A city in Will County, Lockport sits on the eastern banks of the Des Plaines River, more than 30 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Also known as "the City of Historic Pride" and "The Old Canal Town," it was named after the locks on the Illinois and Michigan Canal and claims one of the best-preserved canal sites in the country. The city experienced growth from the mid-1800s, playing a significant role in the development of Chicago. The old downtown was designated as a historic district in 1974, and soon after, residential development sped up. Between 1990 and 2000, the population increased by about 60%; today, over 26,000 people live in Lockport.
The city is mainly a bedroom community with little industry in the city limits. However, nearby Romeoville and Joliet feature opportunities and the Metra line connects to downtown Chicago. Instead, Lockport is known for its events. Dave Herman, Director of Recreation for Lockport Township Park District, says, "Military Weekend History at Dellwood Park in September brings the community together the most." This family-friendly event includes historical battle reenactments from conflicts dating from the Civil War until the Vietnam War. Other events in the city are Cruisin' into Lockport, Restaurant Week, a downtown cookie walk and Old Canal Days, a summer festival with a parade, a carnival, fireworks, a historic trolley tour and more.
Lockport is named after its pivotal role in the creation of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.
Cruisin' into Lockport is a summer car show held weekly on Monday nights.
1/2
Parks, golf and the outdoors
Lockport has over a dozen community parks, with the 150-acre Dellwood Park being one of the largest. It has an indoor gym, a performing arts center, a skate park and a disc golf course. On the western banks of the Des Plaines River, the 320-acre Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve has protected wildlife habitats and a half-mile-long natural surface trail. Gaylord Donnelly Trail is an 11-mile paved path from Romeoville to Joliet along the old I & M Canal, offering views of an abandoned amusement park, the old Joliet Prison and the ruins of Joliet Iron Works. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail provides over 7 miles of walking and biking.
In the north part of the city, the members-only Lockport Golf Club sits on the bluffs with a view of the I & M Canal Corridor. It's been operating for over 60 years and features a 9-hole course. In the southeast, Broken Arrow Golf Club is open to the public, with three 9-hole courses and a driving range.
The disc golf course at Dellwood Park has 27 holes and a disc golf shop.
The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail has over 7 miles of walking and biking in Lockport.
1/2
Shopping along 9th and 159th streets
Much of Lockport's retail is found along East 9th Street, which turns into 159th Street. Together, they are part of state Route 7, which crosses the Des Plaines River from the west and goes through the historic downtown. Specialty shops and locally owned businesses have their place here, amongst a mix of eateries and pubs ranging from coffee shops and taquerias to craft breweries.
About a mile from downtown, East 9th Street curves northeast, heading toward more suburban-style shopping strips offering national brands, fast-casual restaurants, automotive shops and banks. Regency Point Shopping Center is the site of the post office and DMV, as well as businesses and eateries.
Taco Patio is a family-owned restaurant offering classic Mexican fare in a casual setting.
Papa Joe's of Lockport serves pizza, pasta, and other Italian favorites.
1/2
Modern homes that sell in just 18 days
Each part of this city offers unique home options. The oldest houses, dating to the 1880s through the 1920s, feature a mix of Colonial Revival and Victorian styles. These are concentrated close to downtown along a handful of streets east of North State Street, south of Thornton Street and north of Dellwood Park. Modern developments are spread to the east, north and south, in subdivisions such as Creekside Estates and Parkside Estates. These homes were mostly built in the 1990s and early 2000s, with new construction still popping up. The median home price is about $365,000. Homes sell fast at just 18 days on the market compared to the US average of 44 days.
Close to downtown, Colonial Revival homes are some of the oldest in Lockport.
Victorian homes in Lockport date back to the 1880s through the 1920s.
1/2
Three school districts and Lewis University
Three school districts serve Lockport's students. Prekindergarten through eighth graders on the city’s south side attend Lockport School District No. 91. It has a B-plus rating on Niche and is home to one elementary school and one middle school. Will County School District No. 92 is much larger and primarily serves students on the city’s northern half. It also has a B-plus rating and has three elementary schools and one middle school. Herman says Lockport schools benefit from community connections. "The Park District does cooperative projects with the local school districts," he says. "One of the main ones we host is Oasis, an after-school daycare program."
The Lockport Township High School District 205 has a B-plus grade and is one of the largest school districts in the state. It includes two campuses, less than 2 miles apart. Lockport Township High School Central is the freshman center, and LTHS East is for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Highlights include a strong STEM program, state-championship-winning sports teams and over 35 dual credit classes affiliated with area colleges. The East campus includes a golf course, greenhouse and a swimming pool with a 600-seat viewing area. The campus Community Wellness Center is open to Lockport residents. Residences in the northwest section of Lockport may be zoned for Romeoville High School, graded A-minus.
Just west of Lockport is Lewis University, a private institution that enrolls around 6,500 students. In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs, the school has a flight team and a corporate airport.
Lockport Township High School Central has an overall A grade according to Niche.
Lewis University is a private institution that enrolls around 6,500 students.
1/2
The Gaylord Building and art exhibits
The Gaylord Building, located in the heart of the city, is the spot for historical immersion. Dating to 1838, it highlights the region's canal-centric past through artifacts, photography and other exhibits. The Will County Historical Museum and Research Center has exhibits, a research and genealogical room and the Heritage Village Open-Air Museum, which includes several relocated buildings dating to the 1830s through the 1880s. The Lockport Gallery is part of the Illinois State Museum network and highlights local artists with themed, rotating exhibitions.
The Gaylord Building highlights Lockport’s canal-centric past through informative exhibits.
The Will County Historical Museum and Research Center has many records related to the canal.
1/2
Metra Station, Route 834 and major interstates
Lockport has its own Metra station, with trains running on the Heritage Corridor line. Joliet is one stop to the south; Chicago’s Union Station is only five stops northwest. Pace Suburban Bus Route 834 stops at Lockport Station, running between Joliet and Downer's Grove. Major roads such as Interstate 55 and 355 are easily accessible. While the private Lewis University Airport is just west of the city, it doesn't offer commercial flights. Instead, those wanting to fly commercially head to Midway International Airport, 30 miles northeast or O'Hare International Airport, 40 miles northeast. UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook is the closest major medical center, 9 miles north of Lockport.
Low crime rates and typical weather patterns
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, in 2023, Lockport's violent crime rate was a quarter of the US average, and its property crime rate was one-tenth the national average. The city is somewhat prone to flooding, particularly in the areas closest to the Des Plaines. Augurisk gives it a 54% disaster risk in the flood sector, indicating a significant environmental threat. The city experiences all four seasons and averages around 30 inches of snow annually. There are train tracks on Lockport’s western side, which cause noise concerns for residents nearby.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
