Elyria, founded in 1817, is small town America at its best. Located about 30 miles west of Cleveland, it is a livable, friendly, walkable city. Residents report that when four cars are lined up at a stoplight it’s considered a traffic jam. There’s a special charm to its postcard pretty town square, lovely 19th century homes, historic buildings, and old fashioned displays of community spirit and civic pride that regularly include parades, ice cream socials, and holiday celebrations in the park for the whole family.
Built on the banks of the Black River, Elyria is endowed with a beautiful waterfall and 130 acre park a few blocks from the city center. Just seven miles from Lake Erie and linked to the county metropark system, it offers opportunities for outdoor recreation in every season.
CityMusic plays at St. Mary Church. The handsome steepled brick structure was completed in 1886. According to the Reverend Charles Diedrick, who currently leads the Roman Catholic congregation, his grandfather was the twelfth baby baptized in St. Mary. Three other houses of worship surround Ely Square: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church,
built in 1875; First United Methodist Church, erected in 1925; and First Congregational Church, dedicated in 1898 and known for its large Tiffany stained glass windows. Louis Comfort Tiffany himself came out from New York city to oversee the installation.
When Heman Ely first arrived from Massachusetts this part of the Western Reserve was all forests and bears.
The railroad came in 1853 and by 1900 the town he established had become a bustling commercial center.
Today it offers a know-your-neighbors kind of lifestyle but with easy access to Cleveland’s urban amenities.
A citywide planning process is underway that stresses the twin goals of preserving and honoring their cultural heritage and fostering economic development. Learn More
There’s prime rib (Moss’s), authentic Lebanese hummus, (Zaki’s) freshly baked pastries and a steaming cup of cappuccino (Jim’s) to be found within walking distance of the Square in downtown Elyria. Learn More
Find out all there is to do here from biking along the Northcoast Inland Trail to searching for flea market treasures. Learn More
