Lyons is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 10,458 residents. Lyons is located approximately 13 miles southwest of Chicago and is considered part of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Lyons, the village had a population of 10,729 at the 2010 census, which decreased to 10,458 residents as of the 2020 census. This represents a 2.5% population decline over that decade.
The racial makeup of Lyons in 2010 was 66.3% White, 5.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 24.3% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 49.6% of the population.
There were 3,091 households in the village, with 3.34 persons per household on average. About 10.2% of households had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, the Lyons economy was dependent on manufacturing, processing and transportation. Major employers included Electro-Motive Diesel and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
However, manufacturing declined towards the end of the 20th century. Today, the major employers in Lyons are focused on retail, healthcare, education and other services. Major companies headquartered or with significant operations in Lyons include:
- Mariano’s (grocery store chain)
- EEI Global (business services)
- Riverside Healthcare (health system)
- Lyons School District 103
- Lyons Township High School District 204
Other major area employers just outside of Lyons include Anixter International in Berwyn and The Container Store in Forest Park.
The shift from manufacturing to service industries has caused economic struggles for some residents. However, local economic development efforts are focused on attracting new businesses and development, particularly in downtown Lyons.
Tourism
Lyons has several attractions that draw tourists and visitors each year. One of the most popular is the Chicago Botanic Garden, a 385-acre botanical garden featuring 27 different gardens and four natural habitats. The garden hosts over 1 million visitors annually.
The Lyons Township Pool and Park is another popular outdoor attraction during summer months. Built in 1925, the pool complex underwent major renovations in 2012.
Downtown Lyons has several eateries, bars and shops that attract visitors as well. Popular spots include Alps Restaurant’s Roast Beef and Pizza, Murphy’s Red Hots, Don’s Fish Market, Snap Fitness 24/7 and more.
Heritage lovers can visit the Athenaeum Center to learn about the history of Lyons and view rotating exhibits of artwork. The Center is housed in a former church built in 1871.
Annual events like the Lyons Township High School Jazz Fest, Taste of Lyons festival, outdoor concerts and a weekly farmer’s market in the summer also attract visitors.
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
One of Lyons’ most notable landmarks is the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The canal connects the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River, allowing shipping traffic to bypass the Chicago River’s outlet into Lake Michigan.
Construction on the canal began in 1892 and was completed in 1922. The stretch running through Lyons between the Chicago Portage National Historic Site and the Lockport Lock and Dam is over 25 feet deep and 160 feet wide.
Today, the canal is used primarily for flood control, although some recreational boats and tour boats frequent it as well. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011.
Government
Lyons has a mayor-trustee form of government. The Village of Lyons government website provides information on elected officials, village services, news and local events.
Residents of Lyons vote for the Mayor, Clerk and six Village Trustees. The current Mayor is Christopher Getty, who was elected in 2021 after serving four years as a Village Trustee.
The government oversees municipal services like police, public works, building & zoning and more for residents and businesses in Lyons. Village Board meetings are open to the public.
Chicago Bears Summer Home
An interesting historical fact about Lyons is that it served as the original summer training location for the Chicago Bears football team from 1921 to 1974.
The Bears held their pre-season training camp on the grounds of Lyons Township High School during those years. Team founder George Halas had close ties to the village.
Though they have long since moved their summer home to other locations, the Bears still honor their history and connection to Lyons. In 2019, the team celebrated the 100th anniversary of their start in Lyons with hometown fans.
“`