Cities and Towns in LaSalle County, Illinois
Founded in 1831, LaSalle County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, LaSalle County was formed from Putnam and Tazewell County. The city of Ottawa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 99, LaSalle County has a population of 108,965 and area of 1,135 square miles (2,940 km²).
List of all cities in LaSalle County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Baker, IL | 60531 | 815/779 |
| Brickton, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
| Cedar Point, IL | 61316 | 815/779 |
| Dana, IL | 61321 | 815/779 |
| Danway, IL | 61341 | 815/779 |
| Dayton, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
| Dimmick, IL | 61301 | 815/779 |
| Earlville, IL | 60518 | 815/779 |
| Farm Ridge, IL | 61325 | 815/779 |
| Grand Ridge, IL | 61325 | 815/779 |
| Harding, IL | 60518 | 815/779 |
| Jonesville, IL | 61348 | 815/779 |
| Kangley, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| Kernan, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| La Salle, IL | 61301 | 815/779 |
| Leland, IL | 60531 | 815/779 |
| Leonore, IL | 61332 | 815/779 |
| Lostant, IL | 61334 | 815/779 |
| Lowell, IL | 61370 | 815/779 |
| Marseilles, IL | 61341 | 815/779 |
| Mendota, IL | 61342 | 815/779 |
| Meriden, IL | 61342 | 815/779 |
| Missal, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| Mount Palatine, IL | 61334 | 815/779 |
| Munster, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| Naplate, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
| North Ottawa, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
| North Utica, IL | 61373 | 815/779 |
| Norway, IL | 60551 | 815/779 |
| Oglesby, IL | 61348 | 815/779 |
| Ottawa, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
| Peru, IL | 61354 | 815/779 |
| Piety Hill, IL | 61348 | 815/779 |
| Prairie Center, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
| Ransom, IL | 60470 | 815/779 |
| Rockwell, IL | 61301 | 815/779 |
| Rollo, IL | 60518 | 815/779 |
| Rutland, IL | 61358 | 815/779 |
| Seneca, IL | 61360 | 815/779 |
| Serena, IL | 60549 | 815/779 |
| Sheridan, IL | 60551 | 815/779 |
| South Streator, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| Stavanger, IL | 61360 | 815/779 |
| Stoneyville, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
| Streator, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| Streator East, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| Streator West, IL | 61364 | 815/779 |
| Tomahawk Bluff, IL | 61301 | 815/779 |
| Tonica, IL | 61370 | 815/779 |
| Triumph, IL | 61371 | 815/779 |
| Troy Grove, IL | 61372 | 815/779 |
| Utica, IL | 61373 | 815/779 |
| Vermilionville, IL | 61370 | 815/779 |
| Wedron, IL | 60557 | 815/779 |
| Woodland Addition, IL | 61350 | 815/779 |
Major Cities and Towns in LaSalle County, Illinois
Ottawa
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 12.88 square miles
- Population: Approximately 18,000
- Zip Codes: 61350
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.3456° N, 88.8426° W
Location and History
Ottawa is the county seat of LaSalle County, located at the confluence of the Fox River and the Illinois River, about 80 miles southwest of Chicago. The city was founded in 1830, named after the Ottawa Native American tribe that inhabited the region. Ottawa became a key point during the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, making it a vital transportation and trading hub. The city is historically significant for hosting the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858, cementing its place in American political history. Ottawa has grown steadily over the years, blending its rich historical heritage with modern industry and commerce.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ottawa is served by Ottawa Township High School and the Ottawa Elementary School District. The city is home to several landmarks, including Washington Square Park, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. The Reddick Mansion, a restored 19th-century home, serves as a museum and event venue, showcasing the city’s architectural history. Starved Rock State Park, located just a few miles away, attracts visitors from all over the region with its hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic river views. Ottawa also hosts the annual Riverfest, a popular local festival celebrating the city’s culture and history with parades, music, and events.
LaSalle
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 12.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,500
- Zip Codes: 61301
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.3292° N, 89.0986° W
Location and History
LaSalle is located along the Illinois River, adjacent to the city of Peru and about 90 miles southwest of Chicago. Founded in the early 19th century, the city was named after the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who traveled through the region in the 1600s. The completion of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1848 transformed LaSalle into a bustling industrial center, attracting immigrants from Europe, especially Italy and Eastern Europe. The city’s rich coal mining history, combined with its strategic location along the canal and river, fostered its economic growth throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. LaSalle continues to celebrate its industrial roots while modernizing its infrastructure and services.
Major Schools and Landmarks
LaSalle is part of the LaSalle-Peru Township High School District and also has several elementary schools. Major landmarks in the city include the Hegeler Carus Mansion, a National Historic Landmark built in 1876, which showcases the wealth and grandeur of LaSalle’s industrial past. The Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, which runs through the city, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and history tours. LaSalle also holds the annual Celebrate LaSalle festival, which brings together the community for parades, live music, and cultural events.
Peru
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 9.09 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,000
- Zip Codes: 61354
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.3275° N, 89.1282° W
Location and History
Peru is located along the Illinois River, immediately adjacent to the city of LaSalle, and is part of the larger LaSalle-Peru metropolitan area. Founded in the early 1830s, Peru initially thrived as a transportation hub due to its location on the river and later the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The city became an important center for trade and manufacturing, with coal mining playing a key role in its economy. Over time, Peru has evolved from its industrial roots into a modern community with a diverse economic base, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. It also serves as a gateway to several natural and historical attractions in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Peru is served by the LaSalle-Peru Township High School District, and its elementary schools are part of Peru Elementary School District 124. The city’s landmarks include the Peru Public Library, a beautiful example of Classical Revival architecture, and the Westclox Museum, which honors the legacy of the Westclox clock factory that operated in Peru for much of the 20th century. Another key attraction is the Peru Riverwalk, which offers scenic views of the Illinois River and is a popular spot for recreation and community events. The city’s proximity to Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park also makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Streator
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 6.08 square miles
- Population: Approximately 12,600
- Zip Codes: 61364
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.1225° N, 88.8351° W
Location and History
Streator is located in the southern part of LaSalle County, about 80 miles southwest of Chicago. The city was established in the 1860s and named after Worthy Streator, a prominent railroad promoter. Streator’s early growth was fueled by the discovery of coal in the region, and it quickly became a center for coal mining and glass manufacturing. The city played a crucial role in the development of the glass industry in Illinois, with several major glass companies operating in Streator during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Streator has diversified its economy, though it retains its industrial heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Streator is served by the Streator Township High School and Streator Elementary School Districts. One of the city’s most notable landmarks is the Weber House and Garden, a charming 19th-century home surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. The Streator City Park, with its bandstand and historic pavilions, is a central gathering spot for community events, including the annual Streator Fourth of July Celebration, one of the largest in the region. Another key site is the Streatorland Historical Society Museum, which showcases the city’s rich industrial and cultural history.
Marseilles
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 9.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,000
- Zip Codes: 61341
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.3306° N, 88.7073° W
Location and History
Marseilles is located along the Illinois River in the northeastern part of LaSalle County, about 75 miles southwest of Chicago. The town was founded in the 1830s and named after the French port city of Marseille. Like many towns in the region, Marseilles grew with the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which brought settlers and commerce to the area. The city became a hub for the paper manufacturing industry, with several mills operating along the river throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Marseilles remains a small but vibrant community with a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marseilles is part of the Marseilles Elementary School District, and high school students attend Ottawa Township High School. One of the city’s key landmarks is the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial, a unique tribute to U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in conflicts in the Middle East. Marseilles is also home to the Illinois River Lock and Dam, a major piece of infrastructure that controls the flow of river traffic and provides stunning views of the waterway. The city’s annual Riverfest celebration brings residents and visitors together for a weekend of music, food, and fireworks along the scenic Illinois River.
Mendota
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 5.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,100
- Zip Codes: 61342
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.5470° N, 89.1184° W
Location and History
Mendota is located in the northern part of LaSalle County, about 80 miles west of Chicago. The city was founded in 1853 as a railroad town, with its name derived from a Dakota word meaning “junction of two trails,” reflecting its role as a key railroad intersection. Mendota grew rapidly in the late 19th century, becoming a center for agriculture and transportation. The city’s economy has long been tied to farming, particularly the production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. Today, Mendota retains its agricultural character while offering modern amenities and services.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mendota is part of the Mendota Township High School District and the Mendota Elementary School District. The city is known for its historic Union Depot Railroad Museum, which celebrates Mendota’s rich railroading history. Another major landmark is Lake Mendota Park, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Mendota’s annual Sweet Corn Festival is one of the largest events in the region, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate the local harvest with parades, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of sweet corn.