Hardin County Map, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 26, 2026 | 14:30 ET

Map of Hardin County - Hardin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. Hardin County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Hardin County located in the map, major cities in Hardin county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Hardin County Map, Illinois

Hardin County Map, Illinois

About Hardin County Map, Illinois: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Hardin County, Illinois

Hardin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It's county seat is Elizabethtown. As per 2020 census, the population of Hardin County is 3650 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 177 sq mi (458 km2). Hardin County was established on 1839.

Facts about Hardin County, Illinois

CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
RegionSoutheastern Illinois
County SeatElizabethtown
Named AfterJohn J. Hardin
Established1839
Organized1839
Coordinates37.51° N, 88.27° W
Total Area~178 sq mi
Land Area~174 sq mi
Water Area~4 sq mi
Population (2020)~3,649
Population RankLeast populous county in Illinois
Largest VillageRosiclare
Main IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, Small Manufacturing
Major RiverOhio River
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC−06:00)
Known ForOhio River frontage, Cave-in-Rock nearby, scenic river bluffs
Websitehttps://www.hardincountyil.gov

Ctities in Hardin county

City NameTypePopulation (2020)Pop. DensityArea
Cave-In-RockVillage228609.6/sq mi (235.4/km2)0.374 sq mi (0.97 km2)
ElizabethtownVillage220312.1/sq mi (120.5/km2)0.705 sq mi (1.83 km2)
RosiclareCity980505.4/sq mi (195.1/km2)1.939 sq mi (5.02 km2)

Roads and Highways in Hardin County, Illinois

Hardin County is served by scenic highways that connect it to southern Illinois and the Ohio River region.

  • Illinois Route 1 – runs north-south through the county, connecting Elizabethtown to Cave-In-Rock and further north
  • Illinois Route 146 – runs east-west, linking Elizabethtown to Golconda and Vienna
  • Illinois Route 34 – connects rural areas of the county to nearby towns and counties
  • Illinois River-to-River Road – a scenic route passing through the county and Shawnee National Forest

Neighboring Counties of Hardin County

  • Gallatin County (north)
  • Pope County (west)
  • Saline County (northwest)
  • Crittenden County, Kentucky (east)
  • Livingston County, Kentucky (southeast)

Top Attractions in Hardin County, Illinois

Hardin County is known for its natural beauty, river views, and outdoor recreation within the Shawnee National Forest region.

  • Cave-In-Rock State Park – A popular park with hiking trails, river views, and a historic cave.
  • Ohio River Scenic Views – Offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water.
  • Shawnee National Forest (Hardin County section) – Provides hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  • Elizabethtown Riverfront – A peaceful area with scenic overlooks of the Ohio River.
  • Hardin County Courthouse – A historic building in Elizabethtown.
  • Garden of the Gods (nearby) – A well-known natural attraction with rock formations and trails.
  • Battery Rock – A scenic bluff with panoramic views of the Ohio River.

Distance from Hardin County to Nearby Cities

  • Elizabethtown to Harrisburg – 30 mi (48 km)
  • Elizabethtown to Paducah – 55 mi (89 km)
  • Elizabethtown to Carbondale – 70 mi (113 km)
  • Elizabethtown to Evansville – 85 mi (137 km)
  • Elizabethtown to St. Louis – 170 mi (274 km)

FAQs about Hardin County

Where is Hardin County located?

Hardin County is located in southeastern Illinois along the Ohio River, bordering Kentucky.

What is Hardin County known for?

The county is known for its natural beauty, state parks, and outdoor recreation in the Shawnee National Forest.

What is the county seat of Hardin County?

Elizabethtown is the county seat and main community in Hardin County.

Are there outdoor activities in Hardin County?

Yes, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring scenic natural areas.

How can I reach Hardin County?

Hardin County is accessible via Illinois Routes 1, 146, and 34, along with scenic byways through the region.