Benson Illinois Map

About Benson, Illinois

Benson is a locality in Woodford County, Illinois, United States. It is a small community with a population of 428. The population density is 450.1 people per km². Benson is located at 40.8506°N, 89.1223°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. ZIP code: 61516.

Benson rests in the broad, open country of Woodford County, a place where the horizon seems to stretch into infinity. It lies 24.2 miles north-north-west of Normal, IL (from Normal, IL: bearing 344°T), and is situated 9.5 miles north-west of El Paso. Fields of corn and soybeans, a verdant quilt in summer, unfurl in every direction, their straight rows a testament to the ordered hand of agriculture. The land here is mostly flat, with only the slightest swell, allowing the immense prairie sky to dominate the visual landscape. In the late afternoon, when the sun begins its descent, the western sky often ignites with hues of burnt orange and rose, casting long, soft shadows that lend a gentle, almost painterly quality to the agricultural expanse. The air, particularly after a rain, carries the clean, earthy scent of turned soil, a constant reminder of the land’s enduring fertility. The story of Benson is intrinsically linked to the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, which spurred its development as a vital hub for grain transport. This agricultural legacy continues to define the local economy, with farmers still relying on the rich, dark soil to sustain their livelihoods. While grand historical landmarks are scarce, the true character of Benson is found in its unpretentious, hardworking spirit, evident in the quiet hum of daily life. The grain elevators, standing sentinel against the vast sky, are more than just structures; they are enduring symbols of Benson's connection to the land and its role in feeding a wider world. The rhythm of the seasons dictates the pace here, a steady, reliable cadence that has shaped the lives of generations.

About This Benson Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Benson, Illinois — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 40.85059, -89.122302. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Benson and Woodford County.

Detailed location data for Benson includes the ZIP code (61516), telephone area code (815), county seat of Woodford County (Eureka), and school district assignment (Roanoke-Benson Community Unit School District 60). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Benson is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.