Where is Mount Vernon, Illinois

Mount Vernon is a city in southern Illinois and the county seat of Jefferson County. It sits about 80 miles southeast of St. Louis and 55 miles northeast of Carbondale. The city is known for its historic downtown, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, and Veterans Memorial Park. Mount Vernon also serves as a regional center for shopping, healthcare, education, and transportation.

Location Map of Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Mount Vernon in Jefferson County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Mount Vernon Map, Illinois

Where is Mount Vernon Located?

Mount Vernon is a city located in Jefferson County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in southern Illinois, about 80 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and about 55 miles northeast of Carbondale. Centralia is roughly 30 miles north, while Marion is about 40 miles south. Mount Vernon is positioned near 38.317° North latitude and 88.904° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 14,517 residents. The city covers about 13.62 square miles, or 35.28 square kilometers, of land and water. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is one of the area's best-known attractions, featuring galleries, sculpture gardens, and cultural programs. Mount Vernon also sits at the intersection of Interstate 57 and Interstate 64, making it an important transportation point in southern Illinois. A unique fact about the city is that it was named for George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. The city has served as the Jefferson County seat since the county was organized in 1819.

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Mount Vernon City Facts

Distance from Mount Vernon, IL to Nearby Cities

• Woodlawn, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
• Centralia, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Salem, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Fairfield, IL – 28 miles (45 km)
• Marion, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Benton, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• West Frankfort, IL – 32 miles (51 km)
• Carbondale, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Du Quoin, IL – 42 miles (68 km)
• Olney, IL – 48 miles (77 km)
• Mount Carmel, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Effingham, IL – 58 miles (93 km)
• Harrisburg, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Vandalia, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Paducah, KY – 75 miles (121 km)
• Evansville, IN – 80 miles (129 km)
• St. Louis, MO – 80 miles (129 km)
• Springfield, IL – 100 miles (161 km)

Top Attractions in Mount Vernon, IL

• Cedarhurst Center for the Arts – A major regional arts center with galleries, sculpture gardens, walking paths, and cultural exhibitions.
• Veterans Memorial Park – A large community park honoring military veterans and providing space for recreation and local events.
• Jefferson County Historical Village – A historical site with preserved buildings and exhibits representing life in early southern Illinois.
• Rend Lake – A large reservoir south of Mount Vernon popular for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
• Mount Vernon Downtown Historic District – A traditional downtown area with historic architecture, local businesses, restaurants, and community events.
• Veterans Memorial Park Aquatic Center – A seasonal recreation facility offering swimming and water-based activities.
• Appellate Court of Illinois, Fifth District – A notable civic and legal landmark located in downtown Mount Vernon.
• Rend Lake College – A regional community college serving students from Mount Vernon and surrounding southern Illinois communities.

Airports Near Mount Vernon, IL

• Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) – 45 miles
• Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) – 48 miles
• Centralia Municipal Airport (ENL) – 32 miles
• Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) – 85 miles
• MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – 80 miles

Sources:

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

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