Mendota is located in north central Illinois in northwestern La Salle County at the junction of U.S. Highways 34 and 52. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 7,194, an increase of 177 since 1990.
One of the highlights of summer is the annual "Mendota Sweet Corn Festival" held over a 4-day period during the first part of August. The event attracts over 60,000 people who down about 100,000 pounds of Del Monte-brand corn.
Recreational attractions include several state parks within a 30-minute drive of town. These include Matthiesen State Park, Starved Rock State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park & Effigy Tumili, each of which are located on or near the Illinois River about 15 miles south.