Lebanon, IL Area Guide

Lebanon is a small town located only 30 minutes east of Saint Louis. Similar to many other towns in “Little Egypt” or Southern Illinois, the town is named after the country of the same name. Although very tiny, the town is filled with history. Lebanon is best known for being home to McKendree University, the oldest Methodist College in the state. This tiny college town is also home to the Mermaid House, which was visited by Charles Dickens in 1842 and was even mentioned in his novel, “American Notes.” Lebanon is certainly proud of its historical connections and maintains a quaintness in every aspect of town.

In downtown and other nearby neighborhoods, you can find a variety of older architectural styles including Gothic, Italianate, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and more. For entertainment, residents buy tickets to a play or a concert at Looking Glass Playhouse or the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. Outdoor recreation is very popular with several parks in town. Horner Park is a 58-acre park with sports facilities, pavilions, trails, and a fishing lake. Lebanon is quiet the majority of the year, except for holidays. The biggest seasonal event of the year is the annual Lebanon Victorian Holiday, a two-day old-fashioned celebration with horse drawn carriages, carolers, holiday treats, and visits from Santa. If you want to live in an area with a vintage flair, you’ll fall in love with Lebanon.