Glen Carbon

About Glen Carbon

Located in Madison County, Glen Carbon in southern Illinois is a small, family-oriented village 20 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Around 14,000 residents enjoy Glen Carbon’s great schools and parks, its safe neighborhoods, and tightknit community. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) is next door, enlivening all aspects of life in this charming small town.

Glen Carbon History

The Village of Glen Carbon was established in 1892, though a century before pioneers began arriving at what came to be called Goshen Settlement. Glen Carbon thrived thanks to mining and brick-making, while people, goods, and farm products moved easily in and out of its two train depots. The bustling industries made Glen Carbon an attractive place for new immigrants.

Visit the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum in Old Town for more history, plus learn about the century-old school that houses the museum. Or trace Glen Carbon’s development in signs along the MCT Heritage Trail, which follows the old Illinois Central Railroad line that was so crucial to its development.

Living and Working in Glen Carbon

Every year everyone comes together for Glen Carbon Homecoming, a two-day celebration from opening parade to closing fireworks. The village has a range of service organizations dedicated to strengthening the whole community. Local programs such as Hometown Heroes honor those who have or are serving, and the Cool Cities Committee encourages everyone to create a sustainable future. Glen Carbon is known for a wide range of affordable housing options to fit many needs and budgets. Home prices run below the national average whether you rent or own. Most residents own their own homes, with a mix of established neighborhoods and new subdivisions.

Thanks to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, many residents pursue careers in education, followed by health, management, administration, retail, and sales.

Things to do in Glen Carbon

Miner Park in Old Town is Glen Carbon’s largest park with a bandstand ideal for community gatherings. The park features lighted ball fields, pavilions, playgrounds, and it connects to the 15-mile Nickel Plate Trail. Bike trails abound in town, to Edwardsville and the rest of Madison County. Visit the Gardens at SIUE for photo ops year-round, but especially in autumn when leaf-peeping peaks. Spend a day outside town at Horseshoe Lake State Park for boating, camping, and fishing or explore the Mississippi River.

Glen Carbon Transportation

Major arteries serving Glen Carbon include I-270, which runs east-west through town, as well as I-70, I-255, and I-55. Madison County Transit operates fixed bus lines as well as express routes to St. Louis. Glen Carbon Senior Center runs a para-transit service by appointment. Ridefinders is a great tool to find carpool and ride-sharing options.

Glen Carbon Schools

Edwardsville Community Unit District 7 Schools provide excellent K-12 public education in Glen Carbon. Graduates can attend top-notch Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville or Lewis & Clark Community College close to home.

Resources for Moving to Glen Carbon

Glen Carbon provides water and sewer service as well as trash and recycling collection. Contact Ameren for both gas and electric utilities. Telephone companies include AT&T, Charter Communications-Spectrum, Verizon, or Vonage. Check out Charter Communications-Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network for TV service.

With high-quality schools, year-round recreation, affordable housing, and a strong community spirit, Glen Carbon is a great fit for young professionals, growing families, empty nesters, and retirees.