Not far from Chicago's city limits, but quite distant from the city in its ambience, Des Plaines offers an appropriate gateway to the Northwest Suburbs. Uncluttered streets stretch out into the contours of a prairie topography, which, although by no means undeveloped, nonetheless recalls this village's farmland roots. A small-town feeling greets the visitor who comes by rail; the unassuming downtown has a handful of shops and restaurants, and a few contemporary buildings, but in no way ressembles the mall-like spreads farther out in Arlington Heights. Des Plaines can also make the unique claim to fame of having had the first franchised McDonalds, and the corporation celebrates this history by maintaing the vintage sign (pictured) and hosting a museum to the fast food giant's legacy.
