Canton

Canton is located in central Illinois in Fulton County southwest of Peoria along Highway 78. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 13,820, a decrease of 139 since 1990.

For outdoor types, the Illinois River provides the impetus for Banner Marsh SFWA, Rice Lake SFWA and Spring Lake State Park which are all within minutes of town. Chautauqua Lake and Sand Ridge State Forest are also in the recreation equation.

We saved the best for last--Canton is in the Spoon River Valley, the catalyst for renowned American author Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology. The mid-October "Scenic Drive" over some of the 130 miles of road in the valley is a "must do".