Rantoul is a village located in Champaign County, Illinois, in the United States. It is situated about 15 miles north of Champaign and is part of the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area. Rantoul was originally established as a railroad town in the 1850s and has since developed into a community with a mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural areas. The village is known for its historical significance, particularly due to the former Chanute Air Force Base, which was active from 1917 until its closure in 1993. Today, Rantoul offers various recreational opportunities, including parks and sports facilities, making it a family-friendly place to live.