Welcome to Johnson County, Illinois! Nestled in the southern portion of the state, this region is affectionately known as “Little Egypt”. Johnson County is a place where history, nature, and community come together in a delightful blend.
Parks & Trails
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Located on Illinois Route 37, just one mile south of Goreville and 12 miles south of Marion, the 2,470-acre Johnson County park is easily accessible from both I-57 and I-24.
Tunnel Hill State Trail
Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. The trail continues on a trails spur for 2.5 miles from Karnak to Cache River State Natural Area – Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois railroad bed.
River to River Trail
Spanning from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, this 160-mile trail passes through Ferne Clyffe State Park and some of the most scenic areas of southern Illinois, including upland forests, wetlands, grasslands and bluffs.
Lakes
Dutchman Lake
Relax and enjoy the seclusion of this 118 acre lake. Gravel boat launch. Shoreline fishing available. Boat motor limit:10hp. Fish species include: Bass, Catfish, Panfish.
Lake of Egypt
The southeast side of the Lake of Egypt is surrounded by Shawnee National Forest and open to primitive camping in the general forest area. Hickory Ridge Boat Launch is a gravel launch situated on the eastern finger of Lake of Egypt in Johnson County. Popular recreation activities include fishing, water sports, mushroom hunting, primitive camping and variety of hunting activities. No waterfowl hunting is allowed on the Lake.
Little Cache Lake #1 (Bowman Lake)
This 21-acre lake is located in a some-what remote area of Johnson County. The site is not improved and access is fair via a narrow gravel road. The lake is shallow and the species present include bluegill, largemouth bass, redear, channel catfish and crappie.
State Natural Areas
Cypress Pond
Huntable acres: 1,047; Cypress/tupelo swamp, tree plantations, hardwood draws, warm season grasses
Deer Pond
Huntable acres: 190, bottomland hardwood and tree plantations.
Cache River
Huntable acres: 15,392; The site offers a wide array of recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and seasonal hunting programs.
Skinner Farm State Habitat Area
Huntable acres: 70; The portion south of Interstate 24 is comprised of a mixture of agricultural crops, forested habitat, and a managed dove hunting field.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 349 square miles (900 km2), of which 344 square miles (890 km2) is land and 4.9 square miles (13 km2) (1.4%) is water.
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Vienna have ranged from a low of 25 °F (−4 °C) in January to a high of 90 °F (32 °C) in July, although a record low of −20 °F (−29 °C) was recorded in January 1977 and a record high of 103 °F (39 °C) was recorded in August 2007. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 3.16 inches (80 mm) in October to 5.16 inches (131 mm) in May.[5]
Major highways
- Interstate 24
- Interstate 57
- U.S. Route 45
- Illinois Route 37
- Illinois Route 146
- Illinois Route 147
- Illinois Route 166
Transit
Adjacent counties
- Williamson County – north
- Saline County – northeast
- Pope County – east
- Massac County – southeast
- Pulaski County – southwest
- Union County – west