Highland, IL

• About the City
• Geography
• Climate and Weather
• Landmarks
• Transport
• Healthcare and Medical Facilities
• Universities and Educational Institutions

Highland is a city in Madison County, Illinois, United States. Founded by Swiss-German pioneers, it is known for its strong community spirit and is part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

• Official Name: Highland, Illinois.
• Administrative Role: Highland is a city located in Madison County, within the townships of Helvetia, Saline, and Marine . It is not a county seat but is an incorporated municipality.
• Regional Context: Highland is situated in the southwestern part of Illinois, approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of St. Louis, Missouri . It is a key community within the Metro-East region, which is the Illinois portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area . Madison County itself is a historic region known for its development along the Mississippi River and its rich agricultural and industrial history.

Date of Foundation and Age

• Founding and Settlement: The area was settled in the early 19th century by Swiss-German pioneers from Sursee, Switzerland . The town was officially founded in 1837 .
• Age: As of 2026, Highland is 189 years old.
• Founders and Original Name: The town was first named Helvetia by its Swiss-German founding members, in honor of their heritage . Key founding figures include Kaspar Köpfli, a Swiss doctor, and other pioneers from Sursee and Walenstadt . The name was changed to its English version, "Highland," in the early 20th century, partly to distance itself from Germanic heritage during World War I .
• Notable Visitors: The city has a rich history that includes extended visits from notable figures such as President Abraham Lincoln .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

• Geographic Coordinates: 38°44′38″N 89°40′38″W / 38.74389°N 89.67722°W .
• Positioning: Highland is located in the American Midwest, on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River's floodplain . It lies about 30 miles northeast of St. Louis .
• Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 551 feet (168 meters) above sea level .
• Water Features: The city drains to the south into Sugar Creek and to the northwest into the East Fork of Silver Creek, both tributaries of the Kaskaskia River. Highland Silver Lake, a reservoir constructed on the East Fork, is entirely within the city's extended limits .

City Type and Economic Specialization

• Historical Industrial Center: Highland was historically an industrial center, notably as the founding place of the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company (later Pet Milk) in 1855 . It continues to be home to manufacturing companies like the Wicks Organ Company, Highland Supply Corporation (known for decorative floral grass), and The Korte Company .
• Modern Economic Hub: Today, its economy is diversified with strong sectors in manufacturing, healthcare (Highland Memorial Hospital), and retail. It is also developing a growing logistics and transportation industry, aided by its proximity to a CSX Transportation terminal and major highways .
• "Gigabit" City: A point of modern pride is its city-owned, Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network, making it the only "Gigabit City" in the region and a draw for businesses .

Population and Demographics

• Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Highland was 9,991 .
• Population Class: With a population just under 10,000, Highland is considered a small city.
• Growth and Density: The population has seen steady growth since its founding. The population density is approximately 1,466 people per square mile (566/km²) .
• Demographic Makeup: The city has a predominantly White population (97.0% in 2010), with small but growing African American, Asian, and Hispanic communities . The city has a strong sense of community, often described as having an "old-world charm" and a "tight-knit community appeal" .

"City's Business Card" (In Brief)

Highland, Illinois, is a historic Swiss-German settlement in the American heartland that seamlessly blends its rich pioneer past with modern innovation. Located just 30 miles from St. Louis, this tight-knit community offers a high quality of life with award-winning schools, abundant green space, and a surprising title as a regional "Gigabit City," all while honoring its heritage with unique museums and annual festivals.

Geography

Mountains and Ranges

Highland is located in the relatively flat terrain of the American Bottom, part of the greater Till Plain. There are no mountains in or near the city. The most prominent natural feature is the man-made Highland Silver Lake to the north .

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

• Highland Silver Lake: This is the most significant water body, a reservoir created by damming the East Fork of Silver Creek . The city limits extend north to enclose the entire lake, which serves as a key local resource for recreation and scenery.

Beaches and Coastlines

As an inland city in Illinois, Highland does not have a coastline. The primary water-based recreation is found at Highland Silver Lake, although information about designated swimming beaches is not available in the provided sources.

Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes

Highland does not feature deserts or canyons. The landscape is characteristic of the Midwestern United States, consisting of gently rolling hills and plains used for agriculture and urban development.

National and Nature Parks

While Highland itself does not contain a national park, it boasts an impressive amount of green space for its residents. According to the city's official website, Highland has the 2nd most green space per capita in the nation . This includes numerous city parks and community spaces. Nearby, the Highland Recreation Area, a former ammunition depot, serves as a park and nature preserve .

Islands and Archipelagos

There are no islands or archipelagos associated with Highland, Illinois.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Highland has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen classification, with characteristics of a continental climate due to its inland position. It features four distinct seasons: warm, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters . The city enjoys a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year, with the sky being partly cloudy year-round but clearing up significantly in the late summer and early fall .

Average Monthly Temperatures

Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The hottest month is July, with an average daily high of 31°C (88°F) and an average low of 21°C (70°F) . The coldest month is January, with an average daily high of 4°C (39°F) and an average low of -6°C (21°F) .

*Source: *

Precipitation and Humidity

• Annual Precipitation: Highland receives a significant amount of precipitation, averaging about 1,460 mm (57.5 inches) per year .
• Wettest Month: April is typically the wettest month, with an average of 178 mm (7.0 inches) of precipitation .
• Driest Month: January is the driest month, averaging 88 mm (3.5 inches) .
• Snowfall: Snow is most common from late November to mid-March, with January seeing the most snow accumulation, averaging around 3.5 inches . February has the highest percentage of precipitation falling as snow (26%) .
• Humidity: Summers in Highland are considered "muggy," with humidity levels peaking in July and August due to the warm, moist air .

Sunshine and UV Index

• Sunny Days: The sunniest and clearest skies are typically from late summer through early fall. August and September are the clearest months, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 69% of the time .
• UV Index: The UV index is highest during the summer months, from June to August.

Best Time to Visit

Based on the tourism score, the best time to visit Highland for warm-weather activities is from late May to late September .

• Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up considerably, but this is also a period with a high chance of precipitation, making the landscape lush and green.
• Summer (June-August): This is the warmest period, ideal for enjoying outdoor festivals and green spaces, but it can be muggy.
• Fall (September-November): Early fall is pleasant with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring historical sites and enjoying the changing leaves. Precipitation remains significant through October and November .
• Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and snowy, which might appeal to visitors looking for a quiet, small-town winter experience. The city's attractions, like museums, are open year-round.

Landmarks

Louis Latzer Homestead

• Full Name: Louis Latzer Homestead.
• Historical Significance: This restored Victorian home was built in 1901 for Louis Latzer, a key figure in the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company (later Pet Milk), which was founded in Highland in 1855 . The house is a direct link to the city's industrial pioneer past.
• Location: Located in Highland, it is a popular stop for tour groups .
• Unique Features: The home is notable for its early adoption of modern amenities for the time, including a telephone, running water, a manufactured gas light system, and speaking tubes between rooms, offering a fascinating glimpse into turn-of-the-century life .

Helvetia Milk Condensing Company Site

• Full Name: Helvetia Milk Condensing Company (historical site).
• Historical Significance: Founded in Highland in 1855, this company was a cornerstone of the city's economy and later became nationally known as the Pet Milk Company . While the original factory may no longer operate, its legacy is a central part of Highland's identity as an industrial innovator.

Kaeser Park and Museum

• Full Name: Kaeser Park and Museum.
• Description: This museum is housed in a historic brick structure that originally served as a stagecoach stop built in 1840 .
• Collections: It houses a collection of historical items from Highland's business community, city government, and civic/social organizations, preserving the broader narrative of the city's development .

Erwin Weder Museum

• Full Name: Erwin Weder Museum.
• Location and Building: The museum is located in the old Schott's Brewery, adding an extra layer of historical interest .
• Collections: It features a private collection of turn-of-the-century farm equipment and vehicles, appealing to groups interested in agricultural and industrial history .

Highland Speedway

• Full Name: Highland Speedway.
• Description: A 1/4 mile dirt oval racetrack that is a major local attraction for sports fans .
• Events: It hosts prestigious racing events such as the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and DIRTcar Summer Nationals, in addition to weekly local races, drawing visitors from across the region .

Transport

Major Airports

Highland is within an hour's drive of four airports, though it does not have a commercial airport of its own . The primary airport for residents and visitors is:

• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL): Located approximately 30 miles west, this is the nearest major airport offering comprehensive domestic and international flights .

Other Airports (Alternative)

Other nearby general aviation and regional options include smaller airfields, but St. Louis Lambert International (STL) and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Mascoutah are the key alternatives for commercial travel.

Major Railway Stations

Highland does not have a passenger railway station. However, the city is bisected by a Class I rail line operated by CSX Transportation, which runs from St. Louis to Indianapolis, underscoring its importance as a logistics and transportation hub for freight .

Public Transportation System

• Bus Service: Metro Transit provides bus service connecting Highland to St. Louis and the surrounding areas in the Metro East region .

Major Highways and Roads

Highland's location provides excellent connectivity via several major routes :

• Interstate 70 (I-70): Passes through the northern part of the city limits, with exits at IL 143 (Exit 24) and US 40 (Exit 30). It provides a direct route west to St. Louis and east to Indianapolis.
• Interstate 55 (I-55): Located nearby, this major highway connects the region to Chicago to the north and points south.
• U.S. Route 40 (US 40): Passes through the city north of downtown, linking Highland to Troy and St. Louis to the west and Greenville to the northeast.
• Illinois Route 143 (IL 143): Leads northwest to Marine and northeast to Pierron, with a direct connection to I-70.
• Illinois Route 160 (IL 160): Passes through the center of Highland, leading north to Grantfork and south to Trenton.

Ports

There are two ports within 60 miles of Highland, facilitating freight transport on the Mississippi River system, although they are not used for passenger travel .

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Highland, Illinois, is served by a network of medical facilities, with the primary hospital located within the city and several other major healthcare centers a short drive away in neighboring communities.

HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital - Highland

The main hospital in the city is HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital-Highland (St. Joseph’s Hospital – Highland), part of the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) . This leading healthcare provider offers a comprehensive range of services to the community, including emergency care, surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation . The hospital has received positive reviews from patients, who often praise the attentive staff and excellent medical care, contributing to an average rating of 4.5 stars . The hospital is part of a wider network, with the HSHS Medical Group Family & Internal Medicine - Highland clinic located nearby at 12860 Troxler Avenue, providing primary care services such as immunizations and internal medicine . For non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses like colds, cuts, or ear infections, the HSHS Walk-In Clinic is available at 12866 Troxler Avenue .

Specialized Medical Care in Highland

In addition to primary care, Highland is home to specialized clinics affiliated with HSHS. The HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic Surgery - Highland, located at 12860 Troxler Avenue, Suite 300, provides specialized surgical care for bone and joint issues . For respiratory health, the HSHS Medical Group Pulmonology Specialty Clinic - Highland (12860 Troxler Avenue, Suite 320) offers care in pulmonology and sleep medicine, though with limited weekly hours .

Hospitals in Neighboring Communities

Within a short driving distance from Highland, residents have access to several other hospitals that are part of the HSHS network and other health systems.

• HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital - Breese: Located about 11.5 miles away in Breese, this hospital is another reputable facility within the same health system . It offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialized surgeries, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, and has received positive patient feedback .
• Anderson Hospital: Situated approximately 15 miles from Highland in Maryville, Anderson Hospital is a trusted institution offering emergency care, surgical procedures, maternity care, and specialized treatments .
• HSHS Holy Family Hospital: This hospital is located about 17.5 miles away in Greenville, providing another option for inpatient and outpatient care within the region .
• Memorial Hospital - Belleville: Located in Belleville, approximately 23.4 miles from Highland, this hospital is noted by U.S. News as "High Performing" in 3 procedures and conditions, indicating a recognized level of specialty care .
• HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital: Also in Belleville, about 23.8 miles away, this hospital is recognized as "High Performing" in 6 procedures and conditions by U.S. News, offering a broad range of specialized services .

Universities and Educational Institutions

While Highland itself does not host a large university, the city is within a 50-mile radius of over 30 colleges and universities, including several well-regarded institutions .

Higher Education Near Highland

The closest college to Highland is McKendree University in Lebanon, located just 13.3 miles away . This provides Highland residents with convenient access to higher education. For those seeking more affordable options, Southwestern Illinois College, a community college, is 22 miles from Highland and offers an open admission policy with annual tuition and fees for local residents at $4,140 .

Major Universities in the Region

The broader region surrounding Highland is home to several major universities with strong academic reputations. The highest-rated college in the area is Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), located in nearby St. Louis, Missouri, which is ranked #21 in the nation . Another large institution is Saint Louis University (SLU) , also in St. Louis, which is the largest college in the area with an enrollment of over 17,200 students . These universities bring significant educational, cultural, and research resources to the entire region, including the Highland community.

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