Academy Woods is a tree-filled neighborhood of single-family homes in Lake Forest, Illinois. Located at the end of a leafy drive next to a shimmering lake, Academy Woods is a beautiful and peaceful haven for the owners of the 77 homes on the property. For over twenty years Academy Woods has been neighbor to Lake Forest Academy, a 157-year-old college preparatory boarding and day school. Located on the former J. Ogden Armour estate, Lake Forest Academy purchased the land and the buildings on it from the Armour family in 1946. The first homes in Academy Woods were built on a portion of the Academy's land in 1996. Since then the Academy Homeowners Association has maintained the community’s natural setting by preserving the trees that grace the landscape.
Preservation of environment and history are an integral part of life in Lake Forest, which boasts an award-winning beach on over a mile of Lake Michigan beachfront and the historic architecture of Market Square. Designed by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and built in 1916, Market Square is considered one of the United States’ first –- if not the first -- planned shopping areas. Residents of Academy Woods enjoy easy access to walking paths and bike trails, shopping and fine schools. Lake Forest’s symphony, multiple theater organizations and art associations offer first-class cultural opportunities.
Academy Woods is a special place to call home.
Preservation of environment and history are an integral part of life in Lake Forest, which boasts an award-winning beach on over a mile of Lake Michigan beachfront and the historic architecture of Market Square. Designed by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and built in 1916, Market Square is considered one of the United States’ first –- if not the first -- planned shopping areas. Residents of Academy Woods enjoy easy access to walking paths and bike trails, shopping and fine schools. Lake Forest’s symphony, multiple theater organizations and art associations offer first-class cultural opportunities.
Academy Woods is a special place to call home.
Photography by Academy Woods resident Judi Selby