Cities and Towns in Mason County, Illinois
Founded in 1841, Mason County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Mason County was formed from Tazewell and Menard County. The city of Havana is the county seat. With FIPS code of 125, Mason County has a population of 12,881 and area of 539 square miles (1,396 km²).
List of all cities in Mason County, IL alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Bath, IL | 62617 | 309 |
Biggs, IL | 62633 | 309 |
Bishop, IL | 61532 | 309 |
Easton, IL | 62633 | 309 |
Eckard, IL | 62644 | 309 |
Enion, IL | 62644 | 309 |
Forest City, IL | 61532 | 309 |
Goofy Ridge, IL | 61567 | 309 |
Havana, IL | 62644 | 309 |
Kilbourne, IL | 62655 | 309 |
Luther, IL | 62664 | 217 |
Lynchburg, IL | 62617 | 309 |
Manito, IL | 61546 | 309 |
Mason City, IL | 62664 | 217 |
Parkland, IL | 61546 | 309 |
Poplar City, IL | 62633 | 309 |
San Jose, IL | 62682 | 309 |
Snicarte, IL | 62617 | 309 |
Spring Lake, IL | 61546 | 309 |
Talbott, IL | 61546 | 309 |
Teheran, IL | 62664 | 217 |
Topeka, IL | 61567 | 309 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mason County, Illinois
Havana
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 2.86 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,000
- Zip Codes: 62644
- Latitude: 40.2975° N
- Longitude: 90.0637° W
Location and History:
Havana, the county seat of Mason County, is located along the Illinois River in central Illinois. Established in the mid-19th century, Havana grew rapidly due to its prime location along the river, which was a major route for transportation and commerce. The town was originally a hub for river trade, logging, and agriculture. The rich soil of the Illinois River Valley also supported farming, and the city has a long history of agriculture, particularly in corn and soybean production. Havana’s riverfront location has made it an attractive site for recreation and tourism over the years, with its proximity to natural areas like the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Havana is served by the Havana Community Unit School District 126, which includes Havana High School and Havana Junior High School. Notable landmarks include Riverfront Park, which offers scenic views of the Illinois River and recreational activities such as boating and fishing. The Dickson Mounds Museum, located just outside of Havana, is a significant archaeological museum that explores Native American history in the region. Additionally, the annual Havana Oktoberfest celebrates the city’s community spirit with parades, food, and entertainment, drawing visitors from across the region. The city’s historic downtown area also retains much of its 19th-century charm.
Mason City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 1.59 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,100
- Zip Codes: 62664
- Latitude: 40.2036° N
- Longitude: 89.6995° W
Location and History:
Mason City is located in the northeastern part of Mason County, approximately 30 miles north of Springfield. The town was founded in the mid-1800s and quickly became an agricultural hub, thanks to its fertile farmland and its location along the railroad, which provided easy access to regional markets. Over the years, Mason City has maintained its agricultural roots, with corn and soybean farming remaining central to its economy. The town grew steadily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, benefiting from its small-town atmosphere and the strong sense of community among its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Mason City is part of the Illini Central Community Unit School District 189, which includes Illini Central High School and Illini Central Junior High School. Major landmarks in Mason City include the Arlee Theater, a restored 1930s movie theater that continues to operate, providing both entertainment and a glimpse into the town’s history. The town also hosts the annual Mason City Fall Festival, which features parades, craft fairs, and local entertainment. The nearby Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from the region.
Manito
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 1.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 61546
- Latitude: 40.4250° N
- Longitude: 89.7843° W
Location and History:
Manito is located in the eastern part of Mason County, about 30 miles southwest of Peoria. The town was founded in 1858 and originally developed as a farming community. The name “Manito” is derived from a Native American word meaning “Great Spirit,” reflecting the area’s Indigenous heritage. Agriculture has always been the backbone of Manito’s economy, with the rich soils of the surrounding prairie lands supporting large-scale corn and soybean farming. The town has remained a small, close-knit community, with its rural charm and agricultural heritage continuing to define its identity today.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Manito is served by Midwest Central Community Unit School District 191, which operates Midwest Central High School and Midwest Central Middle School. One of the town’s notable landmarks is Spring Lake, located just east of the town, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Another key feature of the community is the Manito Popcorn Festival, an annual event that celebrates the town’s agricultural roots, particularly its long history of popcorn production. The festival includes parades, live entertainment, and food vendors, drawing visitors from across the region. The nearby Sand Ridge State Forest offers additional recreational opportunities, with extensive hiking trails and picnic areas.
Easton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 62633
- Latitude: 40.2342° N
- Longitude: 89.8495° W
Location and History:
Easton is a small village located in the northern part of Mason County, approximately 10 miles northwest of Mason City. Founded in the late 1800s, Easton developed primarily as an agricultural community, with its economy revolving around farming and the rural lifestyle. Over the years, the village has remained small but has served as an important local center for the surrounding agricultural region. Easton’s history is closely tied to the expansion of agriculture in central Illinois, and it continues to be a peaceful, rural community where farming remains a dominant way of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Easton is part of the Illini Central Community Unit School District 189, and students attend schools in nearby Mason City. The village is home to the Easton Community Park, which offers recreational facilities and a gathering place for local events. One of Easton’s most significant annual events is the Easton Fun Day, which brings the community together for food, games, and entertainment. Easton’s proximity to larger towns like Mason City and Havana allows residents easy access to additional amenities, while still enjoying the quiet, rural atmosphere that defines village life in Easton.
Bath
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 62617
- Latitude: 40.1848° N
- Longitude: 90.1452° W
Location and History:
Bath is located in the western part of Mason County, near the Illinois River. The village was founded in the early 19th century and was initially a riverboat town due to its location along the river. Bath grew during the steamboat era, serving as a transportation hub for agricultural products like grain and livestock. As the steamboat era waned, Bath transitioned into a quiet agricultural village, and farming has remained the primary economic activity in the area. The village’s connection to the river remains an important part of its history and culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bath is served by the Havana Community Unit School District 126, with students attending schools in nearby Havana. The village is home to Bath Chautauqua Park, which offers access to the Illinois River and recreational activities like fishing and boating. Bath’s proximity to the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge also makes it a destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The annual Bath Fishing Derby is a popular local event that celebrates the village’s connection to the Illinois River, drawing participants from across the county for competitive fishing and community activities.
San Jose
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600
- Zip Codes: 62682
- Latitude: 40.3176° N
- Longitude: 89.6029° W
Location and History:
San Jose is located on the eastern edge of Mason County, near the border with Logan and Tazewell counties. The village was established in the 1850s and named after San Jose, California, reflecting the westward ambitions of its early settlers. San Jose grew as an agricultural community, and the construction of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred development by connecting the town to larger markets. Over the years, San Jose has remained a small rural village, with agriculture, particularly corn and soybeans, continuing to play a key role in the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
San Jose is part of the Illini Central Community Unit School District 189, and local students attend Illini Central High School in Mason City. A notable landmark in San Jose is the San Jose Village Park, which provides a space for outdoor activities and local events. The park is the site of the village’s annual community picnic, which brings together residents for food, games, and entertainment. The surrounding farmland and rural scenery offer a peaceful setting for those who live in San Jose, with the nearby Sangamon River providing additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.