Where is Highwood, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Highwood is a small city on Chicago's North Shore in Lake County, Illinois. It is about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago and sits between Highland Park and Lake Forest. The city is known for its compact downtown, Italian-American heritage, nearby Lake Michigan shoreline, and easy access to Ravinia Festival, Chicago Botanic Garden, and other North Shore attractions.

Location Map of Highwood, Lake County, Illinois

Where is Highwood Located in Lake County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Highwood in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Highwood Map, Illinois

About Highwood Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Highwood in Lake County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Highwood Located?

Highwood is a city located in Lake County, Illinois, the United States. It lies on Chicago's North Shore, about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago and between Highland Park and Lake Forest. Highwood is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and is close to the western shore of Lake Michigan. The city is located at approximately 42.199° North latitude and 87.810° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,287 residents. Highwood covers about 0.71 square miles, or 1.84 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller municipalities in Lake County. The city is known for its lively downtown and strong Italian-American cultural heritage. Highwood's historic commercial district includes restaurants, shops, and community gathering places. Nearby attractions include Ravinia Festival, Rosewood Beach, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. A unique feature of Highwood is its compact size and location between two larger North Shore cities. Metra's Union Pacific North Line provides rail service to Chicago and other northern suburbs.

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Highwood City Facts

CityHighwood
StateIllinois
CountyLake County
CountryUnited States
RegionChicago North Shore / Northeastern Illinois
Incorporated1887
Founded1850s
Total Area0.71 sq mi (1.84 sq km)
Land Area0.71 sq mi (1.84 sq km)
Water Area0.00 sq mi (0.00 sq km)
ElevationAbout 650 ft (198 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 5,300
Population (2020 Census)5,287
Population DensityAbout 7,447 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT)
ZIP Codes60040
Area Code847, 224
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 41, Interstate 94, Illinois Route 22
Public TransitMetra and Pace
Major AttractionsHighwood Downtown, Ravinia Festival, Rosewood Beach, Chicago Botanic Garden
Official Websitehttps://www.cityofhighwood.com/

Distance from Highwood, IL to Nearby Cities

  • Highland Park, IL – 2 miles (3 km)
  • Lake Forest, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
  • Deerfield, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Lake Bluff, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Northbrook, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Glencoe, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Winnetka, IL – 9 miles (14 km)
  • Northfield, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Wilmette, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Waukegan, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Skokie, IL – 16 miles (26 km)
  • Evanston, IL – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Des Plaines, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Arlington Heights, IL – 22 miles (35 km)
  • Chicago, IL – 25 miles (40 km)

Top Attractions in Highwood

  • Highwood Downtown – A compact historic downtown known for restaurants, local businesses, festivals, and community events.
  • Ravinia Festival – A historic outdoor music venue in nearby Highland Park offering concerts and performances during the summer season.
  • Rosewood Beach – A Lake Michigan beach in Highland Park with walking areas, picnic spaces, and scenic shoreline views.
  • Chicago Botanic Garden – A major botanical garden in nearby Glencoe featuring gardens, walking paths, and extensive plant collections.
  • Heller Nature Center – A nearby nature preserve with wooded trails, wetlands, native habitats, and environmental programs.
  • Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve – A lakefront forest preserve with trails, open spaces, historic structures, and views of Lake Michigan.
  • Highland Park Historic District – A nearby collection of historic homes and buildings reflecting the architectural history of Chicago's North Shore.
  • Lake Michigan North Shore – The nearby shoreline provides beaches, parks, walking areas, and views across the lake.

Airports Near Highwood

  • Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 12 miles
  • Waukegan National Airport (UGN) – 15 miles
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 25 miles
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 35 miles
  • DuPage Airport (DPA) – 40 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Highwood city website and local government records.

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