Rural charm and Mississippi River bluffs define Hamilton
Hamilton is tucked against a bend in the Mississippi River in western Illinois, across from Keokuk, Iowa. Dadant & Sons, a beekeeping supply company, has operated in the city since the 1860s. Like many agricultural Midwestern cities, it went into decline when the farm crisis struck in the 1980s. Though the area continues to draw visitors who search for geodes in local mines, Hamilton is home to just 2,700 residents. By contrast, around 10,000 people live in Keokuk, making Hamilton a small-town alternative within easy reach of the larger city. “It’s a laid-back rural community,” says Cindy Dupree, a bookkeeper for the City of Hamilton. “We’re near a lot of bluffs, and it’s a scenic drive along the river.”
Geode hunting, golf and boating are popular with locals
Because Hamilton is in the Keokuk geode bed area, hunting for crystal-lined rocks is a popular pastime, and several mines offer public access. Most are located on the city’s southern outskirts. Legend has it that the last wildcat in the region was killed near Chaney Creek, which is how Wildcat Springs Park got its name. An aquatic center with an outdoor pool marks the park’s entrance, along with a basketball hoop and volleyball court. The disc golf course rambles through shaded and sunny spots, past a playground and picnic areas. Campers pitch tents and park RVs along the creek. Some locals cast fishing lines or launch boats from Montebello Nature Area, but the spot is prone to flooding. “Keokuk, on the Iowa side, has better river access,” Dupree says. Deer Run Golf Course is an 18-hole course that’s open to the public. The sports courts and playground at Gordon’s Grove are steps away from the high school.
Midcentury ranch-style homes with wooded yards and river views
Most houses in Hamilton are Nationals built in the late 1800s or midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes. Properties can measure one-half to three-quarters of an acre, and some have wooded backyards or water views. Only a handful of homes have direct river access, and flood risk is highest in these areas. Mature trees line the narrow residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Some roads also have sidewalks, especially around the parks and the downtown area. Starter or investment properties cost $25,000 to $50,000, while ranch-style and small split-level homes sell for $100,000 to $225,000. Most larger split-level and two-story homes fetch prices from $225,000 to $260,000. Hamilton has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Hamilton Elementary School serves students from pre-K to Grade 8
Students attend Hamilton Elementary School, which receives a Niche grade of B, from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Hamilton High School is rated B-minus and offers sports and activities ranging from volleyball and swimming to competitive dance.
Mexican specialties and gaming at Hamilton’s bars
A few antique stores and neighborhood bars line Broadway Street, Hamilton’s main thoroughfare. Pub grub and Tex-Mex are on the menu at Broadway Tap, a casual spot with a pool table and slot machines. More gaming opportunities await at Lucky Sam’s, which offers video poker and cocktails. El Camino Real, a Mexican joint festooned with tropical-colored furniture, is another popular spot. Classic American diner food is the specialty at Hamilton Family Café, known to locals as “The HamFam.” For groceries, most people head to Keokuk, where they’ll find a Walmart Supercenter and other chain retailers.
Major highways connect to Keokuk and other nearby cities
U.S. Route 136 leads across the river to Keokuk, about 4 miles away on the Iowa side of the border. Travelers can catch flights to Chicago and St. Louis from Quincy Regional Airport, about 40 miles away, or make the 100-mile drive to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. Health care services are available at Carthage Memorial Hospital, about 15 miles away. Illinois Route 96 follows the river’s path and leads 12 miles north to Nauvoo, a small historic city with religious significance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The town is abuzz with plans for Hamilton Honeyfest
Gordon’s Grove hosts the Summerfest concert series with three shows in June, July and August. The first annual Hamilton Honeyfest, a rebranding of the former Honey & Arts Festival, is slated for September 2025. Planned highlights include “baby bee” and “queen bee” pageants, games, food trucks and a flea market. The event will be held at the same time as the Hamilton Wheels & Deals car show.
