Electric Line Train Station Dellwood Park

Old Photograph Dellwood Park

This last Wednesday, I was walking along the Illinois Michigan Canal in Lockport towards Joliet.  As I walked south, I encountered a sign for Dellwood Park.  Not knowing much about this area, I decided to investigate and do research. I have enclosed my photographs.

Dellwood Park was constructed in 1905 by the Chicago and Joliet Electric Railway Company.  This was developed as a means to increase ridership.  Construction costs were approximately $300,000.  Included in the park were a man made lagoon (created by damming the Fraction Run Creek), waterfall, boat house, dance hall, grandstand for races, merry go round, open air theatre, and a restaurant.

Portion of Dam Dellwood Park

Dam

Limestone Cliffs Dellwood Park

Dellwood Park

Dellwood Park

Dellwood Park
The Park became a great success.  Thousands of people attended on week ends.

It was in operation for about 30 years.  It was eventually abandoned.  The boat house burned down in the late 1930’s.  The dam and other structures remain.

Additional photos from 5/2017