin Public Museum founded in 1907, is the oldest purpose-built museum in Illinois.
• America’s longest highway, US Route 20, runs through the Elgin Area.
• Illinois Railway Museum, in Union, is the largest railway museum in the United States.
• Muirhead Farmhouse, in Hampshire, is the only farmhouse ever designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright in his lifetime.
• In 2010, Good Morning America crowned 2nd Street in West Dundee the Best Block in America.
• The Headless Horseman makes an appearance on Halloween every year in Sleepy Hollow. This is a community tradition that brings all the families together.
• Bartlett is home to North America’s largest traditional Hindu mandir, the B.A.P.S. Shri Swaminarayan.
• Carpentersville is home to the 25-acre bike park, Andres Bike Park.
• In 2011, the Village of South was ranked in the CNN/Money’s Top 100 again for economic strength, great job opportunities, top schools, and safe streets.
• Parking in downtown Elgin is always free, with three large parking decks that can accommodate more than 1,000 vehicles daily.
• Santa’s Village Amusement Park, in East Dundee brings thousands of guests from all over the country!

Arts capital of the suburbs

Elgin is becoming increasingly recognized for its edgy creative scene and vibrant arts community.

• The Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs at the Hemmens Cultural Center and Elgin Community College’s Arts Center. National productions also come to the Hemmens Cultural Center and Elgin Community College’s Arts Center
• Live artist interpretations take place weekly at Side Street Studio Arts. Work from local artists lines the walls of Artspace.
• Festivals include Pride Fest, La Fiesta de Elgin, Nightmare on Chicago Street and Elgin Fringe Festival.

Fox River Bike Trail

Explore over 40 miles of bike trail built on former railroad tracks, passing through 11 local communities. Find out more about the Fox River Bike Trail.

Golf lovers’ paradise

The Elgin Area is particularly rich in great public golf courses.

• Highlands of Elgin was #2 on Golfweek’s list of the best State by State Courses you can play.
• Highlands of Elgin was also listed #8 by Golfweek in their list of Best Municipal Courses.
• Wing Park Course is the oldest nine-hole municipal golf course in Illinois, established in 1908.

Train buffs

Many of the communities in the Elgin Area were founded to build and service the railroads in the area. The area is now rich in railroad history.

• Take the Metra from Chicago to honor the region’s railroad pride.
• Visit the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin.
• Visit the Illinois Railway Museum, in Union, the largest railway museum in the USA.