Lebanon, city in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States
Lebanon is a small city in St. Clair County, Illinois, located about 30 minutes east of St. Louis. It spreads across flat terrain with a mix of 19th-century buildings in its historic core and residential neighborhoods, plus the McKendree University campus.
The city was founded in 1814 and received official city status in 1874. The visit of English writer Charles Dickens to the Mermaid House Hotel in 1842 marked a notable episode that reflected the town's importance during that era.
The name Lebanon draws from biblical tradition, referencing the ancient Middle Eastern region. The community maintains this connection through place names and the way residents speak about their town's founding.
The city is easily accessible via Interstate 64 and offers a calm experience for visitors seeking proximity to St. Louis. Horner Park spans 58 acres with walking paths, a fishing lake, and sports facilities suitable for a half-day visit.
McKendree University, founded in 1828, is the oldest Methodist college in the United States and features multiple campus buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This makes the town a hidden center of American educational history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
