Big Bend

Sitting side-by-side along the Fox River, the villages of Big Bend and Vernon pride themselves on their natural settings. The earliest known inhabitants were mound builders, indigenous people we still know little about. White settlers brought saw mills and farming traditions, with the area being a significant source of lumber, maple syrup and other products produced from the land. Today, natural attractions like the 4,300-acre Vernon Wildlife Area still offer access to nature, while residential and commercial development thrive. The two villages have maintained their distinct person­alities as communities enjoying easy access to the metro area while maintaining a rural feel. 

Good to know: At the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, water from a Big Bend spring was sold for a penny a glass.