Cities and Towns in Hardin County, Illinois
Founded in 1839, Hardin County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Hardin County was formed from Pope County. The city of Elizabethtown is the county seat. With FIPS code of 69, Hardin County has a population of 3,650 and area of 177 square miles (458 km²).
List of all cities in Hardin County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cave in Rock, IL | 62919 | 618/730 |
| Elizabethtown, IL | 62931 | 618/730 |
| Karbers Ridge, IL | 62955 | 618/730 |
| Lamb, IL | 62919 | 618/730 |
| Rock Creek, IL | 62919 | 618/730 |
| Rosiclare, IL | 62982 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hardin County, Illinois
Elizabethtown
Overview
Elizabethtown, the county seat of Hardin County, is located along the Ohio River in the southern part of Illinois. Founded in 1812, the town was named after Elizabeth McFarland, the wife of an early settler. Elizabethtown became a significant port along the Ohio River, serving as a hub for river traffic and trade during the 19th century. Its location near the Shawnee National Forest makes it an attractive destination for tourists seeking outdoor recreation and scenic views of the river. The town has retained much of its historical charm, with several preserved buildings from its early days.
City Details
- Area: 1.14 square miles
- Population: 266 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62931
- Latitude: 37.4484° N
- Longitude: 88.3067° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elizabethtown is part of the Hardin County Community Unit School District, with students attending Hardin County K-12 School located in nearby Cave-In-Rock. Major landmarks include the historic Rose Hotel, one of the oldest continually operating hotels in Illinois, which overlooks the Ohio River. The town is also close to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, famous for its unique rock formations and hiking trails. Another key site is the Elizabethtown Riverfront Park, which offers scenic views and opportunities for fishing and boating along the Ohio River.
Rosiclare
Overview
Rosiclare is a small town located in the central part of Hardin County, along the banks of the Ohio River. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and became known for its fluorspar mining industry, which flourished from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. Fluorspar, a mineral used in steel production, was mined extensively in Rosiclare, earning it the nickname “Fluorspar Capital of the World.” Although the mining industry has since declined, Rosiclare remains a community with a rich history tied to its industrial past.
City Details
- Area: 1.01 square miles
- Population: 995 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62982
- Latitude: 37.4239° N
- Longitude: 88.3450° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rosiclare is served by the Hardin County School District, with students attending Hardin County K-12 School in Cave-In-Rock. Notable landmarks include the American Fluorite Museum, which showcases the history of fluorspar mining in the region. The Rosiclare Riverfront Park offers scenic views of the Ohio River, along with opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Additionally, Rosiclare is located near the Shawnee National Forest, offering easy access to hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Cave-In-Rock
Overview
Cave-In-Rock, a village in southern Hardin County, is best known for the large cave on the banks of the Ohio River that gave the town its name. The area was originally settled in the late 18th century and became notorious for being a hideout for river pirates and outlaws. The cave itself has a long history, having been used by Native Americans, French explorers, and early settlers. Cave-In-Rock is now a peaceful riverside village that serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the surrounding Shawnee National Forest.
City Details
- Area: 0.32 square miles
- Population: 318 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62919
- Latitude: 37.4692° N
- Longitude: 88.1673° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cave-In-Rock is home to Hardin County K-12 School, which serves students from throughout the county. The most famous landmark in the village is Cave-In-Rock State Park, which features the cave itself and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Ohio River. The park is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. The Cave-In-Rock Ferry, which connects Illinois to Kentucky across the Ohio River, is another notable feature of the town, providing a unique transportation experience for visitors and residents alike.
Karbers Ridge
Overview
Karbers Ridge is an unincorporated community located in the northern part of Hardin County, near the Shawnee National Forest. The community was established in the 19th century as a rural farming settlement, and it remains a quiet, close-knit area today. Its location near several natural attractions makes Karbers Ridge a popular base for tourists exploring the surrounding wilderness. While small in population, the community benefits from its proximity to some of the most scenic areas in southern Illinois, including Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock.
City Details
- Area: Not officially incorporated
- Population: Approximately 100
- Zip Codes: 62955
- Latitude: 37.5748° N
- Longitude: 88.3480° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Karbers Ridge is served by the Hardin County School District, with students attending Hardin County K-12 School in Cave-In-Rock. One of the most prominent landmarks near Karbers Ridge is the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing due to its dramatic sandstone formations and expansive views of the forest. The nearby Rim Rock Recreational Trail also offers scenic hiking opportunities, taking visitors past cliffs, rock shelters, and forested areas. The Double M Campground is another key feature, providing camping and lodging options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Stonefort
Overview
Stonefort is a small village located on the border of Hardin and Saline Counties, though a portion of the village falls within Hardin County. It was founded in the early 1800s and named for a nearby prehistoric stone fort built by Native Americans. The village was once a significant stop along the stagecoach route, and its economy was based on agriculture and coal mining. While the population has dwindled over the years, Stonefort retains its historic charm and serves as a gateway to the natural attractions in southern Illinois.
City Details
- Area: 0.38 square miles
- Population: 256 (2020 Census, includes Saline County)
- Zip Codes: 62987
- Latitude: 37.6195° N
- Longitude: 88.7034° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students from Stonefort attend schools in either the Hardin County or Saline County School Districts, depending on their location within the village. One of the key landmarks in Stonefort is the nearby Stonefort Depot, a historic building that harkens back to the village’s days as a transportation hub. The village is also located near the Shawnee National Forest, offering access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Stonefort’s location near several rivers and lakes makes it an ideal spot for fishing and boating as well.
