Interestingly, the Des Plaines River at Lyons has witnessed quite a bit of history. This river’s story is intertwined with explorers, trade, and even a bit of amusement.
The Des Plaines River originates in Wisconsin. It flows south through Illinois. Near Lyons, the Des Plaines River shifts southwest. It runs parallel to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The river eventually meets the Kankakee River near Joliet. Together, they form the Illinois River.
Back in 1673, the Des Plaines River played a key role for explorers. Louis Joliet and Father Pierre Marquette sought a western passage to the Pacific. Local Pottawatomie Indians suggested a shortcut. This shortcut led them to the Des Plaines River. They discovered “Le Portage” here.
“Le Portage” became known as the Chicago Portage. It was a half-mile-wide strip of land. It connected the Chicago River and the Des Plaines River. Travelers could carry canoes and supplies across it. The Chicago Portage became the “Gateway to the West”. It boosted Chicago’s importance in world trade.
Interestingly, the Des Plaines River at Lyons also saw some recreational activity later on. In 1908, George Hofmann Jr built a dam on the river. He wanted to generate water power. Next to the dam, he built the Hofmann Tower. It became the centerpiece of a park. People enjoyed boat rides and concerts here. For years, the Hofmann Tower was the tallest building west of Chicago’s Loop.
Today, the Hofmann Tower remains a local landmark. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Chicago Portage National Historic Site is nearby in Ottawa Trail Woods. It marks the mingling of Native American and French history.
The Des Plaines River at Lyons tells a tale of transformation. From a path for explorers to a source of recreation, its waters have shaped the region. So next time you pass by the Des Plaines River at Lyons, remember its rich past. It is a story of ingenuity and change.