Benton
Around Benton
Photo: Nyttend · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Countryside and towns · Illinois · 37k people
Benton
Locals say Little Egypt · “Coal Country”
Heart of Little Egypt's coal country.
Benton Rangers OrangeSIU MaroonCoal Black
Welcome to Franklin County, where the coal heritage runs deep and the strip-pits are full of fish. Pull up a chair at a diner, grab a tenderloin, and you'll feel at home. Whether you're here for hunting, fishing, or just the quiet pace, you're part of Little Egypt now.
Clubs for Benton
No clubs for Benton yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Benton. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Benton. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Rend Lake Large reservoir with fishing, boating, and camping.
- Franklin County Courthouse Historic courthouse in Benton, anchor of the town square.
- Coal Miner Memorial Statue in West Frankfort honoring the region's coal mining heritage.
- Franklin County State Fish and Wildlife Area Public hunting and fishing area near Benton.
- Benton Public Square Classic small-town square with local shops and eateries.
- Outdoors Fishing at Rend Lake
- Outdoors Hunting on strip-mine land
- With kids Visit the Franklin County Historical Museum
- With kids Swim and picnic at Rend Lake
- Evenings Local taverns with live music
- Evenings VFW and American Legion dances
- Locals love Strip-mine lakes
- Locals love Hunting and fishing camps
Through the year
- Franklin County Fair August County fair with livestock, carnival, and concerts in Benton.
- West Frankfort Coal Festival September Celebrates coal mining heritage with parade, food, and music.
- Benton Christmas Parade December Small-town holiday parade through downtown Benton.
- Sesser Fall Festival October Autumn festival with local food, crafts, and live music.
Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities.
Talk like a local
- “Little Egypt”
- Nickname for southern Illinois, including Franklin County.
- “Strip-pit”
- A strip-mine lake, often used for fishing.
- “Pop”
- Soft drink, as in 'pop'.
- “Yonder”
- Over there, as in 'yonder'.
Getaways
- Marion Larger town with shopping and the Williamson County Fair.
- Carbondale Home of SIU, with college sports, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Harrisburg Gateway to Shawnee National Forest and Garden of the Gods.
- Mount Vernon Regional hub with the Times Square Mall and Cedarhurst Center.
Local flavour
Rooting for Southern Illinois Salukis (NCAA DI, Carbondale), St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Eat and drink
- Pork tenderloin sandwich A breaded, fried pork cutlet on a bun.
- Southern Illinois chowder A thick, hearty stew often made with chicken or squirrel.
- Fried apple pies Hand pies common at local bakeries and festivals.
- Sweet tea A Southern staple.
Where people go
- Historic coal mine sites Remnants of the region's mining past, including tipples and slag heaps.
- Small-town courthouse squares The historic centers of Benton, West Frankfort, and other towns.
- Grain elevators Dominant features of the rural landscape.
- Strip-mine lakes Reclaimed mining pits now used for fishing and recreation.
- Hunting and fishing camps Seasonal retreats for deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaMarionIllinoisWhere the hills and lakes meet the coal countryDu QuoinIllinoisWhere the state fair meets the harvest.CarbondaleIllinoisWhere the hills meet the prairie and the Salukis roamHarrisburgIllinoisWhere the hills meet the river, and time slows down.Mount VernonIllinoisHeart of Little EgyptAnnaIllinoisHills, hollows, and hospitalityCentraliaIllinoisWhere the prairie meets the coal fields, and everyone knows your name.Cape GirardeauMissouriWhere the river meets the heartland
Franklin County, IL. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.