History:

Lake in the Hills  was once a small residential community with farms dotting the surrounding landscape. Paved streets and major thoroughfares now mask the dirt roads and quieter times. However, a few original farms and fieldstone foundations still stand today as reminders of our past. The history of Lake in the Hills started in 1923, when Federal Judge Walter J. La Buy began purchasing property around what is now Woods Creek Lake, the Village's main lake. By 1926 he had acquired 472 acres as his estate. Along the south side of Woods Creek Lake, on Indian Trail, five stucco houses were built for the judge's children.

Today only one house stands in its original state, while the others have been altered and enlarged. These homes remain clearly distinguished by the gingerbread European Cottage style of architecture. Like other early houses in Lake in the Hills, the stucco homes were used as summer homes. The picturesque views from house to house were credited to Judge La Buy, as he was responsible for planting the many pine and oak trees that are now major attractions for home buyers. Through Judge La Buy's efforts, the lake was dammed and further dug out in 1923, creating Woods Creek Lake. This work was difficult, since mules were used for the excavation. Today, the lake is actually much larger than the original size, as it was enlarged over the years. When it was first completed, the lake stopped just short of where the western-most stucco houses stand. The lot now owned by the Village, between 292 and 290 Indian Trail, was designated as the children's beach.