Douglas County, Illinois
Douglas County is located in east-central Illinois, roughly halfway between Chicago and St. Louis. The county is largely agricultural, with corn and soybeans among its most common crops. Arcola, the largest town, is known for its annual Broom Corn Festival, a unique local tradition that celebrates the area’s farming heritage.
Douglas County is named after Stephen Douglas, the prominent Illinois senator who famously debated Abraham Lincoln. The county also has a long-standing Amish community, which has been part of the area since the 1800s. Horse-drawn buggies can still be seen traveling along the quiet country roads.
The county offers plenty of small-town charm, with welcoming communities and peaceful streets. Local diners and family-owned spots add to the relaxed heartland atmosphere, while the surrounding farmland highlights its rural character. For an authentic taste of rural Illinois, Douglas County is a great place to explore.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Douglas County |
| County Seat | Tuscola |
| Etymology | Named after Stephen A. Douglas |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Tuscola, Arcola, Villa Grove, Newman, Arthur (part), Camargo, Hindsboro, Garrett, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 57, U.S. Highway 36, Illinois Route 49, Illinois Route 130 |
| FIPS Code | 17-041 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 417 square miles (land: 416 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Champaign County (North), Vermilion County (Northeast), Edgar County (East), Coles County (South), Moultrie County (West), Piatt County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.7691° N, 88.2070° W |
| Major Landmarks | Amish Country of Illinois, Aikman Wildlife Adventure, The Vault Art Gallery, Douglas-Hart Nature Center |
| Population | Approximately 19,000 |
