Our Location

The Village of Mettawa is unique in Southeast Lake County, with wide expanses of natural lands and development planned to nurture the flora and fauna native to the area.

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Zoning for Spaciousness

The primary goal of the first Village residents was to incorporate Mettawa to preserve the woodlands and open fields as an oasis from high-density development. To accomplish this, they planned zoning for low (five acre) density development. Now, the Village collaborates with the Lake County Forest Preserve to preserve this original mission.

Sustainability

Mettawa is a community that holds the land very dear.

• The Village has installed trails that connect to five forest preserves in and around Mettawa -many of these forest preserves have been donated by our own residents.
• Adlai Stevenson lived in Mettawa where he served as a founder of the Village, and later was a presidential candidate. Eventually, he became a leading Ambassador to the United Nations. His former home is now owned by the Forest Preserve and is open to the public. The home showcases artifacts/gifts from various dignitaries who visited and who would ride through the open lands of Mettawa as many needed a break from the rigors of public service.

Sustainability is a concept broadly defined. It can apply to plans, programs, and designs and should be a goal at all scales of planning. It is a concept that relates to the social, economic, natural and man-made environments.

The United Nations Bruntland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Another term, sometimes used interchangeably with sustainability is “green.” However, green programs and plans focus not on the three-pronged approach.

Green infrastructure looks to influence and support communities like Mettawa. Elements of this concept focus on integrating and preserving wetlands, surface and ground water, woods and native landscapes, streetscapes, parks and open space. Two examples where the Village is using this model include:

• Managing soil that becomes compacted during construction to avoid long-term expenses caused by damaged vegetation and increased runoff which can lead to flooding problems and water pollution.
• Using green pesticides to avoid contaminating ground, surface water, and shallow wells…and encouraging residents to apply such to their lawns and gardens to keep their land as healthy as possible.

Incorporating an element of green infrastructure into our comprehensive planning process for land use, and land preservation, can produce benefits related to: stormwater management and flood reduction. Put another way, green planning is good planning with a greater consideration of natural environmental elements during every phase of plan development. Green planning sees the big picture and should strive for each planning decision to contribute to more environmentally sensitive and sustainable projects.

Equestrian Life

"I loved that we owned a barn on 11 ½ acres and that I could ride my horses on trails on my own property as well as venture further through my neighbors' woods and then connect to the forest preserves. I really have come to appreciate the closeness of nature and enjoy the feeling that I am truly living in the 'country'."

– Mary

 

At one time, there were more horses than people living in Mettawa! Today, the Village is home to nationally acclaimed and titled riders and horse breeders. In addition, Mettawa is proud to be the prime location for high-end stables that use the latest technology to maintain healthy stables for horses of various riding styles.

Following is a list of links to horse stables in our area:

"When we first moved to Mettawa, we used to ride our horses up and down the dirt roads and go down to the forest preserves and back. Now, we have to watch more for traffic, but the same freedom to ride prevails! It is a wonderful place to have horses, participate in 4-H and show horses."

– Diane

Residential Life

Our residents enjoy a rural-like lifestyle in the middle of a mecca of shopping and regional transportation only minutes away.

Click here to learn more

Forest Preserves

“In the old days, Adlai Stevenson used to come over and ride on that cinder path [now Whippoorwill Farm Preserve]. I remember coming to Deerpath Farm through the woods and ponds that led to a large, open field.” – Lee

Mettawa is dedicated to preserving open lands and low-density residential development. The village maintains trails for pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian usage.

Five forest preserves within the Lake County Forest Preserve District are located within village boundaries.

• Old School Forest Preserves
• Grainger Woods
• MacArthur Woods
• Captain Daniel Wright Woods
• Half Day
• The former home (and grounds) of Adlai E. Stevenson whose former Mettawa estate on the Des Plaines River is a designated Illinois Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here for more information.
• Mettawa and Lake County Forest Preserve Trail Map

Animal Friendly

At the start, residents with horses and dogs were encouraged to stay and establish a homestead. Today, Mettawa has maintained its animal friendly atmosphere.

"What sets Mettawa apart is the almost universal love of animals and nature. Be it horses, dogs, cats, birds or whatever! People here seem to place a greater value on these relationships than almost anywhere else I have lived. I have a neighbor heavily involved with the Audobon Society, the head of our Zoning appeals commission breeds Leonburger dogs; and, my wife and I are involved in dog rescue.

 

"In fact, when I asked if it was okay to run dogsleds on the horse trails, everyone thought it was a great idea!" – Mark

Mettawa is a natural place for animals; with wide-open spaces for running free as well as multiple trails for walking and exploring. While many residents have dogs, cats and horses, they also value and respect animals and make a concerted effort to save hurt or abandoned animals.

Commercial Development

Since 1994, some commercial development has occurred near the intersection of Illinois Route 60 and Interstate Tollway 94. Development at this intersection provides significant revenue to the Village, which enables the Village Board to better protect and preserve the rural character and quality of life or the residents who live here.