Ogle County, Illinois
Ogle County stretches across north-central Illinois, near Rockford to the north. The Rock River cuts through the heart of the county, creating some spectacular scenery along the way.
Oregon is the county seat, located along the banks of the Rock River. It’s a small town surrounded by a mix of farmland and forest. White Pines Forest State Park is a great spot for a weekend camping trip.
The county has a rich history tied to agriculture and manufacturing. These days, tourism is becoming more important. For instance, Castle Rock State Park draws rock climbers from across the Midwest.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Ogle County |
| County Seat | Oregon |
| Etymology | Named after Joseph Ogle, an early settler in the region |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Oregon, Rochelle, Polo, Mt. Morris, and several unincorporated communities including Leaf River and Byron |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 39, U.S. Highway 51, Illinois Route 64, Illinois Route 26 |
| FIPS Code | 17-141 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 759 square miles (land: 754 sq mi, water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Winnebago County (North), Boone County (Northeast), Stephenson County (Northwest), DeKalb County (East), Carroll County (West), Lee County (South), Whiteside County (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 52,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41.7914° N, 89.3337° W |
| Major Landmarks | Lowden State Park (home to the Black Hawk Statue), Oregon’s Historic Courthouse, and the Rochelle Railroad Park |
