Members of the community are extremely involved. There are approximately 100 community organizations in Lake Forest where residents can meet and share in such interests as history, politics, gardening, antique collecting, sports and various genres of the arts. Retail shopping includes a mix of small shops, family-owned businesses and larger stores, such as Marshall Field’s. The famed Market Square, built in 1916, was the first planned shopping mall in the country and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its real significance is that it is emblematic of Lake Forest. It is the first and last view of the community from the train; its fine architecture makes people feel gratified, visually and emotionally. The Square, which still retains a nostalgic turn-of-the- century ambiance, serves as a site for events such as the Deer Path Art League’s annual “Fall Festival of Art.”

The Market Square, as well as other parts of the city, has been renovated in recent years. The Union Pacific railroad station was recently restored to its turn-of-the-century elegance and the eastern section of town has been designated a national landmark. The city has improved the west business district with the new Milwaukee Road train station, a larger fire station, infrastructure improvements and the addition of Setters Square, a park-like area in front of the new train station.

The Lake Forest Parks Department operates seven community parks, a beautiful beach with a boat launch area and an 18-hole golf course. The Gorton Community Center offers programs for all ages through the recreation department, including fine arts classes and sports classes and teams. Senior citizens are offered an assortment of programs.

Incorporated in 1861, Lake Forest’s first citizens were determined that the city’s trees, ravines and bluffs be protected from future development. They were so impressed with the area’s natural beauty that they designed the village to co-exist with the natural landmarks. Today, the Lake Forest Open Lands Association preserves and manages more than 200 acres of open space, which includes numerous walking trails amid serene meadows.