West Frankfort is a small town with a lot to offer
West Frankfort is a quiet, semi-rural community midway between the city of Marion and Rend Lake. The town developed around the local coal mining industry in the early 20th century. Today, it’s location along Interstate 57 makes it popular with Marion and Carbondale commuters looking for small town feel and easy access to Rend Lake fishing and boating. “The outdoors are a big part of West Frankfort’s identity,” says real estate agent and area native Alec Childers of House 2 Home Realty. “There’s lots of great hiking, lots of great fishing. You’re between Rend Lake and Lake of Egypt, the two best fishing lakes in the area, and Shawnee National Forest has tons of rivers and trails.”
Early and mid-20th century homes
The local housing stock is mostly made up of early-20th century bungalows and midcentury ranch-style homes. Much of the central area was developed before World War II, so buyers will find period details such as hardwood floors and porches in older houses. Most of the town is carefully gridded, and houses generally feature modest yards and mature trees. Home prices in town vary considerably: fixer-upper cottages can be found for as low as $25,000, while move-in ready ranch-style homes and bungalows can go for anywhere from $70,000 to $155,000.
Close to Rend Lake and Shawnee National Forest
There are a few small parks scattered around town and one large one: Frankfort Community Park. Located on the south side of town, Frankfort Community Park hosts the local softball and baseball leagues and is home to a playground, a fishing pond, and the West Frankfort Aquatic and Activities Center. Golfers can visit Franklin Country Club, a private 18-hole course. When residents want to enjoy the great outdoors they have options to the north and to the south. Rend Lake, known for its fishing, boating and camping, draws thousands of tourists each summer. To the south, Shawnee National Forest offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails along with top-notch rock climbing and fishing. “A lot of people around here, when they want to have fun, the first thing they think of is getting outdoors,” says Childers. “Hiking, hunting, fishing, camping; it’s basically all within a 20 minute drive.”
Classic Main Street shopping and dining
Most of the shops and restaurants in the community can be found along Main Street, which runs east-west through the town. West Frankfort’s quaint downtown area hosts a variety of local shops, along with highly rated restaurants ranging from the longstanding Mike’s Drive-In to newer spots like Super Wok. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and the local Kroger supermarket are located just west of town — also on Main Street. Residents looking for additional shopping and dining options typically head south to Marion, which is home to a variety of big box stores. The nearest hospital is located a little over 8 miles north of town in Benton.
Frankfort Community Schools
The local schools are overseen by the Frankfort Community Unit School District NO. 168. Central Junior High School has a C-plus rating on Niche, while both Denning Elementary and Frankfort Community High School have B ratings. The high school offers dual credit courses through a partnership with John A. Logan College in nearby Carterville.
Old King Coal and Candy Cane Lane
The Old King Coal Festival, held each May, celebrates the town’s coal-centric origins. It features a parade, vendors and live music. Candy Cane Lane, a residential street in the center of town—and yes, that’s its actual name—has long been known for its over-the-top Christmas decorations, drawing visitors from all over the region each winter.
Interstate 57 makes for easy commuting
Interstate 57 passes just west of town, and connects West Frankfort to Marion to the south and Benton to the north. There’s no regular public transportation in the area, and most locals depend on cars to get around. It’s about 8 miles to Benton by car, while Marion is 12 miles away. While both Marion and nearby Carbondale are home to small regional airports, locals often choose to fly out of St. Louis’ Lambert Airport, a roughly two hour drive.
