Where is Harrisburg, Illinois

Harrisburg is a city in southern Illinois, located in Saline County near the Shawnee National Forest. It is about 55 miles southeast of Mount Vernon and 45 miles southwest of Marion. The city serves as the county seat and is known for its historic downtown, nearby Garden of the Gods, and location in the scenic hills of the southern Illinois region.

Location Map of Harrisburg, Saline County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Harrisburg in Saline County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Harrisburg Map, Illinois

Where is Harrisburg Located?

Harrisburg is a city located in Saline County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in southern Illinois near the Shawnee National Forest, about 55 miles southeast of Mount Vernon and roughly 45 miles southwest of Marion. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County and serves as a regional center for commerce, government, education, and services. The city is located at approximately 37.738° North latitude and 88.541° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 8,991 residents. Harrisburg covers about 6.56 square miles, or 16.99 square kilometers, including land and water. The community was founded in the early 19th century and incorporated in 1853. Coal mining played an important role in the region's economic development, while farming and transportation also shaped the city. Harrisburg is close to the Shawnee National Forest, which provides a wide range of outdoor recreation. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, with its sandstone rock formations and forested trails, is one of the best-known attractions in the surrounding region. The Saline River flows near the city and contributes to the area's natural landscape. Illinois Route 13 and U.S. Route 45 provide important road connections to Marion, Eldorado, Mount Vernon, and other communities in southern Illinois.

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Harrisburg City Facts

Distance from Harrisburg, IL to Nearby Cities

• Eldorado, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Marion, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Carbondale, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Mount Vernon, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Vienna, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Metropolis, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Paducah, KY – 45 miles (72 km)
• Marion, KY – 55 miles (89 km)
• Mount Carmel, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
• Centralia, IL – 80 miles (129 km)
• Cape Girardeau, MO – 85 miles (137 km)
• Evansville, IN – 75 miles (121 km)
• Benton, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Champaign, IL – 150 miles (241 km)
• St. Louis, MO – 150 miles (241 km)

Top Attractions in Harrisburg

• Garden of the Gods Recreation Area – A famous Shawnee National Forest destination with dramatic sandstone formations, hiking trails, overlooks, and forest scenery.
• Shawnee National Forest – A large protected forest surrounding much of southern Illinois, offering hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
• Saline County Historical Society Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts and stories from Harrisburg and the surrounding county.
• Harrisburg Historic District – A historic area featuring older homes, civic buildings, and landmarks connected to the city's development.
• Saline River – A regional waterway near Harrisburg that supports wetlands, wildlife habitat, fishing, and scenic outdoor areas.
• Rend Lake – A large reservoir north of Harrisburg offering boating, fishing, camping, hiking, beaches, and other recreation.
• Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – A nearby protected area with forests, wetlands, lakes, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.
• Little Grand Canyon – A scenic Shawnee National Forest canyon featuring sandstone cliffs, wooded trails, and seasonal waterfalls.

Airports Near Harrisburg

• Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) – 35 miles
• Harrisburg-Raleigh Airport (HSB) – 5 miles
• Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) – 55 miles
• Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) – 80 miles
• Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MDH) – 45 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Harrisburg city website and local government records.

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