Where is Mattoon, Illinois

Mattoon is a city in east-central Illinois and one of the main communities of Coles County. Located about 45 miles south of Champaign, it sits in a productive agricultural region of the state. Mattoon is known for its railroad history, historic downtown, Lake Paradise, and its long association with the original Burger King restaurant.

Location Map of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois

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

Mattoon Map, Illinois

Where is Mattoon Located?

Mattoon is a city located in Coles County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in east-central Illinois, about 45 miles south of Champaign and roughly 55 miles north of Effingham. Mattoon is located at approximately 39.483° North latitude and 88.372° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 16,870 residents, and the city covers about 10.57 square miles (27.38 sq km). Mattoon was founded in the 1850s and incorporated in 1857. Its development was closely tied to the expansion of railroads across central Illinois. The Illinois Central Railroad and other rail connections helped make Mattoon an important transportation and commercial center. Agriculture has also played a major role in the local economy because the city is surrounded by productive farmland. Today, Mattoon has established residential neighborhoods, a traditional downtown, schools, parks, businesses, and industrial areas. The city is home to Lake Land College, which serves students from communities throughout east-central Illinois. Lake Paradise, located just east of Mattoon, provides boating, fishing, camping, and other outdoor recreation. A unique feature of Mattoon is its connection to the original Burger King restaurant, which opened in the city in 1952 under the name Frigid Queen before becoming known as Burger King. The Coles County region also has strong connections to Abraham Lincoln and the history of central Illinois. Interstate 57 and U.S. Route 45 provide major transportation connections to Champaign, Effingham, Charleston, and other Illinois communities.

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Mattoon City Facts

Distance from Mattoon, IL to Nearby Cities

• Charleston, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Neoga, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Oakland, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Tuscola, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Effingham, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Paris, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Champaign, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Urbana, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Decatur, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Danville, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Terre Haute, IN – 60 miles (97 km)
• Vandalia, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Springfield, IL – 90 miles (145 km)
• Bloomington, IL – 90 miles (145 km)
• St. Louis, MO – 115 miles (185 km)

Top Attractions in Mattoon

• Mattoon Railroad Museum – A local museum preserving the city's railroad history and its importance as a transportation center in east-central Illinois.
• Lake Paradise – A large recreational lake east of Mattoon offering fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor activities.
• Downtown Mattoon – The historic center of the city includes older commercial buildings, local businesses, restaurants, and community landmarks.
• Mattoon Bagel Shop – A long-standing local business known for its connection to Mattoon's culinary history and community culture.
• Coles County Historical Society Museum – A local historical resource preserving artifacts and stories from Mattoon and surrounding Coles County communities.
• Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail – A regional multi-use trail following a former railroad route and offering opportunities for cycling, walking, and wildlife viewing.
• Douglas-Hart Nature Center – A nearby nature preserve in Mattoon featuring trails, prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and environmental education.
• Lake Shelbyville – A large reservoir south of Mattoon popular for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreation.

Airports Near Mattoon

• University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) – 45 miles
• Coles County Memorial Airport (MTO) – 10 miles
• Decatur Airport (DEC) – 55 miles
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) – 100 miles
• Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) – 95 miles

Sources:

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

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