Canton, IL Home for Rent

Canton, the largest city in Fulton County, Illinois, has a rich history rooted in coal mining and steel plow manufacturing. Despite the closure of the International Harvester factory in 1983, the city maintains a blue-collar spirit and is home to major employers like Cook Medical, Graham Medical Group, and Spoon River College. Residents often commute 30 miles to East Peoria for work at Caterpillar’s facilities. Canton Park District oversees nine parks, including Big Creek Park with its recreation center and Lakeland Park featuring 5 miles of trails and five lakes. Canton Lake offers boating and camping, while hunting and fishing spots are plentiful. Downtown Canton is vibrant with local businesses such as Billy’s Tap, Official Time Out, and seasonal favorite Hannam’s Dairy Dream. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, held the first two weekends of October, is a major event. Canton Union District No. 66 schools receive community support, and Canton High School sports teams, known as the Little Giants, are a local highlight. Despite a history of tornadoes and population decline, Canton continues to embrace its underdog mentality and features a variety of parks and local businesses that keep the community engaged.