DePue, IL Homes for Sale & Real Estate

DePue, Illinois, is a small village in Bureau County with a population of 1,633 as of the 2020 census. Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake DePue, the village is known for its rich history and annual DePue Pro National Championship Boat Races, which draw enthusiasts nationwide and transform the tranquil community into a lively hub. Originally established in 1853 as Trenton, DePue was a port and ice harvesting center on the Illinois River, later becoming a significant site for zinc smelting from 1905 until 1990. Despite its industrial past, the village faces environmental challenges as a federally declared Superfund site due to toxic metal contamination from former smelting operations. DePue offers a blend of natural beauty, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, and a close-knit community atmosphere, making it a unique destination in Central Illinois.