Nestled along Lake Michigan's North Shore, Winnetka is a community of tree-lined streets, sandy beaches, renowned schools, outstanding parks, quality recreation facilities, and plentiful non-profit and religious organizations. Founded in 1869, the name given to the community was a Native American word meaning "beautiful land." Natural beauty brought early settlers, but through careful planning, Winnetka has maintained a historic, small town charm, as well as family-oriented neighborhoods, while developing into a thriving village for people to live, work, and visit.Winnetka was named "one of the best places to live" by CNN Money in 2011. It is located in Cook County, less than 20 miles north of the City of Chicago and is accessible from the Eden's Expressway (I-94).Visitors of all types and ages will find an array of activities available-be it leisure time in nature, shopping, or dining. Winnetka boasts numerous shops, restaurants, and specialty merchants in the Village's four distinct shopping districts (Hubbard Woods, East Elm, West Elm, and Indian Hill). Shops here are frequent stops for local residents, but also destinations for many in the surrounding area.