Where is Olney, Illinois

Olney is a city in southeastern Illinois, located in Richland County. It sits about 40 miles west of Vincennes, Indiana, and is known for its historic downtown, parks, and famous white squirrels. The city serves as a local center for farming, business, and education in the region. East Fork Lake and nearby wildlife areas also provide outdoor recreation.

Location Map of Olney, Richland County, Illinois

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

Olney Map, Illinois

Where is Olney Located?

Olney is a city located in Richland County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in southeastern Illinois, about 40 miles west of Vincennes, Indiana, and roughly 60 miles southeast of Effingham. Lawrenceville is about 25 miles east, while Robinson is around 30 miles north. Olney is positioned near 38.731° North latitude and 88.085° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 8,631 residents. The city covers about 6.45 square miles, or 16.71 square kilometers. Olney is surrounded by farmland and gently rolling terrain typical of southeastern Illinois. One of its best-known attractions is the white squirrel population, which has made the city widely recognized for its unusual wildlife. East Fork Lake offers fishing, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities near the city. Olney was founded in the 1840s and incorporated in 1848. A unique fact about the city is that its white squirrels are protected by local tradition and have become a symbol of Olney. The city also serves as the home of Olney Central College, a community college serving southeastern Illinois.

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Olney City Facts

Distance from Olney, IL to Nearby Cities

• Lawrenceville, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Robinson, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Vincennes, IN – 40 miles (64 km)
• Effingham, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
• Newton, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Flora, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Salem, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Mount Carmel, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Charleston, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Mattoon, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
• Terre Haute, IN – 75 miles (121 km)
• Evansville, IN – 65 miles (105 km)
• Decatur, IL – 100 miles (161 km)
• Champaign, IL – 105 miles (169 km)
• Carbondale, IL – 100 miles (161 km)
• Springfield, IL – 125 miles (201 km)
• St. Louis, MO – 120 miles (193 km)
• Indianapolis, IN – 150 miles (241 km)

Top Attractions in Olney

• Olney White Squirrels – The city's famous white squirrels are one of its most unusual features and have become a well-known part of Olney's local identity.
• East Fork Lake – A nearby recreational lake offering fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Olney City Park – A large community park with walking areas, sports facilities, playgrounds, picnic spaces, and recreational amenities.
• Olney Central College – A community college serving southeastern Illinois with academic programs, cultural events, and community resources.
• Richland County Courthouse – A historic civic landmark in downtown Olney and an important part of the city's architectural heritage.
• Olney Township Park – A local outdoor recreation area with open space and facilities for community activities.
• Musgrove Park – A downtown green space offering walking areas, landscaping, and a quiet place to enjoy the city's central district.
• East Fork Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area – A nearby natural area providing fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation.

Airports Near Olney, IL

• Olney-Noble Airport (OLY) – 5 miles
• Vincennes Airport (OEA) – 40 miles
• Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) – 70 miles
• Terre Haute Regional Airport (HUF) – 75 miles
• Decatur Airport (DEC) – 100 miles

Sources:

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

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