Cities and Towns in Grundy County, Illinois

Founded in 1841, Grundy County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Grundy County was formed from LaSalle County. The city of Morris is the county seat. With FIPS code of 63, Grundy County has a population of 52,989 and area of 418 square miles (1,083 km²).

List of all cities in Grundy County, IL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Braceville, IL 60407 815/779
Carbon Hill, IL 60416 815/779
Coal City, IL 60416 815/779
Diamond, IL 60416 815/779
East Brooklyn, IL 60474 815/779
Eileen, IL 60416 815/779
Gardner, IL 60424 815/779
Godley, IL 60407 815/779
Kinsman, IL 60437 815/779
Mazon, IL 60444 815/779
Minooka, IL 60447 815/779
Morris, IL 60450 815/779
South Wilmington, IL 60474 815/779
Verona, IL 60479 815/779

Major Cities and Towns in Grundy County, Illinois

Morris

Overview

Morris is the county seat and largest city in Grundy County, Illinois. Founded in 1834, Morris is located along the Illinois River and the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which played a significant role in the town’s early development as a transportation and trade hub. The city is approximately 60 miles southwest of Chicago, making it a convenient location for both commuters and businesses. The arrival of the railroad in the 19th century further accelerated Morris’ growth. Today, Morris is known for its blend of small-town charm, historic architecture, and modern amenities.

City Details

  • Area: 10.45 square miles
  • Population: 14,232 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60450
  • Latitude: 41.3570° N
  • Longitude: 88.4218° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Morris is served by Morris Community High School, Saratoga Elementary, and Immaculate Conception School. The city boasts several landmarks, including the Grundy County Courthouse, an iconic structure dating back to 1910. The historic downtown area offers shops, restaurants, and antique stores, attracting visitors from across the region. Nearby, Gebhard Woods State Park and the Illinois and Michigan Canal provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and canoeing. The annual Grundy County Corn Festival is one of the city’s most celebrated events, drawing large crowds each fall.

Coal City

Overview

Coal City, located in the northeastern part of Grundy County, was founded in the mid-19th century during the coal mining boom that swept through Illinois. As its name suggests, the city’s early economy was built around coal mining, which attracted workers and families to the area. Though the coal mines have long since closed, Coal City remains a thriving community. The town is conveniently located along Interstate 55, providing easy access to both Chicago and the surrounding region.

City Details

  • Area: 5.57 square miles
  • Population: 5,587 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60416
  • Latitude: 41.2853° N
  • Longitude: 88.2851° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Coal City is part of the Coal City Community Unit School District 1, which includes Coal City High School, Coal City Intermediate School, and Coal City Elementary School. The village is known for the Coal City Area Club, a large recreational facility offering fishing, camping, and outdoor sports. Another local landmark is the Campbell Memorial Park, which hosts community events and recreational activities. Coal City is also close to Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area, a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking.

Minooka

Overview

Minooka, located in the northeastern corner of Grundy County, spans into neighboring Kendall and Will counties. The village was founded in 1852, originally a small farming community that expanded rapidly with the arrival of the railroad. Its name, derived from a Native American term meaning “good land,” reflects its rich agricultural roots. Today, Minooka is a growing suburban community, strategically positioned between Joliet and Morris. Its proximity to major highways like I-80 and I-55 makes it an attractive location for residents and businesses alike.

City Details

  • Area: 10.63 square miles
  • Population: 12,758 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60447
  • Latitude: 41.4559° N
  • Longitude: 88.2634° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Minooka is served by Minooka Community High School District 111 and Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201. The village offers several recreational spaces, including the Minooka Village Park and Lions Park, where residents enjoy sports, picnicking, and community events. Another notable landmark is the Aux Sable Aqueduct, part of the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal, which runs through the area. The village’s location near the Aux Sable Creek also makes it popular for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing and hiking.

Channahon

Overview

Channahon, located in the northeastern part of Grundy County and extending into Will County, is situated at the confluence of the Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee Rivers. The village’s name means “meeting of the waters” in the Potawatomi language, reflecting its natural geography. Founded in the mid-19th century, Channahon was an important stop along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Today, it has transformed into a suburban community that benefits from its scenic river views and convenient location near major highways like I-55.

City Details

  • Area: 16.44 square miles
  • Population: 13,383 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60410
  • Latitude: 41.4295° N
  • Longitude: 88.2268° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Channahon is served by the Channahon School District 17 and Minooka Community High School District 111. The village is home to Channahon State Park, the first state park in Illinois, which offers walking trails, picnicking areas, and access to the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal. The village also features the Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club, a premier golfing destination in the region. The annual Three Rivers Festival is a highlight of the year, celebrating the village’s heritage and bringing the community together.

Gardner

Overview

Gardner is a small village in the southern part of Grundy County, founded in 1854 and named after its founder, Henry Gardner. Initially established as a farming and railroad town, Gardner grew as an important stop along the Chicago and Alton Railroad. Though the village has remained small, it has maintained a strong sense of community and pride in its history. Gardner is located near Interstate 55, which provides easy access to larger cities like Joliet and Bloomington.

City Details

  • Area: 2.66 square miles
  • Population: 1,485 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60424
  • Latitude: 41.1859° N
  • Longitude: 88.3081° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gardner is part of the Gardner-South Wilmington High School District 73 and the Gardner Elementary School District. Landmarks in the village include the historic Gardner Train Depot, which is preserved as a reminder of the town’s early days as a railroad stop. The Gardner Community Park offers sports fields and recreational facilities for residents. Nearby, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie provides opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, offering a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty.

Mazon

Overview

Mazon is a small village located in the southeastern part of Grundy County, founded in the mid-19th century. The village was named after the nearby Mazon River, which played a key role in its agricultural development. Over the years, Mazon has remained a quiet, rural community with a focus on farming and small businesses. The village is located along Illinois Route 47, providing access to nearby towns like Morris and Dwight.

City Details

  • Area: 0.36 square miles
  • Population: 870 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60444
  • Latitude: 41.2425° N
  • Longitude: 88.4192° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mazon is served by the Mazon-Verona-Kinsman School District and Seneca High School District. The village is home to Mazon City Park, where local events and festivals are held, and the Mazon Creek Fossil Beds, which are world-renowned for the preservation of fossils from the Pennsylvanian Period. The nearby Mazon River provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing, while the Grundy County Historical Society Museum, located in nearby Morris, offers insight into the village’s past.

South Wilmington

Overview

South Wilmington is a small village located in the southwestern part of Grundy County, founded in 1899. The village was originally developed as a coal mining town, attracting many European immigrants to work in the mines. While the coal mines have long since closed, South Wilmington has preserved its strong sense of community. The village is located near Illinois Route 53, offering access to nearby towns like Gardner and Braidwood.

City Details

  • Area: 0.64 square miles
  • Population: 681 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60474
  • Latitude: 41.1728° N
  • Longitude: 88.2884° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

South Wilmington is part of the Gardner-South Wilmington High School District and the South Wilmington Grade School District. Landmarks in the village include the South Wilmington Sportsmen’s Club, which offers outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and shooting sports. The South Wilmington Village Hall, a historic building, serves as the center of local government and community events. The village also celebrates its mining heritage with local festivals and gatherings.