Coles County, Illinois is located in the east central region of the state and covers an area of 476 square miles. It is bordered on the north by Douglas County, on the east by Edgar County, on the south by Cumberland County and on the west by Shelby and Moultrie Counties. The county seat is Charleston.

The topography of Coles County consists mostly of rolling hills with some flat areas along rivers and streams. The Kaskaskia River runs through the northern part of the county while the Embarras River flows through its southern portion. The climate in Coles County is typical for central Illinois with hot summers and cold winters. Average annual temperatures range from 30°F in January to 82°F in July with average precipitation levels around 38 inches per year.

As of 2019, Coles County had an estimated population of 54,569 people spread across 25 townships and 2 municipalities which include Charleston (population 8,946) and Mattoon (population 18,072). The largest employers in Coles County are Eastern Illinois University, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Walmart, EIU Technology Park and Panther Creek Consolidated School District #3.

Coles County offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing at Lake Mattoon or hunting at various wildlife areas throughout the county. There are several parks located within its borders that offer camping facilities as well as trails for biking or hiking. In addition to outdoor activities, there are numerous cultural attractions such as art galleries or museums that can be found throughout the area.

Coles County is a great place to live with many attractions to enjoy year-round. From outdoor recreation to cultural events, there are plenty of things to do for both locals and visitors alike.

Economy of Coles County, Illinois

Coles County, Illinois is a rural county located in the east-central region of the state. The county has an estimated population of 54,569 people and covers an area of 476 square miles. The economy in Coles County is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing and education.

Agriculture has long been a mainstay in Coles County with crops such as corn and soybeans being the most common. Livestock production is also important to the local economy with beef and dairy cattle being raised in the area. In addition to farming, there are several agricultural related businesses located throughout the county such as feed mills, grain elevators and farm machinery dealerships.

Manufacturing is another key component of Coles County’s economy with companies such as Caterpillar Inc., Diversified Machine Products and Nucor Steel having major operations in the area. These companies provide jobs for many local residents and contribute significantly to the local tax base.

Education is also important to Coles County’s economy with Eastern Illinois University (EIU) located just outside of Charleston. EIU provides thousands of jobs for both faculty and staff as well as contributes to the local economy through student spending at stores, restaurants and other businesses near campus. EIU also offers a variety of degree programs which help prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields after graduation.

Coles County has a diverse economy that provides plenty of opportunities for its citizens to work or start their own businesses. Whether it’s farming, manufacturing or education that you’re interested in pursuing, there are plenty of options available.

Libraries in Coles County, Illinois

According to babyinger, Coles County, Illinois is home to a variety of libraries that offer a wide range of services to its citizens. From traditional book lending to computer access and educational programs, the county’s libraries provide residents with many resources for learning and recreation.

The Coles County Public Library System consists of four branch locations in Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland and Humboldt. Each library offers a variety of books, magazines, audio books and DVDs for loan as well as free WiFi access. The libraries also have computers available for public use with internet access. In addition to these services, the libraries offer educational programs such as story time and special events like book clubs.

The Coles County Historical Society Library is located in Charleston and is dedicated to preserving the history of the county through its collection of historical materials. The library houses books, photographs and documents related to local history as well as newspapers dating back to the late 1800s. It also offers genealogy research assistance for those interested in researching their family histories.

The Eastern Illinois University Library serves both students and faculty at EIU as well as members of the community who are interested in using its resources. The library is home to over 1 million volumes including books, periodicals, government documents and more. It also provides access to numerous electronic databases which can be used for research purposes or simply browsing topics that interest you.

Coles County has numerous libraries that offer many services for residents looking to learn something new or just enjoy some leisurely reading time. Whether you’re looking for a traditional book lending service or an online database with research materials, there’s something available at one of the county’s many libraries.

Landmarks in Coles County, Illinois

According to A2zdirectory, Coles County, Illinois is home to a variety of landmarks that provide a glimpse into the county’s history and culture. From historic buildings to parks and natural attractions, there are many things to explore in Coles County.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Coles County is the Charleston Coles County Courthouse. This historic building was constructed in 1876 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse features an Italianate-style design with red brick walls, white columns and a cupola on top. Visitors can take a tour of the courthouse to learn more about its history and architecture.

The Douglas-Hart Nature Center is another popular landmark in Coles County, located just south of Mattoon. This nature center features over 600 acres of forests, wetlands, prairies and lakes where visitors can observe wildlife such as deer, turkeys, songbirds and waterfowl. The center also offers educational programs for adults and children alike.

The Lake Mattoon Recreational Area is another great place to visit in Coles County. This area includes a lake for fishing and boating as well as walking trails that wind through wooded areas where visitors can observe local wildlife such as beavers, muskrats and turtles. There are also picnic areas available for visitors who want to enjoy lunch or dinner outdoors.

Finally, the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located near Charleston and serves as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln’s early life in Illinois. The site includes an authentic replica log cabin built from logs taken from Thomas Lincoln’s original cabin which Abraham lived in during his childhood years. Visitors can take guided tours of the cabin or explore it on their own.

There are many landmarks throughout Coles County that offer insight into its history and culture. From historic buildings to nature centers and recreational areas, there’s something for everyone to explore in this charming county.