Livingston County, established in 1837, is located in the northeast quarter of Illinois, and consists of 1,043 square miles and 30 townships. It is the fourth largest county in the state. Centrally located along I-55 and historic Route 66, it offers small town living with something for everyone. Being just (98 mi) southwest of Chicago, and (201 mi) northeast of St. Louis, it offers daily Amtrak service to both that is easily accessible.
Pontiac is the center of the county, with a population of around 12,000. Nestled along the Vermillion River it is the only Midwestern city to have three swinging pedestrian bridges. Built in 1875, it is also home to what many consider one of the most beautiful Courthouses in IL. The Courthouse sits in the middle of a very quaint yet historic downtown square, which features:
- Four Restaurants: Bernardi’s Pub, Delong’s Casual Dining, Lydia’s Cup, Apple Tree Restaurant and Edinger’s Fueling Station
- Four Museums: Livingston County War Museum, Route 66 Museum, Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum, and the International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum (Admission is Free to ALL)
- Murals on Main Street – A walking tour of 24 large, colorful, outdoor murals, depicting the social, economic and cultural history of Pontiac
- Route 66 Scenic Byway Exhibits – Five wayside story boards telling the history of the Mother Road in Pontiac.
- Looking for Lincoln Story Trail Exhibits – Nine historic markers/sites which explain Abraham Lincoln’s many varied connections to the city.
Even though Pontiac is the largest city in Livingston County, it also includes: Campus, Chatsworth, Cornell, Cullom, Dwight, Emington, Fairbury, Flanagan, Forrest, Graymont, Longpoint, Odell, Saunemin, South Streator, and Strawn.
Come see why Livingston County is a unique and interesting place to live!
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