Glenview was first settled in 1833 by pioneers after the Winnebago tribe gave up the last of their land in the area. The village has been called several different names including South Northfield, then North Branch as well as Oak Glen. It eventually became Glenview as it is known today.
The closure of the Glenview Naval Air Station allowed for
the Glen as it is now known to be redeveloped. Neighborhood parks were created, Gallery Park and Little Bear Garden, and the Kohl Children's Museum was relocated to the area.