Welcome to the web page for the City of Carlyle. You will find us on a map located approximately 50 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri on Route 50. An hour’s drive will bring you from the hustle and bustle of busy city life to our progressive rural community. Located 17 minutes from three different interstates, which provide easy access to our area. We are proud of our city and hope you will take the time to come and explore it’s many attributes.
The City of Carlyle is a rural community which takes pride in the many amenities available to our guests. We have over eighty-five acres of park land that offers picnic facilities, fishing, playgrounds for the little ones, a dog park, tennis courts, basketball courts and a swimming pool. The General Dean Suspension Bridge is located on the east side of town spanning the Kaskaskia River. The bridge provides an excellent view of the spillway at Carlyle Lake. Many bird watchers like to use the bridge to view the many species of birds that can be found feeding along the river. During the winter season, eagles visiting Carlyle can be found sitting in trees along the river bank.
The Clinton County Historical Society Museum is located just a block off State Route 127 and US Route 50 intersection. The Society meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30 pm. All meetings are open to the public. The first Friday of each month they show a free movie and provide popcorn for your enjoyment. The first Saturday of the month is an Open House. Regular hours for the Museum are Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm.
While driving our tree lined streets be sure to stop in one of our many restaurants for a hometown family meal. Our downtown is home to several shops and stores that welcome you like an old friend. Several incentive programs exist to lure new business to this area. We have three TIF Districts, an Enterprise Zone, and a Façade Improvement Program to help existing businesses update their buildings.
Sitting on the edge of Illinois’s biggest manmade lake, you will find excellent fishing and hunting opportunities in this area. Trails to hike on, bicycle paths, kayaking, and camp grounds of every nature are located on the east and west side of Carlyle Lake. If you are not into camping, we have a large hotel, Mariner’s Village, located just yards away from the west access boat dock. Los Amigos Restaurant is steps away from the hotel and cabins. If you love the outdoors, we have you covered.
The month of December we celebrate Christmas In Carlyle by lighting up the City Park with thousands of Christmas Lights. The Friday after Thanksgiving we kick off Christmas In Carlyle with a Christmas Parade through town. The parade winds through our downtown district and ends at the pool house where Santa spends the evening greeting visitors. A huge fireworks display is an exciting part of the evening’s festivities.
If you’re looking for an adventure you will be sure to find plenty here in Carlyle. You’ll come for a visit but want to stay for a lifetime!
Hope to see you soon!
Judy Smith
Mayor
Office: 618.594.2468
Cell: 618.335.3645
Email: mayor@carlylelake.com
