Jacksonville, Illinois: where portable Ferris wheels were born
Home to a famous stop along the Underground Railroad, Jacksonville, Illinois, is the site of one of the Midwest’s first higher-learning institutes. Today, the city is home to more than 17,500 people and major employers like Reynolds Group Holdings, Nestle Beverage Company, and Eli Bridge Company, inventor of the portable Ferris wheel and manufacturer of amusement park rides. In January of 2025, the city began its 200th anniversary celebration, and City Clerk Angela Salyer says the festivities will last throughout most of the year. “We just had our kickoff celebration, which was a gala to celebrate the year,” Salyer says. “There were about 400 people there, and our final event will be October 4th. That will be a downtown celebration with lots of things to do.”
Major employers like Nestle Beverage Company support Jacksonville’s strong local economy.
Woodlawn Farm is a historic site in Jacksonville, known for its role in the Underground Railroad.
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Historic and modern homes
“Jacksonville is known for its Historic District and beautiful older homes,” says Scott Eoff, managing broker at Re/Max Results Plus in Jacksonville. “Most of the newer development is on the outskirts of town, in small subdivisions or in and around some of our golf courses.” The city’s mix of homes ranges from Greek revivals built in the 1800s to modern estates built after 2000. Homes with around 1,000 square feet needing substantial repairs commonly sell for around $50,000, while updated homes with more than 4,000 square feet can sell as high as $500,000. Eoff says condos and townhomes usually sell between $75,000 and $300,000. In 2024, the median home price was $135,000, 8% higher than the previous year. In comparison, the national median home price at that time was around $420,000.
Craftsman-style homes in Jacksonville blend charm with modern updates for comfortable living.
Greek Revival architecture adds grandeur to Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods.
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Jacksonville School District No. 117
Jacksonville School District No. 117 serves over 3,200 students and earns an overall C-plus on Niche, with an average graduation rate of 73%. The city is also home to the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. Post-secondary learners can attend Illinois College in the heart of Jacksonville, which offers more than 45 degree programs. “We also have a school for the hearing impaired and a school for the visually impaired,” Salyer says.
Jacksonville's Illinois School for the Deaf caters to individual learning styles.
Athletics at Illinois College build teamwork, discipline, and school spirit in Jacksonville.
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City parks and nearby Lake Jacksonville
There are eight parks in Jacksonville with amenities like playgrounds, a disc golf course, an Olympic-size pool and a golf course. “We have a Ferris wheel in Community Park,” Salyer says. “And we have Nichols Park, which has an 18-hole golf course. It has a pool, too, and we just finished a multimillion-dollar renovation. That’s going to be reopening this summer.” Nearby Lake Jacksonville is the city’s drinking water source and a popular spot for boating and fishing, and has been named one of the top fishing spots in Illinois.
Foreman's Grove Disc Golf Park's frisbee golf course offers fun and fresh air for all skill levels.
Anglers flock to Lake Jacksonville, named one of Illinois’ best fishing destinations.
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A quaint downtown area
“Jacksonville has a thriving downtown that is currently undergoing some economic development and infrastructure updates,” Eoff says. “It’s kind of a Hallmark movie downtown area.” Surrounding Central Park, Jacksonville’s downtown holds bookstores, boutique clothing shops, coffee shops and an upscale Italian market and wine bar. National chains like Burger King and Walmart sit along West Morton Avenue in the city’s southside. The Jacksonville Area Museum preserves the area’s history, while the Illinois Theater provides residents a place to see the latest blockbusters. History buffs can explore nearby Woodlawn Farm, a famous stop on the Underground Railroad.
Jacksonville Area Museum is a top destination for history buffs and families.
The Big Eli mural celebrates Jacksonville as the birthplace of the portable Ferris wheel.
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Car shows and seasonal festivities
Downtown Jacksonville hosts community events like the fall Pumpkin Festival, the Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Summer Concert Series and the Downtown Plaza Car Show and Summer Cruise Nite. For the holidays, homeowners deck the halls and open their doors to the public for the Annual Pilot Club Holiday Home Tour and Tea celebration. The city is also home to the Morgan County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Midwestern County Fair.
Streets to walk or drive
Residential streets are mainly laid out in a grid fashion, and sidewalks line at least one side of most streets. Public transportation is limited to the West Central Mass Transit District ride-on-demand service. Main Street leads drivers south to Interstate 72, which they can then take 35 miles east to Springfield, Illinois. Main Street also offers a direct route 83 miles south into downtown St. Louis. Jacksonville Municipal Airport services charter and private flights 3 miles north of the city, while travelers will need to head to Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport for commercial flights.
Fluctuating crime rates, mild weather
FBI data indicates Jacksonville’s property and violent crime rates generally remain lower than state and national averages. Environmental data suggests Jacksonville’s roads and infrastructure face a moderate risk of flood impact over the next 30 years should the Mauvaise Terre overflow its banks, and some residential properties may be at risk. The city's weather tends to be mild, with high temperatures peaking around the mid-80s in July, lows dropping to the low 20s in January, and minimal, easily manageable snowfall throughout the average year.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Jarrod Bock
Video By
Chris Freeman
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Jacksonville, IL sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Jacksonville, IL over the last 12 months is $152,000, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming home on brick street full of character and modern updates! This beautiful home features refinished hardwood floors that shine, as spacious living room, formal dining room, and an inviting kitchen. Upstairs offers three comfortable bedrooms and a full bath, with a convenient half bath on the main level. Major updates include a newer roof, furnace, AC, siding, soffit, and gutters. Fresh
Opportunity awaits in this two-bedroom, one-bath home featuring a bonus room in the basement. Ready for updates, this property offers great potential for those looking to add their own touches and create a charming space.
Welcome to this adorable 1.5 story, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home! Step inside this 1,648 sqft house to an inviting entry way that leads to the oversized laundry room/ mudroom. The kitchen boasts an open concept with new cabinets and countertops with updated appliances! The two bedrooms on the main level sit right off the spacious living room which has plenty of room for relaxing and entertaining
What a unique opportunity and tract of land on the edge of Jacksonville, IL! These 32.03 acres are situated between Illinois Avenue and Strawns Crossing Road at the Northeast corner of town. Approximately 26.0 acres are tillable and carry a Productivity Index Rating of 130.7. Of the tillable acreage, 18.0 acres are Class A soils Osco, Lawson and Ipava. Tenancy is open for 2026 subject to
Wow. Have you always wanted to live in one of the most unique and modern homes in the area? Has moving into a newly constructed home been on the radar? This is all possible with this newly constructed barndominium just outside of town. The owner of this home brought his dream of a custom home to fruition and now you have the chance to benefit. Pulling in from the road the full-length front porch
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with versatile shop or office space! Enjoy the comfort of central heat and air, a 40-gallon water heater, and included appliances: full-size stackable washer & dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, side-by-side refrigerator with ice maker, and gas stove—all in great working condition (most just 7 years old). The home features a large open kitchen, dining, and living
Charming home on brick street full of character and modern updates! This beautiful home features refinished hardwood floors that shine, as spacious living room, formal dining room, and an inviting kitchen. Upstairs offers three comfortable bedrooms and a full bath, with a convenient half bath on the main level. Major updates include a newer roof, furnace, AC, siding, soffit, and gutters. Fresh
Once a school building, this one-of-a-kind property offers incredible potential with both residential and commercial spaces under one roof. The main floor is currently zoned residential and features tenant-occupied units, while the lower level—complete with a full gymnasium, locker rooms, and commercial zoning—opens the door to countless opportunities for business or community use. Plenty of
Darling all-brick and vinyl bungalow with thoughtful updates and comfortable living space throughout. The front living room features a cozy fireplace; A formal dining room provides the perfect setting for gatherings and entertaining. This home was recently converted to two bedrooms, with the third bedroom transformed into a convenient main-floor laundry and half bath. A standout feature is the
Come see this fixer upper with good bones. This home features two large living areas, dining room and large kitchen. Renovate and update to make it yours. The property boasts an oversized 3 car garage with attached covered patio. Selling as is.
Coming Soon! LONERGAN LAKE OFFERS THIS CUSTOM BUILT IN 1994 - 3 LEVELS OF LIVING W/ WALK OUT LL. SITTING ON 1.4 ACRES W/LAKE VIEWS -MATURE LOT - A MAGICAL DRIVE IN. CUSTOM BUILT- UNIQUE COLORADO STYLE FLOOR PLAN- DESIGNED BY THE 1 & ONLY OWNER - A REMARKABLE DECK 68' WIDE VIEWS THE LAKE - MARK IT "SOLD" - THE BACK SIDE OF THE MAIN FLOOR - 2ND FLOOR & LOWER LEVEL SHARE THE SAME PANORAMIC WATER
Approx 1.22 acres off Morton. Seller to have a survey prior to purchase. Currently farmland and zoned B3. Great visibility and location on Jacksonville's west end! Call today!
Laborers’ Home Development IV (LHD IV) at 1335 S. Diamond in Jacksonville, Ill., offers independent living for persons age 62 or older and those with disabilities*.An active Tenant Council hosts monthly meetings and organizes activities such as potluck dinners, crafts, and musical entertainment to encourage participation and fellowship among residents.Local area programs providing
Newly Renovated 48 unit complex offering 1-3 Bedroom units ready to occupy, the perfect place to make your next home in Morgan County at 800 Illinois Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois. We offer flexible leasing terms and large rental space as per the market standards with new appliances and amenities on the premises.Touring now available on newly renovated units! Call today to schedule!
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