Colp is a conveniently located village in Southern Illinois
Colp is a small village of a few hundred residents, offering quiet rural character in Southern Illinois. Though mostly residential, there are a few businesses and small churches that support the community. For other daily needs, locals can drive less than 15 miles to one of several surrounding towns. “There’s ease of access to Carbondale and Marion,” says Richard Davis, a local broker with over 30 years of experience in the area and owner of Century 21 House of Realty. “They have the major services, like Amtrak and the airport in Marion.”
Mostly one-story homes, which don’t go on the market often
Homes, mainly manufactured and ranch-style properties, sit on spacious, grassy lots along narrow gravel roads, often shaded by mature pine trees. Though attached garages are less common, there’s usually space for covered carports and long gravel driveways. In part due to the community’s small size, homes rarely go on the market. Recently, only three properties have sold at prices between $75,000 and $130,000.
Public schools earn a B rating
Herrin Elementary School, Herrin Junior High School and Herrin High School all earn a B from Niche and are all within about 5 miles of Colp. The latter two offer a range of after-school athletics like basketball, cross country and baseball. Herrin High also offers other extracurriculars, including esports teams, an annual fall musical and a chess club. John A. Logan College, a local community college, is only about 5 miles away. “It’s a beautiful facility right there in Carterville,” Davis says. “They offer two-year associate degrees, and you can transfer to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for bachelor’s and beyond. It’s grown significantly over the years for a community college.”
Neighborhood playground and more recreation on Crab Orchard Lake
Colp Playground is the main public green space, next to the village water tower. In addition to a colorful playground, the park has a toddler play area and a shaded picnic shelter. About 10 miles away, the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge sits on the banks of its namesake lake. With miles of forested hiking trails and several fishing piers, the scenic nature preserve is especially popular with birdwatching and hunting.
Local barbecue joint, with more restaurants in Herrin
John John’s BBQ is the area’s only restaurant, serving American fare like wings, burgers and barbecue. Other businesses in the community include a gas station, a liquor store and the Rosebud Antique Mall, a small locally owned shop selling unique secondhand goods. Locals drive to Herrin for groceries from Kroger and Walmart and to reach a broader selection of restaurants. Mary’s Restaurant is a popular option for fine dining, housed in a historic 1896 home.
Traveling to neighboring towns like Herrin
Colp sits at the intersection of Herrin Road and Mayor Caliper Drive, the former leading less than 5 miles east to Herrin and the latter leading less than 5 miles south to Carterville. State Route 13 is the nearest highway, connecting locals with Marion and Carbondale, both under 15 miles away. Southern Illinois Healthcare Herrin Hospital is 5 miles away, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois is about 10 miles away in Marion, and there's an Amtrak station in Carbondale.
New annual community events
In April 2025, the community held the first-ever Health Hope and Heritage Spring Festival, a community gathering with live music, local vendors and guest speakers. The event was created to foster community ties and also offered free health care screenings for attendees.
