Looking for small-town charm with big community spirit? Head to South Lyon! Located in metro Detroit’s northwest corner, South Lyon offers friendly neighborhoods, scenic trails, historic attractions, and vibrant local events. Whether you’re biking the Huron Valley Rail Trail or browsing downtown boutiques, South Lyon delivers relaxed vibes with a lively heart.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit South Lyon is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Warmer months bring outdoor festivals, biking, and farmers markets. Fall offers crisp air, colorful foliage, and pumpkin-picking nearby.
How to Get There
- By Car: South Lyon is located off I-96 and US-23, about 45 minutes from Detroit and 30 minutes from Ann Arbor.
- By Air: Fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), then drive about 45 minutes to South Lyon.
- By Train: Amtrak service is available in nearby Ann Arbor or Novi (25–30 minutes away).
Where to Stay
- Hampton Inn Brighton – Comfortable option just 15 minutes away with complimentary breakfast and indoor pool.
- Holiday Inn Express Wixom – Convenient lodging near shopping and restaurants, about 20 minutes from downtown South Lyon.
- Airbnb & Vacation Rentals – Choose from quiet suburban homes, cozy guest suites, or rustic cottages nearby.
Top Attractions
⮕ Salem-South Lyon District Library
Explore books, events, and affordable educational stuff for the whole family.
The South Lyon Public Library was founded in 1938 by a group of women belonging to the Tuesday Club. It was officially opened on March 20, 1939 in one room of a vacant store. People of the community had redecorated the room and donated 1600 books. In 1942 the Library outgrew its original location and moved to the McWhorter house, now the educational building of the Presbyterian Church. The Library had more room, more books, and more paid help. The current building at 9800 Pontiac Trail was opened on May 2, 1998 with 15,000 square feet of space, capable of accommodating up to 60,000 books. In 2009, the Library added 5,000 square feet to accommodate a teen wing, computer lab, and staff space. The parking lot was enlarged and a drive-up book return was added.
9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI 48178, Phone: 248-437-6431
⮕ Witches Hat Brewing Company
Savor local brews and enjoy a casual weekend night with couples.
Witches Hat Brewing Copany in South Lyon, Michigan, started with a small 36-person bar to grow quickly into a new 15bbl brewhouse and room to expand with a growing collection of fermentors and all kinds of wooden barrels. The Tap Room tripled in size and moved to a new location in 2014. Witches hat is currently experimenting with sour aging and state of the art hop infusion techniques. They make a large range of beers and no matter what your favorite brew is, you will find something you will enjoy. Their rustic chic tap room is large and friendly, with massive tables made of wood slabs with live edge, a wall of mugs and magnificent stained glass. It is a popular gathering place and there are often evens with live music. The food is supplied by a large number of food trucks .Witches Hat beer can be found in stores, bars and restaurants all over Michigan
601 S Lafayette St, South Lyon, MI 48178, Phone: 248-486-2595
Romantic Ideas:
⮕ Huron Valley Rail Trail
Walk along scenic paths and admire peaceful fall views during your trip.
The Huron Valley Trail is a biking and hiking trail that follows the former Grand Trunk Railroad. It runs from the City of South Lyon, through Lyon Township and into Milford Township, continuing south on Old Plank Road to Pontiac Trail. Pontiac Trail follows for about a mile the north side of Lyon Oaks County Park to the Wixom City boundary. The trail’s extension to the west runs through the Lyon Township Park and along Grand River Avenue and through Island Lake State Recreation Area. The entire trail is paved. The section that runs through Lyon and Milford Townships is fairly flat with soft, gentle grades. The extension to Island Lake has several hills, offering more challenge. .The Huron Valley Trail provides connections to more than 25 miles of other trails.
Huron Valley Trail, New Hudson, MI 48165
⮕ The Lyon Theater
See classic films and enjoy a cheap, easy night out in town.
The Lyon Theatre in South Lyon, Michigan, is a single-screen movie house located in the historic Phillips Funeral Home's furniture store on East Lake Street in South Lyon. The renovation of the building was completed in 1945 and the movie house was opened as the LYON with the film “Our Vines Have Tender Grapes” and “Hit the Hay!” later that week. The theatre changed many owners since. Under new ownership in 2015 it was completely renovated, the lobby has been refreshed and new food and drink items have been added. It now has new Dolby Digital Surround Sound and Real D 3D digital theater projection systems. It is showing only films that have been reviewed as good, well-received by audiences, and recognized with significant awards.
126 E Lake St, South Lyon, MI 48178, Phone: 248-446-9090
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- McHattie Park – Enjoy open green space, walking trails, a historic village, and summer events.
- Witch’s Hat Depot Museum – Explore South Lyon’s railroad history in a restored 1909 train depot.
- South Lyon Farmers Market – Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats on Saturdays (May–October).
- Kensington Metropark (20 min) – Swim, kayak, hike, or golf in this expansive park filled with lakes and woodlands.
Where to Eat
- Lake Street Tavern – American fare, craft beer, and a cozy downtown atmosphere with live music on weekends.
- South Lyon Hotel – Classic spot serving burgers, pizza, and comfort food with a rooftop patio in warm weather.
- Brown Dog Creamery – Local favorite for small-batch ice cream and sweet treats in the heart of town.
If you are interested in local events:
- South Lyon Pumpkinfest (September) – Celebrate fall with parades, crafts, live entertainment, and a pumpkin-decorating contest.
- Depot Day (October) – Community event featuring history exhibits, family fun, and hayrides at McHattie Park.
- Cool Yule Festival (December) – Holiday lights, carriage rides, and downtown cheer to kick off the winter season.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of South Lyon, Michigan:
- Ann Arbor (25–30 min) – Stroll through campus, explore eclectic shops, and enjoy a vibrant foodie scene.
- Kensington Metropark (15–20 min) – Enjoy boating, hiking, and birdwatching in one of southeast Michigan’s top parks.
- Brighton (15–20 min) – Ski in winter, shop downtown, or hike the trails at Island Lake Recreation Area.
- Novi (20–25 min) – Visit Twelve Oaks Mall, catch a movie, or dine at a variety of international restaurants.
- Pinckney Recreation Area (25–30 min) – Explore rustic trails, lakes, and campgrounds for a day immersed in nature.
FAQ:
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Where is South Lyon located?
- South Lyon is a city in Southwestern Oakland County in Michigan, and is part of Metro Detroit.
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What is a notable landmark in McHattie Park?
- South Lyon's McHattie Park is the location of the Witch's Hat Depot Museum and Historic Village.
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What events take place at McHattie Park?
- McHattie Park and the Museum and Historic Village frequently host public events and Concerts in the Park in summertime.
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When was the Salem-South Lyon District Library founded?
- The Salem-South Lyon District Library was founded in 1938.
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What is the Huron Valley Trail?
- The Huron Valley Trail is a biking and hiking trail that follows the former Grand Trunk Railroad.
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What is the Lyon Theatre?
- The Lyon Theatre is a movie house established in 1945.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Salem-South Lyon District Library
- 2. Witches Hat Brewing Company
- 3. Huron Valley Rail Trail
- 4. The Lyon Theater