Du Quoin is a quiet community with a popular state fair
Du Quoin exemplifies small-town Americana, known for its popular school sports programs and quiet atmosphere. The town is mainly residential, including some historic properties near Main Street and many ranch-style builds. “It’s a lower cost area, the higher priced homes don’t seem to move that fast,” says Steve Cannedy, a former schoolteacher and local broker at Shamrock Real Estate. “Our market has picked up, so there’s more homes on the market than we’ve had in a while.” Though it’s a small community, there’s lots to do at the nearby Pyramid State Recreation Area, and the annual Du Quoin State Fair is a major draw for visitors from across Southern Illinois.
Vintage housing styles with shaded front porches
American Foursquares and Craftsman cottages from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are concentrated around the center of town. Ranch-style homes throughout the rest of town date to the late 20th and early 21st centuries, often featuring vinyl or brick exteriors and attached garages. Many properties have wide front porches and spacious front lawns, alongside narrow roadways. Prices generally range from $25,000 to $450,000, depending on the home’s condition.
Popular sports programs at local public schools
DuQuoin Elementary earns a B from Niche. The C-plus-rated DuQuoin Middle offers many athletic programs, including cross-country, volleyball and basketball. The B-minus-rated DuQuoin High also has many popular sports teams, which receive a lot of support from the wider community. The school's football field, running track, softball and baseball facilities have all been updated since 2022, and Friday night football games are a mainstay for many.
Local playgrounds, sports fields, plus nearby fishing and hiking
Keyes Park, one of two public spaces in town, has playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, all surrounded by mature shade trees. Thelma L. Pettiford Park has ball fields of various sizes, which host youth sports leagues. Du Quoin Municipal Pool opens from late May to early August, sometimes hosting public pool parties and movie nights. Pyramid State Recreation Area, about 10 miles outside Du Quoin, encompasses over 900 acres of forested land, lakes and ponds, making it the premier space for fishing and hunting. The area also has over 16 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian and mountain biking.
The Du Quoin State Fair is the town’s biggest attraction
The annual Du Quoin State Fair is a big draw to the area, attracting attendees from around southern Illinois. “A lot of people come home from wherever they’ve moved to for the fair,” Cannedy says. “There’s harness racing and nightly entertainment with fairly big names.” The weeklong festival takes place at the state fairgrounds at the end of August, featuring horse racing, motor sports and livestock showcases. In addition to scheduled events, there’s all-day entertainment in the form of carnival rides, live music and other family-friendly activities.
Traveling through Perry County on Route 51
Du Quoin is located on Route 51, about 20 miles north of Carbondale. Pinckneyville is under 15 miles away, and Mount Vernon is about 35 miles. Saint Louis is the closest major city, and commuters have a roughly 85-mile drive. South Central Transit operates several intercity bus routes that connect locals to surrounding towns like Pinckneyville. Marshall Browning Hospital serves the community and recently unveiled a 7,700-square-foot expansion in June 2025. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is around 100 miles away.
Restaurants and local businesses on Main Street
Main Street is full of locally owned cafes and small shops, often housed in vintage storefronts. Alongi’s has been a go-to for Italian food since 1933, all the while owned and operated by several generations of the Alongi family. Down the street, St. Nicholas Brewing Company serves American fare, craft brews and signature cocktails. Walmart is the main option for groceries.
