Mattoon

Mattoon is located in central Illinois in southwestern Coles County south of Champaign along Interstate 57 near the Kaskaskia River and Lake Mattoon. It is only minutes east of Lake Shelbyville, Eagle Creek State Park, Wolf Creek State Park and Shelbyville SFWA. Additional recreation in the area is provided by Meadowview Golf Course.

The city is home to Lake Land College for those wanting a community college experience. Charleston, 10 miles to the east, offers a four year institution in Eastern Illinois University.

Mattoon is the annual host of the Cal Ripken World Series--a division of the Babe Ruth-age baseball playoffs. The event takes place in mid-August each year and is held at Graham Field in Lawson Parks.

The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 18,115, a decrease of 326 since 1990.