The former site of the Fairyland Amusement Park. Lyons Illinois.December 2013. In business from 1938 to 1977. sold, demolished and redeveloped begining in late 1978.

The former site of the Fairyland Amusement Park. Lyons Illinois. December 2013. In business from 1938 to 1977. sold, demolished and redeveloped begining in late 1978., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The greater Chicagoland area was once the home to several family owned and operated seasonal amusement parks.

Most had vanished from the Chicago area by the late 1970's and early 1980's. The Fairlyland Amusement Park located along the west side of South Harlem Avenue at West 40th Street in Lyons Illinois, was just one of those places. Fairyland was in business from 1938 until 1977. It was eventually sold in 1978, and demolished in October of that year.

Originally the site of a Zayre and later Ames Department store after the site was redeveloped upon the completion of the amusement park's demolition, today it is the site of a Marshall's Department Store, and an X Sport Fitness Gym.

Fairyland was a tiny seasonal amusement park, that featured lovely well landscaped grounds, and portable carnival style rides on the midway along South Harlem Avenue. I visited Fairyland a handful of times with my family when I was growing up during the 1970's.

B.T.W There is also a short silent home movie video of Fairyland taken in 1974 on You Tube.
It is entitled "Fairyland. Lyons Illinois 1974".

Although Fairyland is long gone, I am here to tell about it so future generations of Lyons Illinois residents may appreciate it as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.