South Lyon, Michigan

Reading Time: 6 minutes

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Geographic Coordinates: 42.461400, -83.652600

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 128071

Language: English

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South Lyon is a small city located in the southwestern part of Oakland County, Michigan, United States. The city has a population of approximately 12, 000 people and covers an area of 3.7 square miles. South Lyon is situated between Ann Arbor and Detroit, Making it an ideal location for those who want to live in a peaceful environment but still have access to the hustle and bustle of the big city. The history of South Lyon dates back to the early 19th century when it was founded as a village by settlers from New York State.

It was initially called Thompson’s Corners after one of its founders but later changed its name to South Lyon after Lucius Lyon, Who was instrumental in bringing the railroad to town. South Lyon has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture and landmarks. One such landmark is the Witch’s Hat Depot Museum which was built in 1909 as a train station for passengers traveling between Detroit and Lansing. Today it serves as a museum that showcases artifacts related to local history.

Another notable attraction in South Lyon is McHattie Park which offers residents and visitors alike opportunities for outdoor activities such as picnicking, Hiking trails, Fishing ponds, Baseball diamonds among others. The park also hosts various events throughout the year including concerts during summer months. South Lyon boasts excellent schools with high academic standards that provide quality education from kindergarten through high school level education. Additionally, There are several higher learning institutions located within driving distance from South Lyons including Eastern Michigan University (EMU), University of Michigan (UM), Washtenaw Community College among others.

For those who enjoy shopping or dining out there are plenty options available within walking distance or short drive away from downtown area where you can find local shops offering unique items ranging from antiques stores to artisanal bakeries or restaurants serving delicious cuisine ranging from traditional American fare like burgers & fries all way up specialty dishes like sushi rolls and Thai curries. South Lyon is a charming city that offers residents and visitors alike a peaceful environment to live in with easy access to all the amenities of big city living.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, Cultural attractions or quality education options, South Lyon has something for everyone.

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1. Witch’s Hat Depot Museum
2. McHattie Park
3. Island Lake Recreation Area
4. Kensington Metropark
5. Huron Valley Rail Trail
6. Erwin Orchards & Cider Mill
7. Brighton State Recreation Area
8. Maybury State Park
9. Tanglewood Golf Course
10. Lyon Oaks County Park

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• Manufacturing
• Several companies producing automotive parts, medical equipment and other industrial products
• Retail
• Many local shops and boutiques
• National chains like Walmart and Meijer
• Healthcare
• Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes
• Education
• Several public schools serving students from kindergarten through high school
• Agriculture
• Many farms producing crops like corn, soybeans and wheat
• Construction
• Opportunities for new homes and commercial buildings
• Service industry
• Businesses such as restaurants, hotels/motels etcetera serving the community’s needs

Overall, South Lyon’s diverse industries provide ample opportunities for employment and growth within the community.

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1. The founding of South Lyon in 1832 by Lucius Lyon, a prominent Michigan politician and businessman.
2. The establishment of the first railroad station in South Lyon in 1871, which helped spur growth and development in the area.
3. The construction of the Witch’s Hat Depot in 1909, a unique octagonal-shaped train station that has become an iconic landmark for the city.
4. The birthplace of James Vernor, the inventor of Vernors Ginger Ale, who was born and raised in South Lyon.
5. The establishment of several manufacturing companies in South Lyon during the early 20th century, including General Motors’ Fisher Body plant and Ford Motor Company’s Wixom Assembly Plant.
6. The incorporation of South Lyon as a city in 1930 after decades as a village.
7. A devastating tornado that struck South Lyon on July 2nd, 1997 causing significant damage to homes and businesses throughout the area.
8. Notable residents have included musician Ted Nugent and former NFL player Rob Lytle who played for Michigan Wolverines football team before being drafted by Denver Broncos.

Overall, these events have helped shape South Lyon into the thriving community it is today with a rich history that continues to be celebrated by its residents.

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1. Witch’s Hat Depot Museum
2. Huron Valley History Museum
3. Lyon Township Public Library
4. McHattie Park
5. Island Lake Recreation Area
6. Kensington Metropark
7. Maybury State Park
8. The Lyon Theater
9. Erwin Orchards & Cider Mill
10. Riverbank Golf Club

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Sports Teams in South Lyon, Michigan

1. South Lyon High School Lions
• Varsity and junior varsity programs for:
• Football
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Cross country running
• Swimming
2. South Lyon East High School Cougars
• Varsity and junior varsity programs for:
• Football
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Cross country running
• Swimming
3. Huron Valley Youth Football & Cheer
• Popular youth program for kids aged 7-14 years old
• Caters to kids who reside within the Huron Valley Schools district which includes parts of South Lyon
4. Kensington Valley Hockey Association (KVHA)
• Association that serves players from many communities around Southeast Michigan including those from South Lyon
• For ice hockey enthusiasts
5. The South Oakland A’s Baseball Club
• Established to provide quality coaching for baseball players aged 8-18 years old living within Oakland County area which includes South Lyon as well as surrounding areas such as Novi or Northville area
• For baseball lovers

Despite not having any professional sports teams, South Lyon boasts a rich sports culture with numerous youth and high school teams representing it in various leagues and tournaments.

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1. Pumpkinfest: This festival takes place every year in October and celebrates the fall season with pumpkin carving contests, live music performances, food vendors, and a parade.
2. Witch’s Hat Depot Museum & Village Festival: This festival is held every June and features historic tours of the Witch’s Hat Depot Museum & Village along with craft vendors and live music.
3. Summer Concert Series: The city hosts a summer concert series every year at McHattie Park featuring local musicians performing various genres of music.
4. Christmas in the Country: Held annually during December, this event includes holiday-themed activities such as a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa Claus, carriage rides through town and more.
5. Memorial Day Parade: The city organizes an annual Memorial Day parade to honor those who have served our country.

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions some events may be canceled or postponed so it’s recommended to check for updates before attending any event or festival.

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• South Lyon Hotel: This historic hotel and restaurant has been serving the community since 1867. They offer classic American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and steaks.
• The Lyon Cantina: A Mexican restaurant that serves traditional dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
• Witch’s Hat Brewing Company: A craft brewery that also serves a variety of pub-style food like burgers and sandwiches.
• Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill: A local chain that specializes in pizza but also offers salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
• The Yum Yum Tree: A family-owned restaurant that serves breakfast all day along with classic American fare for lunch and dinner.
• Cedar Grille: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine featuring kebabs, shawarma wraps & salads plus vegetarian options in a casual space with outdoor seating.
• Hometown Bistro: A place to enjoy comfort food like meatloaf, chicken pot pie, mac n cheese etc.
• Tripp’s Auto Diner: A diner-style eatery serving up breakfasts all day long alongside classic American eats such as burgers & fries.
• Sweetwater Tavern: American bar & grill offering BBQ ribs & chicken wings plus beer brewed on-site in a rustic setting.
• Bode’s Corned Beef House: Family-run deli dishing up corned beef sandwiches plus soups, salads, hot dogs & other classics.

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Parks and Recreation

1. McHattie Park is a great place to enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as playing on the playground, hiking the walking trails, having a picnic or playing sports.
2. Island Lake Recreation Area is located just outside of South Lyon and offers visitors the chance to participate in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and water-based activities such as canoeing and kayaking.
3. The Huron Valley Rail Trail is a 12-mile trail that runs through South Lyon providing an excellent opportunity for exercise while enjoying scenic views.
4. The Witch’s Hat Depot Museum & Historic Village in South Lyon showcases restored buildings from the late 1800s to early 1900s giving visitors insight into the town’s history.
5. Kensington Metropark offers plenty of recreational opportunities including boating on Kent Lake, golfing at its course or exploring its many hiking trails.
6. Riverbank Golf Club is an affordable public golf course located in downtown South Lyon suitable for all skill levels.
7. Bartlett’s Softball Complex is a popular spot for local softball leagues with several well-maintained fields available throughout summer months.
8. McFadden-Smith Nature Park located just north of downtown South Lyon provides an opportunity to explore Michigan’s natural beauty with over 70 acres of wetlands and woodlands accessible via hiking trails winding through it.

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Collect Moments, Not Things.

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