Where is Columbia, Illinois

Columbia is a city in southwestern Illinois, just south of the St. Louis metropolitan area. It has a historic downtown, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to the Mississippi River. The city is about 15 miles from downtown St. Louis and is close to scenic attractions such as the historic Cahokia Mounds area and the Mississippi River bluffs.

Location Map of Columbia, Monroe County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Columbia in Monroe County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Columbia Map, Illinois

Where is Columbia Located?

Columbia is a city located in Monroe County, Illinois, the United States. It is about 15 miles south of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, and roughly 10 miles north of Waterloo. Columbia lies at 38.4437° North latitude and 90.2018° West longitude. The city covers about 9.26 square miles (23.98 sq km) and had 10,999 residents in the 2020 Census. Its location on the bluffs above the Mississippi River gives the area rolling terrain and scenic views uncommon in much of southern Illinois. Columbia was founded in 1820 and incorporated in 1859. The city has a long German-American heritage and developed as a farming and trading community. Nearby attractions include the Mississippi River, Cahokia Mounds, and the historic towns and wineries of Monroe County.

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Columbia City Facts

Distance from Columbia, IL to Nearby Cities

• Waterloo, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Millstadt, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Valmeyer, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Red Bud, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Belleville, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Fairview Heights, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Edwardsville, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• St. Louis, MO – 15 miles (24 km)
• East St. Louis, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Alton, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Chester, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Highland, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Carbondale, IL – 75 miles (121 km)
• Springfield, IL – 100 miles (161 km)
• Cape Girardeau, MO – 95 miles (153 km)
• Columbia, MO – 125 miles (201 km)

Top Attractions in Columbia

• Columbia Historic District – Historic downtown area with older buildings, local shops, restaurants, and community landmarks.
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site – Important archaeological site preserving large earthen mounds built by the ancient Mississippian civilization.
• Mississippi River – Major regional waterway offering scenic views, fishing, boating, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation.
• Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site – Historic site overlooking the Mississippi River and preserving an important part of early Illinois history.
• Monroe County Historical Museum – Local museum documenting the history and heritage of Columbia and surrounding communities.
• Valmeyer Historic District – Nearby community known for its historic character and connection to the Mississippi River region.
• Horseshoe Lake State Park – Regional outdoor destination with fishing, boating, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
• World's Largest Catsup Bottle – Famous Route 66 landmark in nearby Collinsville, Illinois.

Airports Near Columbia

• St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS) – 15 miles
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) – 35 miles
• MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – 30 miles
• Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) – 40 miles
• Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) – 80 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Columbia website and local government records.

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