East Dundee

Welcome to East Dundee

A lively riverfront community in the suburbs of Chicago

Experience the beauty of the midwest in East Dundee – a lively, suburban neighborhood located 40 miles northeast of Chicago. This thriving, riverfront community is home to beautiful parks, a hilly landscape, and treasured local businesses. The walkable neighborhood sits within the Fox River Valley district, a laid-back area of Illinois where residents experience a higher quality of life, unique entertainment opportunities, and exceptional “Mom and Pop” dining opportunities.

What to Love

– The scenic landscape with views of the Fox River Valley

– A smaller population with a charming, small-town atmosphere

– The annual Heritage Fest celebrating both East and West Dundee

Local Lifestyle

The community of East Dundee is composed of older families, retirees, and commuters. With its proximity to Chicago, East Dundee is a great little town that affords all the charm of small-town living within big-city limits. Families enjoy dozens of community events and festivals held throughout the year, including traditional family-focused destinations like Santa’s Village Azoosment and Water Park and the annual Dickens in Dundee festival. East Dundee is a picturesque spot of the American Midwest – the perfect location to rest and enjoy the lifestyle of small-town living.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Bandito Barney’s Beach Club is Illinois’ premier beer garden and sports bar. Featuring live bands in the summer and a menu of thick sandwiches, burgers, and fries, Bandito Barney’s is a fun escape to a tropical atmosphere. Try one of their drinks served in a signature turquoise cup on their large, outdoor cabana-style patio, and enjoy the sounds of summertime.

Offering fine Italian cuisine in a beautiful, classic atmosphere, Aliano’s Ristorante has been serving the East Dundee community since 2017. Bring your appetite for a large meal of fresh, local ingredients and creative twists on Italian classics. Aliano’s dining space is quaint and cozy, but their outdoor patio makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of Europe. They also offer catering services and provide event space for parties and weddings.

Dining in East Dundee wouldn’t be a complete experience without stopping at Van’s Frozen Custard. This family-owned business has been a community favorite since 2007. They offer an established menu of classic American dishes – burgers, fries, and hotdogs – and an excellent menu of custard options and shakes. Their custard is made with local dairy products and features a rotating “Flavor of the Day,” like Nutella and Key Lime Pie. Van’s is located on Main Street and is owned by Chad Van Acker, who was inspired to start his own business after a visit to the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Vermont. He and his family hope to bring the same warmth and community spirit to Van’s in East Dundee.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look good at Bridal Boys. Offering the best prices in the industry, Bridal Boys is a favorite spot for bridal gowns and bridesmaid, prom, and pageant dresses. With an experienced staff of all-male designers, you can be sure to find the best of the best at Bridal Boys. They’ve also been featured on the FYI Network show “Best in Bridal.”

Things to Do

There is no better weekend in East and West Dundee than Heritage Fest. Held annually over Homecoming Weekend in September, Heritage Fest hosts incredible, family-friendly events like pancake breakfasts, antique car shows, craft fairs, fireworks, and the highly-anticipated homecoming parade. If you’re looking to experience the perfect fall weekend full of fun and community pride, Heritage Fest is the place to be!

Beginning as a small group of holiday carolers, the Dickens in Dundee festival has transformed into a community-wide event celebrating the joy of the winter season for over 34 years. The villages of East and West Dundee come together over one weekend to celebrate their communities and bring joy to their citizens. Events feature a tree lighting ceremony, scavenger hunts, a “Toys for Tots” drive, and a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Santa’s Village Azoosment and Water Park is open year-round for summer and winter activities. What began as a magical village in the 1950s has now transported families to Santa’s workshop every year with cheery music, festive decorations and rides, and even Santa himself! Today, the village shares a zoo, over 20 amusement park rides, a brand-new water park, and a paintball field. It’s the perfect place to visit for summer activities and brings childlike wonder to winters in East Dundee.

Schools

East Dundee is home to several high-achieving schools. Some of them include:

– Dundee Middle School, a public school for grades 6-8.

– Immanuel Lutheran School, a private school for grades PK-8.

– Dundee-Crown High School, a public school for grades 9-12.