Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mississippi River, less than an hour from St. Louis, is Madison County, Illinois.
Madison County juxtaposes sprawling farmlands and densely populated industrial areas.
Madison County is proud to preserve and showcase its Native American, Lewis & Clark, Civil War, and industrial history and is home to several landmarks and historical buildings.
In addition to its rich history, Madison County is a diverse community with an appreciation for art and culture.
The city of Edwardsville serves as the county seat and is also the third oldest city in Madison County, Illinois.
The area places a heavy focus on quality education, featuring highly rated public schools, well-respected private schools, and is home to two colleges and universities.
With a robust network of public transportation options, getting in, around, and out of Madison County is quick and easy.
Things to Do in Madison County, IL
The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, situated in Hartford, Illinois, presents six galleries across 14,000 square feet of exhibit space honoring the Lewis and Clark expedition. Camp Dubois, from 1803 to 1804, was Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s winter camp. The historic site is designed to be kid-friendly with opportunities for hands-on engagement.
In Alton, Illinois, get in touch with the Piasa Bird legend, a popular site for tourists and locals alike. The current location, a 20th-century replica relocated upstream from the original site, depicts a Native American painting of a dragon – a mythological creature depicted as a bird that devours men and animals.
The city of Edwardsville offers the Watershed Nature Center, spanning 40 acres, including forest, prairie, and wetland habitats. Meander along paved walking trails, explore the raised marsh walk, or pop into the welcome center.
The Watershed Nature Center also offers special events like Discovery Days, Restoration Days, Birding with Friends, and Fantastic Frogs.
The city of Granite is home to Horseshoe Lake State Park, another National Natural Landmark in Madison County. The lake offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and more.
Homes for Sale in Madison County
Schools in Madison County, Illinois
There are 13 school districts in Madison County in Illinois, governed by the Madison County Regional Office of Education.
Within those 13 districts, there are a total of 90 public schools peppered throughout the county.
Madison County is also within proximity to several parochial and private schools.
The Edwardsville campus of Southern Illinois offers education in a variety of career fields such as dentistry and pharmacy and also houses the Lewis and Clark Community College.
The Climate in Madison County, Illinois
In Illinois, Madison County receives approximately 202 days of sunshine per year, which is on par with the national average of 205. High summer temperatures stay comfortably below a hundred degrees at just 89 degrees.
Madison County experiences 99 days per year with measurable precipitation, equating to a total of 42 inches of rain and an additional 13 inches of snow.
Low winter temperatures in Madison County hover below freezing at around 22 degrees.
Public Transportation in Madison County, IL
Madison County Transit provides public transportation. MCT offers numerous bus routes as well as paratransit service that meets ADA requirements for the disabled and elderly.
The county also has developed bikeways, integrating them with the MCT bus routes.
MCT also oversees the RideFinders program, a St. Louis rideshare regional program. The RideFinders program strives to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
For air travel, residents and guests in Madison County, Illinois, rely on St. Louis Regional Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
Living in Madison County, Illinois
Madison County stretches across 725 square miles in Illinois, with an additional 15.3 square miles of water.
Nearly 300,000 residents are making themselves at home in Madison County. Among its residents, the annual median household income is estimated at $57,890, making it an affordable community.
Single-family homes and condominiums in Madison County hold median values of just over $130,000, also below the state’s median home value of 195,300.
Conclusion
Madison County, Illinois, is an ideal place to settle in and call home.
Rich in history, the diverse, hard-working community, is also steeped in art, culture, entertainment, and recreation with various restaurants, parks, galleries, museums, and more. There’s always something to do for all ages and interests.
Madison County prides itself on high-quality education, with nearly a hundred public schools spread throughout the county and several private schools and colleges.
Madison County Transit, in conjunction with other providers, has established efficient ways to get from one area of the county to another.
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