The Village of Lemont, Illinois

The 20th century brought industrialization to Lemont with the growth of steel, chemical, and oil companies, as well as newer, high-tech complexes, including the Argonne National Laboratory, a science and engineering research facility operated by the University of Chicago for the United States Department of Energy, and employing some 5,000 people. On the edge of town is a CITGO Petroleum refinery, and along the Sanitary & Ship Canal, there are several manufacturing firms, such as the Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete Company. By the early 1900s, Lemont’s quarries declined as styles changed and builders began to use Bedford limestone from Indiana and less expensive materials like concrete. Over time, the quarries filled up with water and, along with the unused I&M Canal and its adjacent trails and paths, as well as the Des Plaines River, which runs through the Village, the area, which was christened the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, became a recreation destination with fishing, boating, hiking, and biking opportunities that has attracted, and continues to attract, both residents and visitors, alike. “So that’s been a wonderful amenity that Lemonters have enjoyed for decades,” says Jason Berry, Lemont’s Economic Development Director. “People love to come out to Lemont to recreate, and we’re a great weekend destination. We get kayakers coming out to the Des Plaines River; we have our Du Page County Forest Preserve and Cook County Forest Preserve to our north and to our east, and Will County Forest Preserve to the west has a trail system, as well. From downtown Lemont you can hop on your bike and you have 260 miles of trails to play on.” Mayor John Egofske agrees. “We have these natural assets so outdoor recreation is at the top of the list,” he notes. “We really want to focus on what makes us distinctive and what separates Lemont from the rest of Chicagoland,” says Berry. An upcoming project that will further capitalize on Lemont’s recreational opportunities is the THE V I LLAGE OF LEMONT , I LL INOI S Quarry Quarry