WELCOME TO THE CITY OF LANARK

City hall building.
City street with shops.
An ariel view of a Lake Carroll

Lanark, Illinois—where small-town enthusiasm and heartfelt dedication drive our commitment to excellence!

WELCOME

We’re delighted to welcome you to the official website of the City of Lanark; a charming and vibrant rural community nestled in the heart of Northwest Illinois. Founded in 1861, Lanark blends small-town friendliness with scenic beauty and a strong sense of community.

Located in picturesque Carroll County, Lanark is just 5 minutes south of Lake Carroll, 20 minutes east of the majestic Mississippi River, and an easy two-hour drive west of Chicago. Whether you’re a visitor, a prospective resident, or a lifelong local, you’ll find that Lanark offers a peaceful pace of life, surrounded by nature and rich in Midwestern values.

  • City Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm. in the City Hall Board Room.
  • Next City Council Meeting:
    Sept. 1 | View Agenda (PDF)
  • Next Public Hearing Meeting:
    Sept. 1 | View Agenda (PDF)
Someone dressed in a corn mascot costume poses with a child.

Lanark Fall Festival
Saturday, October 11, 2026
11 AM – 3 PM
Family fun, food, vendors & more!

The logo for Pay Gov.
Pay your Water, Sewer, and Garbage charges
A graphic about LexisNexis Police Reports.
Need a Lanark Police Department Crash Report?
Lanark is located in Carroll County and is a charming, peaceful, and friendly rural community. With its historic downtown, and proximity to natural areas like Lake Carroll and the Mississippi River, Lanark is one of the best places to live in Illinois.

DISCOVER LANARK, ILLINOIS

We’re delighted to welcome you to the official website of the City of Lanark; a charming and vibrant rural community nestled in the heart of Northwest Illinois. Founded in 1861, Lanark blends small-town friendliness with scenic beauty and a strong sense of community.

Located in picturesque Carroll County, Lanark is just 5 minutes south of Lake Carroll, 20 minutes east of the majestic Mississippi River, and an easy two-hour drive west of Chicago. Whether you’re a visitor, a prospective resident, or a lifelong local, you’ll find that Lanark offers a peaceful pace of life, surrounded by nature and rich in Midwestern values.

Lanark is proud of its stately tree-lined streets, beautifully preserved historic downtown, and the blend of classic and modern homes that give the city its unique character.

Lanark Sign.
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