Lainek

Your Guide to the World

Lynwood, IL

Lynwood is a village in Cook County, Illinois, founded in 1959. Located 25 miles south of the Chicago Loop, it has grown from farmland into a diverse suburban community of over 9,000 residents.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the village is the Village of Lynwood. It is a municipality located in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 25 miles south of the Chicago Loop . Lynwood operates under a Village form of government with a Village Mayor, currently Jada Curry . Cook County is the second-most populous county in the United States and the historic heart of the Chicago metropolitan area.

Founding Date and Age

Lynwood was officially incorporated as a village in 1959 . The 1960 census, the first after its incorporation, recorded just 255 residents . While the village itself is relatively young at 66 years old, the area was settled by farmers as early as the late 1840s . The village's motto is: "A progressive, growing community of families and friends" .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Lynwood is located at the geographic coordinates 41.5235° N, 87.551° W . It sits in Bloom Township, bordered by the Indiana state line to the east, with the city of Chicago to the north. The village is situated on a relatively flat plain characteristic of the Chicago metropolitan area. According to the 2021 census, Lynwood has a total area of 5.04 square miles (13.05 km²), with 4.96 square miles (12.85 km²) of land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km²) of water .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Originally an agricultural settlement, Lynwood has evolved into a primarily residential suburban community within the Chicago metropolitan area . While largely residential, its economy is supported by local services, schools, and municipal employment. Its location provides easy access to the larger job markets of Chicago and the industrial Calumet region . The village also functions as a local hub for community life, with institutions like the Lynwood Community Center and Public Library playing a central role .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Lynwood was 9,116 . This places it in the category of a small town or small suburban village. The population density was 1,836.42 per square mile (709.11/km²). The racial makeup of the village in 2020 was 75.35% African American, 13.02% White, 0.45% Asian, 0.13% Native American, and 8.25% Hispanic or Latino of any race . This represents a significant demographic shift from the 2000 census, reflecting a diverse and changing community .

"Visiting Card" of the City (Briefly)

Lynwood offers visitors a quiet, authentic glimpse into suburban life on Chicago's southern edge. It's a place where the region's agricultural past meets its residential present, best experienced at community events like the annual Summer Festival, or by exploring local landmarks such as the Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural that marks a pivotal point in American road history. The true charm of Lynwood lies in its sense of community and its unpretentious, small-town atmosphere .

Landmarks

Illinois Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural

Located at 21490 East Lincoln Highway, this mural is one of 35 interpretive murals created by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition along the National Scenic Byway. Its location in Lynwood is highly significant, as the village marks the eastern terminus of the Lincoln Highway's route through Illinois. The mural's striking design tells the story of how the Lincoln Highway began, depicting Carl G. Fisher, the "Father of the Lincoln Highway." Smaller images painted within illustrate elements of his life that helped turn his dream of the first transcontinental highway into a reality. The background of the mural shows the entire Lincoln Highway route, with a star on Fisher's home state of Indiana .

Local Community Landmarks

Lynwood's charm is found in its community-focused spaces. The Lynwood Public Library and the Lynwood Community Center serve as hubs for local activity. The Community Center is a true all-rounder, hosting badminton matches, swimming, and even weekly karaoke events . Lynwood Park offers a green space for relaxation with a playground and a small lake where ducks gather—a perfect spot for a picnic . The historical Lynwood Fire Station Museum, housed in a former 1920s firehouse, tells the story of local firefighting .

Historic Roads

Two of Lynwood's roads carry deep historical significance. The Glenwood-Dyer Road (in part Illinois Route 83) runs through the center of Lynwood, following the path of an ancient trail that connected the old Sauk Trail at what is now Dyer, Indiana, with the old Vincennes/Hubbard's Trail near Thornton, Illinois. At the south edge of the village, Route 30 follows the alignment of the old transcontinental Lincoln Highway, designated in 1922. Before that year, the Lincoln Highway followed the Sauk Trail until meeting the Dixie Highway in South Chicago Heights .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Lynwood has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. It features long, warm, and humid summers, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with mostly cloudy skies. This is typical of the Upper Midwest region of the United States .

Average Temperatures Throughout the Year

The warm season lasts from late May to late September, with average daily highs above 23°C (73°F). The hottest month is July, with an average high of 29°C (84°F) and an average low of 18°C (64°F). The cold season lasts from December to early March, with average daily highs below 5°C (41°F). The coldest month is January, with an average low of -8°C (18°F) and a high of -1°C (30°F). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from -9°C (16°F) to 29°C (84°F), rarely dropping below -20°C (-4°F) or rising above 33°C (91°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Lynwood receives consistent precipitation throughout the year. The wetter season lasts from late March to early October, with a greater than 26% chance of precipitation on any given day. June is the wettest month, with an average of 11.2 days of rain and around 96 mm of rainfall. The drier season lasts from October to March. January is the driest month, with only 4.7 days of precipitation, averaging 20.5 mm of rain. Snowfall is common from November through March, with February typically seeing the most snow, averaging around 97 mm .

Sunshine and Daylight

The amount of daylight in Lynwood varies significantly over the year. The longest day is around June 20th, with 15 hours and 12 minutes of daylight. The shortest day is around December 21st, with just 9 hours and 9 minutes of daylight. The sunniest period, with the clearest skies, is from mid-June to mid-October. August is the clearest month, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 67% of the time .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Based on climate data, the best time to visit Lynwood for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-September .

Transport

Public Transportation System

Lynwood is served by Pace, the suburban bus division of the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Route 358 provides bus service, connecting Lynwood to destinations across the south suburbs of Chicago . While public transport is available, wait times may be longer than in a larger city .

Ride-Hailing and Other Services

Ride-hailing services like Uber are available in Lynwood, offering residents and visitors an alternative way to get around. The Uber app allows users to request various ride types, from standard UberX to larger options for groups. Rides can be scheduled in real-time or reserved up to 90 days in advance. Uber Eats also provides food delivery from local restaurants in Lynwood .

Major Highways and Roads

Lynwood's location offers easy access to several major roads that are historically and regionally significant. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) and Illinois Route 83 (Glenwood-Dyer Road) are key thoroughfares through the village . Additionally, the village is situated between State Route 394 and the Indiana state line, providing direct links to the wider interstate highway system and neighboring states .

Airports in the Region

While Lynwood does not have its own airport, it is located within a reasonable distance from several major airports that serve the Chicago area. Ride-hailing services are available for trips to and from these airports. The nearest major airport is Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Trips to or from Chicago airports that are booked via Uber are subject to a surcharge .

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Lynwood is home to several healthcare facilities that serve the local community, offering a range of services from primary care to specialized treatment.

Lynwood Medical Center

This leading facility provides comprehensive medical services for patients of all ages, with a team of skilled physicians specializing in various fields. Specialties include:

Contact Details:

Lynwood General Hospital

As a full-service hospital, Lynwood General Hospital is equipped with advanced technology and a skilled healthcare team to provide exceptional care. Specialties include:

Contact Details:

Lynwood Community Clinic

This clinic focuses on providing primary care services to the local community. Services offered include:

Contact Details:

Lynwood Psychiatric Hospital

This hospital specializes in providing comprehensive mental health services. Services provided include:

Contact Details:

Lynwood Children’s Hospital

This specialized facility focuses on providing pediatric care to infants, children, and adolescents. Services offered include:

Contact Details:

Discover new destinations