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Lyons, IL

Frequently asked questions

Lyons, IL

Lyons is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 10,817. The Chicago Portage National Historic Site is located in Lyons.

Lyons is located at 41°48′48″N 87°49′19″W (41.813258, -87.821812). According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Lyons has a total area of 2.27 square miles (5.88 km²), of which 2.21 square miles (5.72 km²) (or 97.05%) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km²) (or 2.95%) is water.

Lyons was incorporated in 1888, though activity in the area dates back much further. In 1673 French Explorer Louis Joliet and Jesuit missionary Father Pierre Marquette left Green Bay, Wisconsin, by canoe in search of a western passage to the Pacific. As they traveled into the Spanish-controlled area of Louisiana, they realized that the mighty Mississippi River drained into the already well-known Gulf of Mexico. With winter approaching, they headed north as quickly as possible. To save time, the Potawatomi who were with them were encouraged to change their route to the Illinois River. The shortcut led to the Des Plaines River and caused the French travelers to discover “Le Portage.” This half-mile-wide area of land connecting the Chicago River and the Des Plaines River, over which they could carry their canoes and supplies, was to become the discovery for which they would both become famous. Later known as the Chicago Portage, this small area became the “Gateway to the West” and was used by thousands of early settlers and traders traveling both east and west. The discovery of “Le Portage” was part of the impetus that led to Chicago becoming a center for world trade.

Louis Joliet was the first to propose a canal between the two waterways, which would be constructed around 200 years later in 1848 with the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In time, the part of the I&M Canal that connected the south branch of the Chicago River with the Des Plaines River was replaced with the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which was completed in 1900. Today, a statue stands in Lyons at the Chicago Portage National Historic Sight just north of Interstate 55 along Harlem Avenue, commemorating this historic National Heritage Corridor which stretches southwest through La Salle, Illinois.

Lyons is a working-class area, and though much of the nearby manufacturing work has dried up (e.g., Electro-Motive & Reynolds Aluminum) small specialty businesses have emerged. The city has historically been home to a large Polish American community since the turn of the 20th century, which is reflected in three of the town's street names: Pulaski after Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski as well as Warsaw and Cracow. Lyons is the subject of a recently published book by Mark Athitakis, a native of Lyons, detailing the town's rich and colorful history.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Lyons. Home Health Care, a renowned healthcare institution, serves the community by providing comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lyons Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. A popular option includes Xsport Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lyons, such as the Ottawa Trail Woods, Cermak Woods, and Salt Creek Greenway: Black Paved Section. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Lyons, IL are Brookfield Zoo, Cermak Family Aquatic Center, and Chicago Portage National Historic Site.

Population: 10,817 (2020). ZIP Code: 60534. Area code: 708. Elevation: 620 ft (190 m). Area: 2.27 sq mi (5.89 km²).

FAQs

Is Lyons, IL a good place to live?

Living in Lyons offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lyons, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families live in Lyons and residents tend to lean liberal.

What is the crime rate in Lyons, IL?

Lyons is safer than the majority of cities, towns, and villages in America (82%) and also has a lower crime rate than 73% of the communities in Illinois, according to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime data. Your chance of becoming a victim in Lyons is one in 281 based on the total crime rate (violent and property crimes, combined). In America overall, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 43.

What is the poverty rate in Lyons, IL?

In 2022, the median household income of Lyons households was $59,399. Lyons households made slightly more than Seaton households ($59,375) and Peoria Heights households ($59,286). However, 6.3% of Lyons families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia 

Village of Lyons 

Home Health Care

Lyons Parks and Recreation Department 

Xsport Fitness

Ottawa Trail Woods

Cermak Woods 

Salt Creek Greenway: Black Paved Section

Brookfield Zoo

Cermak Family Aquatic Center

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Illinois Demographics

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