According to howsmb.com, Calhoun County, Illinois is located in the southwestern corner of the state and borders both Missouri and Iowa. The county has a population of 5,089 people and covers an area of 403 square miles. Calhoun County was created in 1825 out of Pike County and was named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent politician from South Carolina.
The county seat is located in Hardin, Illinois which is home to the majority of the county’s population. The area surrounding Hardin is composed mostly of farmland with some small towns and villages scattered throughout. The county also features several rural communities along its Mississippi River border with Missouri such as Hamburg, Kampsville, Brussels, and Grafton.
Calhoun County offers visitors plenty to do including exploring its many historical sites such as the historic Allen-Ramey House or visiting one of its many scenic parks such as Pere Marquette State Park or Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can also take advantage of outdoor recreational activities like fishing, hunting, boating, and camping or tour local attractions like the National Great Rivers Museum or take a ride on a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River.
Calhoun County is also home to several famous people including writer Mark Twain who lived in Hannibal for a time as well as actor John Malkovich who was born in nearby Benton. Other notable people from Calhoun County include journalist Carl Bernstein, author Shelby Foote, musician Tom Petty, basketball player Doug Collins, and NFL coach Jim Harbaugh.
Calhoun County offers visitors plenty to explore with its rich history and abundance of outdoor activities. From visiting historical sites to enjoying outdoor recreation there’s something for everyone here.
Climate and weather in Calhoun County, Illinois
According to iamaccepted.com, Calhoun County, Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with the hottest months being July and August when temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and drop to around 70 degrees at night. Winters are cold with temperatures usually ranging between 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dipping down to single digits at night.
The area receives an average of 37 inches of precipitation annually with most of it falling during spring and summer months. Snowfall is common in winter with an average of 13 inches per year. The county also experiences severe weather from time to time including thunderstorms, tornados, and flooding from heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
The spring season generally brings mild temperatures and plenty of rain showers while summer is hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Fall is usually mild but can experience sudden temperature drops as winter approaches. Winter months come with cold temperatures, snowfall, freezing rain, and icy roads which can make travel difficult at times.
Calhoun County has a typical midwestern climate that provides four distinct seasons for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a hot summer day spent outdoors or a winter evening by the fire there’s something for everyone here.
Transportation in Calhoun County, Illinois
Calhoun County, Illinois offers a variety of transportation options for visitors. The county is served by several major highways including Interstate 57 and U.S. Route 45 which provide easy access to neighboring counties and cities. Public transportation is also available with buses running throughout the county on a regular basis. The county also has two airports in nearby towns that offer both commercial and private flights to the area.
For those who prefer to drive, Calhoun County provides plenty of scenic routes for an enjoyable journey. There are two main highways running through the county; Interstate 57 which runs north-south and U.S. Route 45 which runs east-west connecting the county with other cities in Illinois and beyond. In addition, there are several smaller roads that provide access to more rural areas of the county as well as local attractions such as state parks and historical sites.
Public transportation is provided by Calhoun County Transit which operates buses throughout the area on a regular schedule Monday through Saturday from 6 am until 6 pm with limited service on Sundays and holidays. Fares are based on distance traveled and discounts are available for seniors, students, veterans, and people with disabilities.
The nearest airports located in nearby towns offer commercial flights as well as private charter services for those looking to travel further away from Calhoun County or take a quick getaway trip. In addition, there are several small airstrips located throughout the area that can be used for recreational flying or private charters if needed.
Calhoun County provides visitors with plenty of transportation options whether it’s by car, bus, or plane making it easy to get around.
Cities and towns in Calhoun County, Illinois
According to Countryaah, Calhoun County, Illinois is home to a variety of cities and towns that offer visitors a unique experience. The county seat is Hardin which is located in the center of the county and offers a variety of attractions including a historic courthouse, museums, restaurants, and more. Other cities include Hamburg which is located on the western edge of the county and is home to several small businesses such as antique stores and art galleries.
Kampsville is located on the northern border of the county and has several tourist attractions including an historic mill, outdoor recreation areas, and more. Grafton which sits on the banks of the Mississippi River is a popular destination for visitors due to its many restaurants, shops, boat tours, and other attractions.
The towns in Calhoun County are just as varied as its cities with something to offer everyone. Brussels sits along the Mississippi River offering plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking while Michael offers visitors a quiet rural atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for bird watching or simply enjoying nature.
Meppen provides visitors with a unique experience due to its small-town charm complete with old-fashioned diners and stores while KAMPSVILLE has several unique attractions including an old gristmill that still operates today. Finally, Batchtown offers visitors access to both Lake Batchtown and Lake Lou Yaeger for swimming or fishing as well as numerous other outdoor activities such as camping or hiking.
No matter where you go in Calhoun County there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for history or adventure there’s something here for you to enjoy.