The City of Benton is the county seat of Franklin County located in beautiful southern Illinois near the southern shores and glimmering crytal-clear waters of stunning Rend Lake.

In this small little county that is home to approximately 40,000 people, the community of Benton (estimated population of 7,500 people) acts as the administrative and financial center. It is also the location where all citizens of this great county generally meet to discuss community affairs and activities, as well as to have fun and celebrate the county's many vibrant festivals and events. The most popular festival is easily the Rend Lake Water Festival, which occurs every year at the beginning of May.

An idyllic place to call home, Benton characterizes everything good and wholesome of smalltown America. Here, family and community are the most important priorities, and everybody here seems to understand this. This has created a safe and loving community environment that is always welcoming to newcomers.

Things to do in Benton and Franklin County include visiting the gorgeous Wayne Fitzgerell State Park on Rend Lake, which harbors a sensitive ecosystem that is ideal for wildlife watching. Other attractions are Frankfort Area Historical Museum and the Historic Jail Museum.