Manhattan, IL
- About the City
- Landmarks
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
- Sports and Athletic Legends
Manhattan is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,385 at the time of the 2020 census. The community is located in northeastern Illinois approximately 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Chicago.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Manhattan (Village of Manhattan).
- Administrative Role: Manhattan is a village, a municipal corporation, and is not the capital or administrative center of any higher division. It is a constituent part of Will County.
- Location: The village is located in the state of Illinois, in the northeastern part of the United States. It is situated in Will County, approximately 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Chicago . Will County is known as one of the fastest-growing counties in Illinois and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Date of Foundation and Age
- Year of Incorporation: Manhattan was officially incorporated as a village in 1886 .
- Age: As of 2026, the village is 140 years old.
- Founding and History: The area saw an influx of immigrants, particularly Irish, during the mid-19th century due to railroad construction. The village was eventually incorporated to obtain a saloon license . The area's heritage is celebrated annually with the Irish Fest .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 41°25′19″N 87°58′52″W (41.422044, -87.981042) .
- Location: Manhattan is located in northeastern Illinois, approximately 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Chicago . It lies on a plain characteristic of the region.
- Elevation: The elevation of the city center is approximately 206 meters (676 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Manhattan is primarily a residential suburb and a commuter town within the Chicago metropolitan area. Its economy is largely linked to its proximity to Chicago and nearby cities. The village also retains roots in agriculture . It serves as the home base for Starcon, Inc., a major contractor in the petrochemical industry .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the village population was 9,385 .
- City Class: Manhattan is a small town, having grown significantly in recent decades from a population of 2,059 in 1990 .
- Demographics: The village has experienced rapid growth, with a 111.7% increase in population between 2000 and 2010 . It is predominantly a residential community with a mix of families and individuals working in the broader Chicago area.
City's "Business Card"
Manhattan, Illinois, is a historic and rapidly growing village that offers a small-town feel within commuting distance of Chicago. Known for its landmark 19th-century Round Barn and its Metra train station, it provides residents and visitors with access to unique local heritage, community events, and the natural beauty of the Wauponsee Glacial Trail.
Landmarks
Round Barn Farm
The most significant and cherished landmark in Manhattan is the Baker-Koren Round Barn Farm . Located on an 87-acre community park just north of the village, the farm is home to a historic round barn, a true representation of local heritage.
- The Round Barn: This 20-sided polygonal barn was completed by John C. Baker in 1898 and remains one of the largest round barns in Illinois . It holds a unique distinction: it was constructed from wood salvaged from the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition . The barn is a county-landmarked historic site.
- Grounds and Activities: Round Barn Farm features an old-growth oak grove, Jackson Creek, native plantings, and a pond, creating a beautiful rustic setting for community events like the annual Round Barn Fest and Wine Fest . For recreation, the park offers an 18-hole disc golf course that meanders through the oak grove, athletic courts and fields, walking paths, and outdoor fitness equipment .
Wauponsee Glacial Trail
Manhattan is situated along the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, a key natural and recreational asset . This trail is part of the Forest Preserve District of Will County and can be accessed at the Manhattan Road Access Point. It offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and experiencing the local glacial geology and landscape.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Manhattan has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons . It features warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city experiences significant seasonal variation in both temperature and precipitation.
Average Temperatures by Month
The warmest month is July, with average daytime highs reaching 29°C (84°F) and nighttime lows around 19°C (66°F) . The coldest month is January, with average daytime highs near 0°C (32°F) and nighttime lows dropping to -8°C (18°F) . The average annual temperature is around 11°C (52°F) .
| Month | Avg. High (°C / °F) | Avg. Low (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 / 32 | -8 / 18 |
| February | 2 / 36 | -7 / 19 |
| March | 9 / 48 | -1 / 30 |
| April | 16 / 61 | 4 / 39 |
| May | 22 / 72 | 11 / 52 |
| June | 27 / 81 | 16 / 61 |
| July | 29 / 84 | 19 / 66 |
| August | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 |
| September | 25 / 77 | 14 / 57 |
| October | 18 / 64 | 7 / 45 |
| November | 9 / 48 | 0 / 32 |
| December | 3 / 37 | -4 / 25 |
*Data source: *
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Manhattan receives a significant amount of precipitation, averaging approximately 1,230 mm (48.4 inches) per year .
- Wettest Months: The late spring and early summer are the wettest periods. June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 156 mm (6.1 inches) of precipitation . April, May, and June all see high rainfall .
- Driest Month: December and January are the driest months, with precipitation averaging around 69-71 mm (2.7-2.8 inches) .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with January and February seeing the most, where snow can account for over 30% of total monthly precipitation .
Sunny Days and UV Index
The area has a varying degree of cloud cover throughout the year. The sunniest and clearest skies are from mid-June through mid-October, with August and September being the most cloud-free months . Conversely, December and January are the cloudiest months .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Manhattan for outdoor activities is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is warmest and skies are generally clear .
- Spring (April-May): Temperatures are mild to warm, but this is also one of the rainiest periods. The landscape becomes green.
- Summer (June-August): This is the warmest and sunniest time of year, ideal for exploring the Wauponsee Glacial Trail and enjoying events at Round Barn Farm. Humidity can be high.
- Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures and clear skies make this an excellent time for a visit, with the added beauty of autumn colors.
- Winter (November-March): Cold and snowy, this period is best for experiencing the quiet, small-town winter atmosphere, but many outdoor activities may be limited.
Transport
Public Transportation
- Commuter Rail (Metra): The most significant transportation link for Manhattan is its Metra station . It is the southern terminus of the SouthWest Service line, which provides weekday rail service to Chicago's Union Station . This service is crucial for commuters working in the city.
Major Highways
- U.S. Route 52 (US 52): This is the only numbered highway serving Manhattan, running through the village in a northwest-southeast direction . It provides a direct road connection to nearby cities like Joliet and other communities in Will County.
Nearest Major Airports
While Manhattan itself does not have a commercial airport, residents and visitors have access to several major airports in the Chicago area. The closest significant airport is:
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): Located approximately 35-40 miles northeast of Manhattan, it is a major hub for domestic flights and a convenient option for air travel.
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): One of the busiest airports in the world, located about 50-55 miles north of Manhattan, offering extensive domestic and international connections.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
While the village of Manhattan itself is a smaller community, its residents have access to a number of highly-regarded hospitals and medical centers in the nearby surrounding areas. These facilities provide a full range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments .
Silver Cross Hospital
Located in nearby New Lenox, Silver Cross Hospital is a leading full-service hospital serving the Manhattan community . It is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to patient-centered care, offering a wide range of services including emergency care, surgical procedures, and diagnostic imaging. It is conveniently situated at 1900 Silver Cross Blvd, New Lenox, IL 60451 .
Presence St. Joseph Medical Center
In the nearby city of Joliet, Presence St. Joseph Medical Center is another prominent hospital providing comprehensive medical services . This facility is known for its advanced technology and compassionate care, with key specialties that include emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It is located at 333 N Madison St, Joliet, IL 60435 .
Amita Health St. Mary's Hospital
Serving the Manhattan area from Kankakee, Amita Health St. Mary's Hospital is a trusted healthcare facility recognized for its patient-centered approach and personalized care . The hospital offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, oncology, neurology, and rehabilitation. Its address is 500 W Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901 .
Riverside Medical Center
Also located in Kankakee, Riverside Medical Center is a renowned institution with state-of-the-art facilities, providing a comprehensive range of services such as emergency care, pediatrics, cardiology, and orthopedics . It is known for its commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare and is found at 350 N Wall St, Kankakee, IL 60901 .
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, located in Morris, is a trusted healthcare provider for the Manhattan area, known for its patient-centered approach and high-quality care . Services include emergency care, family medicine, radiology, and rehabilitation. The hospital is situated at 150 W High St, Morris, IL 60450 .
Sports and Athletic Legends
Manhattan, Illinois, is a village that looks to the broader athletic achievements of the region. While it may not have major professional sports franchises of its own, it is situated in a state with a rich sports culture, and is close to the major Chicago teams. One notable connection comes through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, whose athletic teams, the Fighting Illini, have a long and storied history.
University of Illinois Fighting Illini
The University of Illinois is a major collegiate athletic power, and while its campus is in Champaign-Urbana, its fanbase extends across the state, including to communities like Manhattan. The Fighting Illini compete in the NCAA's Big Ten Conference.
Known for Basketball Success at Iconic Venues
The Illinois men's basketball team has a notable history of playing at the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Illini have appeared at the current MSG 13 times, with a record of 5-8, and have played a total of 18 games across the different iterations of the arena since their debut there in 1937 .
Some of their most memorable games at Madison Square Garden include:
- A 71-67 victory against Yale in the 1949 NCAA tournament .
- A hard-fought 76-74 loss to the University of Kentucky in the 1951 Final Four .
- A recent and impressive 85-78 overtime victory against the No. 2 ranked University of Texas in December 2022 .