Coal City is an Illinois village with mining history
The Village of Coal City is in Grundy County, about 24 and 64 miles southwest of Joliet and Chicago , respectively. As the name suggests, it grew around the mining industry, which brought settlers here in the mid-1800s.
Neighboring villages share the mining history. “Coal City, Diamond and Carbon Hill are three separate villages, but they have the same school, library and fire districts,” says Cindy Starks, the assistant director of the Coal City Public Library District. Coal City is very community minded: “We say we’re ‘Coaler strong,’ for the Coal City Coalers.” The high school mascot is Charlie Coaler, a comic book-style miner holding a pickaxe. The village was incorporated in 1881. According to U.S. Census estimates, the population of Coal City is about 5,100.
Vintage bungalows, ranch style homes, contemporaries and duplexes
Some of the oldest homes in Coal City are late 19th and early 20th century bungalows. Later, ranch-style homes were common, followed by contemporaries, townhouses and duplexes. One of the subdivisions with new construction is Meadow Estates, which is less than a mile south of Division Street. Prices typically range from about $130,000 to $680,000.
Broadway Street is Coal City’s downtown commercial corridor
Coal City’s downtown, along Broadway Street, has independently owned businesses such as gift shop The Queen Bees and Rolando’s Furniture & Appliances. Chains include CVS. Among the places to eat are Knockin’ Boots Restaurant for quesadillas, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. Also on Broadway are El Patron Mexican Kitchen and Geo’s Pizza, which offers outdoor seating. Berkot’s Super Foods has a wide selection of grocery items. Additionally, a Jewel-Osco that opened in 2024 is several miles to the east, in Diamond. There’s more in Morris , about 15 miles to the northwest.
High grades and a $5-million improvement plan for Coal City schools
The Coal City Early Childhood Center earns a B-minus grade from Niche and serves prekindergarten through first grade. Second and third graders may attend Coal City Elementary School, which receives a B. Coal City Intermediate School is for fourth and fifth grades, and Coal City Middle School accommodates sixth through eighth; both are rated A-minus. Coal City High School has a B grade and is known for its robust theater program.
In 2023, the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 passed a $5-million improvement plan for school upgrades. As of 2025, completed upgrades include the high school’s new turf football field, grandstand and LED sign.
Various park features, a bike path and having fun at area clubs
Lions Park has baseball facilities and a skate park. North Park, which has playgrounds, fields and tennis courts, is one of the locations for a summer movie series. The Angel of Hope Memorial Garden in Campbell Memorial Park honors children who have passed away; a vigil is held in December each year. The Hope Helps All Inclusive Playground opened in 2023 thanks to donations. There’s also a dog park, and the Coal City Bike Path, which stretches over a mile from Hunter’s Lane to McArdle Road.
Many people join recreational members-only establishments known as area clubs. These were created after strip mining left behind vacant land and low-lying areas that filled with water. The Coal City Area Club has a swimming beach, picnic areas, campsites and playgrounds. Other points of interest nearby include the Diamond Indoor Trap Range, a 70,000-square-foot facility; and the Cinder Ridge Golf Course, which offers bookable tee times.
Annual events like the Fall Fest and the Festival of Trees
One big village event is the September’s Coal City Fall Fest, which includes a car show, a 5K, entertainment, kids’ activities and food. A Charlie Coaler-themed scarecrow contest is one of the newer additions. “The scarecrows go along the fence right there on Broadway; quite a bit of the street will be closed off," Starks says.
In December, the Festival of Trees, a two-day entertainment showcase and fundraiser, is organized by the Coal City High School Promfest Committee. Also in December there's the Coal City Kriskindle Market, which has been based in Campbell Memorial Park.
A farmers market at the library and programming for all ages
The library hosts the Midtown Market, a seasonal outdoor farmers market. “We are finding that we have a lot of local talent and vendors with handmade items. The library’s front lawn is nicely sized; you can easily go along the whole market,” Starks says. The library also offers programming such as painting classes, exercise classes, bingo and mahjong. Craft projects and story times are a favorite of young children. Older kids can meet up for Tween Club, Teen Club and other activities.
Highways, the county’s transit system and a nearby medical facility
State Route 113, also known as Division Street, goes through Coal City. There’s access to Interstate 55 from the east side of Diamond. The Grundy Transit System provides public transportation on weekdays by reservation. Trips within the county are $4, and the fare to Joliet is $6. Medical facilities close to home include Morris Hospital Diamond-Coal City Campus.
There is no longer a passenger train from Coal City, though freight trains still pass through.
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Robin Silberman
