Chester is a city in southern Illinois and the county seat of Randolph County. It lies along the Mississippi River, about 55 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri. Chester is known as the birthplace of Popeye creator Elzie Crisler Segar and for its riverfront, historic downtown, and connection to the Great River Road.
Location Map of Chester, Randolph County, Illinois
About Map: The map shows the location of Chester in Randolph County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Chester Map, Illinois
About Chester Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Chester in Randolph County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Chester Located?
Chester is a city located in Randolph County, Illinois, the United States. It is situated along the Mississippi River near the Missouri border, about 55 miles south of St. Louis. Chester is located at approximately 37.9137° North latitude and 89.8221° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 7,598 residents, and the city covers about 5.66 square miles (14.66 sq km). The Mississippi River forms the city's western boundary and is an important part of its history and landscape. Chester was founded in 1837 and incorporated in 1855. Its riverfront location helped it develop as a transportation, commercial, and manufacturing center in southern Illinois.
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Chester City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Chester |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Randolph County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southern Illinois / Mississippi River Valley |
| Incorporated | 1855 |
| Founded | 1837 |
| Total Area | 5.66 sq mi (14.66 sq km) |
| Land Area | 5.45 sq mi (14.12 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.21 sq mi (0.54 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 430 ft (131 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | 7,400 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 7,598 |
| Population Density | 1,394 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Standard Time (CST); Central Daylight Time (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 62233 |
| Area Code | 618, 730 |
| Major Highways | Illinois Route 3, Illinois Route 150, U.S. Route 150 |
| Public Transit | Rides Mass Transit District |
| Major Attractions | Popeye Museum, Popeye Statue, Chester Riverfront, Randolph County Courthouse |
| Official Website | https://www.chesterill.com/ |
Distance from Chester, IL to Nearby Cities
- Perryville, MO – 10 miles (16 km)
- Steeleville, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
- Red Bud, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
- Sparta, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
- Murphysboro, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
- Carbondale, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
- Cape Girardeau, MO – 45 miles (72 km)
- Belleville, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
- Farmington, MO – 50 miles (80 km)
- St. Louis, MO – 55 miles (89 km)
- Edwardsville, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
- Mount Vernon, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
- Columbia, MO – 130 miles (209 km)
- Springfield, IL – 150 miles (241 km)
- Paducah, KY – 135 miles (217 km)
- Memphis, TN – 190 miles (306 km)
Top Attractions in Chester
- Popeye Museum – Museum dedicated to Popeye creator Elzie Crisler Segar and the history of the famous cartoon character.
- Popeye Statue – Popular roadside landmark honoring Popeye and Chester's connection to the comic strip.
- Chester Riverfront – Mississippi River waterfront offering scenic views, walking areas, and access to the Great River Road.
- Randolph County Courthouse – Historic courthouse and prominent civic landmark in downtown Chester.
- Popeye Picnic – Annual community celebration recognizing Chester's connection to Popeye and cartoon history.
- Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site – Nearby historic site overlooking the Mississippi River and preserving an important early Illinois settlement area.
- Fort de Chartres State Historic Site – Historic French colonial fort near Prairie du Rocher with reconstructed buildings and exhibits.
- Pere Marquette State Park – Large Mississippi River recreation area north of Chester offering hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic overlooks.
Airports Near Chester
- Perryville Regional Airport (KPVF) – 15 miles
- MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – 55 miles
- Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) – 50 miles
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) – 70 miles
- Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) – 65 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Chester website and local government records.
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