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 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Jacksonville, IL over the last 12 months is $151,905, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home is a must see! The location is fantastic, conveniently located close to Lake Jacksonville. So many updates! The roof was replaced last fall, the HVAC and water heater were replaced in 2025, the appliances are all brand new. There are two fireplaces, one is wood and the other is electric. There is an attached heated garage plus another attached workshop/garage that is huge! Also on the
It's time to fall in love & step into a restored 1857 Italianate brick residence where historic craftsmanship and modern comfort meet in a way that feels both grand and livable. With 8,000+ sq ft, the home offers a flexible layout suited to everyday life, including space for multi-generational living, private guest quarters, and work-from-home offices or studio rooms. Multiple living zones create
Welcome to this stunning two-story Victorian home, a true masterpiece with 5 spacious Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms. The charm of this home is evident from the moment you step inside, with exquisite staircase adorning the interior, thoughtful storage nooks, closets and transoms. The original hardwood floors and shiplap add a touch of warmth and character to this already inviting space. Step out onto
A rare opportunity in Mallard Lake Estates, this high-end contemporary ranch offers serene pond views and a peaceful, upscale setting. Custom built by BOB LEMON, interior designed by Toni Long , every detail reflects intention, quality and modern design. Stepping inside, the home immediately impresses with its dramatic black decor, high end chandeliers - a sleek vibe. The kitchen showcases dark
****taxes unavailabe per morgan maps search - will update when avaiable***NICE 2 STORY IN TOP WEST LOCATION - OWNER RELOACTED 5 EYARS AGO AND LEASED THE HOME AT THAT TIME. THEY ARE READY TO SELL IT. IT FEATURES A RENOVATED UPSCALE KITCHEN -(2020) U WILL LOIKE THE UPSCALE CABINETS FEATURING THE EVER SO POPULAR RECLAIMED WEST ELM LOOK! - CAMBRIA QUARTZ COUNTERS - STAINLESS REFRIGERATOR &DISHWASHER
Prime downtown opportunity! Located in the heart of Jacksonville, this charming 2-story historic building sits on a premier corner lot—arguably one of the best locations intown—offering the perfect blend of charm, modern convenience and incredible visibility—ideal for investors or owner-occupants. The main level features a versatile commercial space with a rustic aesthetic that can easily be
1 acre lot located in a prime kinda country seconds from town on MOUND ROAD . Thinking of building a home ..take a drive west at the edge of town .. dreams do come true .. sunrises and sunsets better when across road is fields of farming ground .. 1 acre ... well on the property .. buy it as an investment .. rare find .....
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
Opportunity knocks! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is perfect for investors, flippers, or anyone ready to take on a project. Offering a great layout and tons of potential, this handyman special is being sold as-is. Some hard work could go a long way — don’t miss your chance to transform this property.
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. Water, sewer and trash are provided. The only utlity the resident is responsvble
Steps from Central Park in downtown Jacksonville, one of two, recently renovated, second-floor units is filled with light. Features large windows and oversized rooms with high ceilings, both units are carpeted throughout, with luxury vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bath. Kitchens equipped with Electric Range, Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishwasher, Disposal, Washer, and Dryer. Dining Area or
Spacious 4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom House! This lovely home boasts a generously sized living room and a formal dining room, which could also be used as a 5th bedroom if needed. The main level features convenient laundry hook-ups, and there is a 2 car attached garage for your convenience. The backyard is large and perfect for outdoor activities. Please note that smoking and pets are not allowed in this
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