Explore the Valley of Coal

The Village of Glen Carbon is steeped in history -- from its humble start as a stop along the Land of Goshen Trail to its more modern coal mining and brick making industries.

Glen Carbon Heritage Museum

Housed in a 100-year-old brick school house, the multi-level museum tells the story of Glen Carbon through a series of vibrant exhibits. Learn about the history of the community’s past with hands-on exhibits and a history detective program for children. Hold a chunk of local coal and see how Madison Coal Corporation impacted the community with its company town approach to mining. Touch some of the pressed bricks made from highly sought after Glen Carbon Clay.

Visit the Yanda Log Cabin in Glen Carbon, IL

Yanda Log Cabin

The lingering smells of wood smoke and history greet visitors to the Yanda Log Cabin. Built in 1853 by Austrian immigrants William and Annie Yanda, the cabin was home to their family which included 10 children. Yanda was a blacksmith in the area, a trade highly prized by residents. Tours of the cabin are by appointment only.

Glen Carbon Covered Bridge

Constructed in 1976 to celebrate the 200th birthday of the United States, the Glen Carbon Covered Bridge serves as a focal point for the Village of Glen Carbon. The covered steel stringer bridge spanning Judy Branch creek on Main Street is a classic photo stop!

Doughboy Statue

A lone Doughby gazes into the distance, standing sentry over the graves of two young Glen Carbon men killed during World War I. The life size sandstone statue guards soldiers Emil Trentaz and Harry Seaton who died as a result of injuries sustained in France during the Great War. Village residents raised funds for the statues through a series of carnivals and dances in late 1919 and early 1920. The memorial is located in Glen Carbon cemetery (corner of Guy and Center Streets).

Glen Carbon Heritage Museum
124 School Street, Glen Carbon
618-288-7271

Yanda Log Cabin
148 Main Street, Glen Carbon
618-288-7271