Aledo, Illinois

Welcome to Aledo!  Enjoy a visit to this rural farm community to experience hometown charm, 19th-century architecture and slower pace. Aledo, Illinois, with a population of 3,700, is centrally located in Mercer County, about 160 miles west of Chicago and about 45 minutes south of the Quad Cities. Founded in 1855, Aledo is the County Seat of historical Mercer County.

A stroll down Main Street, or through their historic residential neighborhoods, is an architectural history tour, as the town looks much like it did at the turn of the century. Since Aledo is the county seat, the 19,000 residents of Mercer County travel here to shop and conduct business. One trip to Aledo can accomplish a great deal since Aledo has much to offer. The historic downtown business district is located just off the main route of Illinois 17 and 94. Spend time browsing through specialty shops and dining at restaurants.

Aledo has a rich history, and there are several opportunities to experience that history firsthand. You can have a truly unique bed and breakfast experience at the historic former Mercer County Jail turned into The Slammer Bed and Breakfast. You can also step back in time and tour the Mercer County Courthouse. This grand building, built in 1894, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aledo is home to the Rhubarb Festival, Antique Days, Holly Days, Mercer County Fair, and Essley-Noble Museum.

Just 45 minutes south of the Quad Cities, you follow Hwy. 67 south from Milan, Illinois, turn west at the stoplight in Viola on to Route 17, which will take you directly to Aledo. If you enjoy a small-town atmosphere, a trip to Aledo will be like coming home.

Highlights:

Historic Main Street (Restaurants and Shops)

Mercer County Courthouse (tours)

Essley-Noble Museum

Farmers Market (early June through end of September on Thursdays)

Rhubarb Festival (first full weekend in June)

Mercer County Fair (mid-July)

Antique Days & Car Show (late August)

Fall Fest on Main Street (early October)

Aledo Holly days (first full weekend in December)