$232,211Average Value$137Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
Marseilles, sometimes called Martucky, is on the Illinois River
Marseilles is a small city on the Illinois River in LaSalle County. It's about 9 miles east of Ottawa and 80 miles southwest of Chicago . It offers a mix of rural and suburban living, as the surroundings are open space or farmland, but Marseilles has small-town character, with a walkable downtown. According to U.S. Census estimates, the population is about 4,100. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
A nickname for the city, Martucky, reflects its semi-rural vibe and the fact that some of the residents are descendants of settlers from Kentucky — Campbellsville , in particular.
Marseilles’ layout includes a walkable downtown and homes with large lots.
The Marseilles water tower is a local landmark and symbol of small-town pride.
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The promise of jobs brought settlers from far and wide
Established in 1835, the city was named for Marseilles, France, a port and industrial center. "It may have been that it was originally intended to be pronounced like the town in France, but everybody just calls it 'Mar-sales,'" says Timothy Good, a Realtor with Keller Williams. As Marseilles became a hub for the lumber industry, transportation and manufacturing, more people settled in the area. The railroad depot built by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1917 is now home to the Seattle Sutton Marseilles Museum. Though passenger trains are no longer available, freight trains pass through the city.
Freight trains pass through Marseilles daily, a nod to the city’s industrial roots.
Marseilles’ antique shops offer vintage finds and collectibles in a walkable downtown.
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From Victorians to split-level homes and the appeal of large lots
Among the oldest homes in Marseilles are Victorians and bungalows from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ranch-style houses, split-level and contemporary homes were added over the following decades. Some of the newest homes date to the 2000s and are concentrated in the north. Single-family homes range from about $70,000 to $470,000. There's a limited supply of mobile or manufactured homes. Up-to-date pricing is not available; however, one sold for $25,000 in 2024. "People may move from suburbs closer to Chicago, out to somewhere like Marseilles, which accommodates a lower budget, yet has more space," Good says, noting that most lots are about one-third to one-half acre. "But it's also an agricultural-type town, so some are an acre-plus." Areas closest to the river are susceptible to flooding, and evacuations have been necessary in the past.
Marseilles offers a mix of residential areas with views of the Illinois River and open space.
Split-level homes are common in Marseilles, with prices ranging from $70K to $470K.
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Marseilles has a focus on independently owned businesses
Downtown, centered around Main Street and close to the river, has blocks of connected commercial buildings, most of which are occupied by family owned or independent businesses. Bowl-Rite Lanes and The Family Taco share a building. Illini Lounge is known for its wing night and also offers a 100% ground-bacon burger. Ziggy's Bar & Grill features local bands and karaoke nights. North of downtown, across U.S. Route 6, is D&S Foods, and down the road from there is Marseilles Family Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Illini Lounge in Marseilles is known for its wing night and ground-bacon burgers.
The Family Taco in Marseilles is a go-to spot for casual Mexican fare and local favorites.
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Community parks, riverside amenities and nearby state parks
Centrally located Broadway and Knudsen parks have playgrounds. The city also has a community boat launch, a dog park and the Marseilles Community Pool, which is open seasonally. Riverfront Drive includes the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial, the only memorial in the U.S. dedicated to an ongoing conflict. On the opposite side of the river is Illini State Park, which has waterside picnic areas, playgrounds, campsites and a boat ramp often used for fishing. "Another thing about Marseilles — it is in nice proximity to Starved Rock, a state park that's frequented a lot by people from both in and out of state. It boosts the tourism in the area," Good says. That wilderness area, known for hiking trails and wildlife, is about 18 miles west of Marseilles. Dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs are approved at The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park, several miles east of central Marseilles. Admission options are $25 or less.
Illini State Park has scenic walking trails and campgrounds available in Marseilles.
There is a small playground available at Marseilles' Knudson Park.
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A variety of events, but Marseilles Fun Days is the biggest
Marseilles Fun Days is the biggest festival of the year, held over a week in late June. Among the many Fun Days events are a hot dog eating contest, a chicken fry, a parade and a Margaritaville-themed Ducky Derby on the river. Live bands and DJs, a beer tent, a beachwear competition and glow-stick dancing add to the party atmosphere. Other events in Marseilles include summertime cruise nights on Main Street, outdoor movies and music at Knudson Park, the Renaissance Faire in September and a lighted Christmas parade.
Yorkville’s Irish Parade draws crowds from Marseilles each year for music, food and festivities.
Marseilles families enjoy rides and games at Yorkville’s Hometown Days Festival each summer.
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Local schools offer sports, speech team and academic clubs
Kids may attend Marseilles Elementary, which earns a C grade from Niche and serves prekindergarten through eighth grade. Activities include soccer, volleyball, a speech team and Scholastic Bowl. Milton Pope Elementary, which also serves pre-K through 8, is about 8 miles northeast of downtown and earns a B-minus. To the west, Ottawa Township High School receives a B-minus grade, and to the east is Seneca Township High School, with a B-plus.
There are great opportunities atOttawa Township High School for Marseilles students.
Marseilles Elementary School scores a C overall on Niche.
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Cycling on a state trail, highway access and public bus service
The Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, which stretches over 60 miles, is often used by cyclists. The Marseilles Healthcare Center of Morris Hospital is on the west side of town. Drivers have convenient access to U.S. 6, which runs through Marseilles, and Interstate 80 to the north. North Central Area Transit (NCAT) provides bus service to Streator twice a week for $5.
Cyclists in Marseilles enjoy the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail’s scenic route.
Cyclists in Marseilles use city streets to connect with nearby trails and parks.
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Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
Nick Seitz
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Luis Garcia,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Marseilles, IL sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Marseilles, IL over the last 12 months is $193,000, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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