Clark County, Illinois is located in the east-central region of the state. It is bordered by Edgar and Coles counties to the north, Cumberland County to the east, Crawford and Lawrence counties to the south, and Jasper and Effingham counties to the west. According to the 2019 census, Clark County has an estimated population of 19,564 residents.
According to psyknowhow.com, the county was officially organized on February 10th, 1819 from portions of Crawford and Edgar counties. Its namesake is George Rogers Clark who was a Revolutionary War hero who served under George Washington during the war.
There are numerous attractions in Clark County including historical sites such as Fort Massac State Park which offers visitors a chance to explore a reconstructed fort from 1794. Other attractions include outdoor recreation spots such as Lake Paradise and Ferne Clyffe State Park which offer fishing, camping, swimming and hiking opportunities along with stunning views of nature’s beauty.
In addition to its outdoor recreation activities, Clark County also has its fair share of famous people who have called it home over the years. Some notable names include actor Bill Murray who attended high school in Marshall; James Watson Webb II who served as US Ambassador during Ronald Reagan’s administration; former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar; and former NFL player Jeff Fisher who attended high school in Marshall.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Clark County, there’s something for everyone. From historical sites to outdoor recreation spots and famous people from all walks of life – there’s something here for everyone.
Climate and weather in Clark County, Illinois
According to andyeducation.com, the climate in Clark County, Illinois is a humid continental climate, which is characterized by warm to hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature in the area is around 51°F (10.5°C). The county typically experiences four distinct seasons, with winter temperatures ranging from lows of 10°F (-12°C) to highs of 35°F (2°C). Summers are typically hot and humid with temperatures ranging from lows of 65°F (18.3°C) to highs of 85°F (29.4°C).
Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual total of just over 40 inches (101 cm). Snowfall averages around 17 inches (43 cm) annually, with most snowfall occurring between December and February. In addition to snowfall, thunderstorms can be common during the summer months.
The county also experiences some extreme weather conditions from time to time. Intense thunderstorms can bring damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes on occasion. While these events are not common occurrences in the area, they do happen from time to time so it’s important for residents and visitors alike to be aware of their surroundings during severe weather events.
Clark County has a mild climate that is suitable for many outdoor activities throughout the year. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor recreation such as camping, fishing, hiking and more without having to worry about extreme temperatures or inclement weather throughout most of the year.
Transportation in Clark County, Illinois
Clark County, Illinois is served by a variety of transportation options. The county has two major highways that run through it, Interstate 70 and US Route 40. These highways provide access to both local destinations and larger cities such as St. Louis and Indianapolis. In addition to these major highways, there are also a number of smaller state highways that provide access to the county’s smaller towns and villages.
The county also has public transportation options in the form of buses operated by the Clark County Public Transportation Department (CCPTD). These buses serve most of the major communities in the county, providing service to local businesses, schools, medical facilities and other destinations. The CCPTD also operates a shuttle service between Marshall and Terre Haute for those who need to travel between these two cities on a regular basis.
In addition to bus services, Clark County residents can take advantage of Amtrak service which runs from Champaign-Urbana to Indianapolis with stops in Marshall and other nearby towns along the way. This makes it easy for those who need to travel outside of the county for work or leisure purposes.
Finally, there are several airports located within close proximity to Clark County including Greater Peoria International Airport (PIA), Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIR) in Bloomington-Normal, and Indianapolis International Airport (IND). All three airports offer domestic flights as well as international connections for those who need them.
Clark County is well served by a variety of transportation options including highway networks, public transportation systems and nearby airports making it easy for residents and visitors alike to get around within the county or further abroad if needed.
Cities and towns in Clark County, Illinois
Clark County, Illinois is home to a variety of cities and towns, each with its own unique character. The largest city in the county is Marshall, which serves as the county seat and is home to the Clark County Courthouse. Marshall is a small but vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. Other cities in the county include Casey, Martinsville, Westfield, and West Union.
The smaller towns of Clark County include Hutton, Johnsonville, Lerna, Martinsville, Melrose Park, Parkersburg, and Westfield. Each of these towns has its own distinct personality and charm that make them worth exploring. Hutton offers visitors a glimpse into rural life with its many farms and small-town feel while Johnsonville offers great outdoor activities such as fishing and boating on Lake Johnsonville. Lerna is an unincorporated community known for its close-knit community atmosphere while Martinsville offers visitors plenty of shopping and dining options in addition to its many historic buildings.
According to Countryaah, Westfield is another small town located within Clark County that boasts plenty of outdoor recreation options such as hiking trails at nearby Kickapoo State Park as well as excellent fishing opportunities on the Embarras River. Melrose Park is another popular destination within the county known for its unique architecture including several historic homes dating back to the 1800s. Finally, Parkersburg offers visitors a chance to explore a small town setting complete with an old-fashioned general store and several other interesting shops located along Main Street.
Clark County offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore quaint towns full of local charm or bustling cities full of attractions—all within easy reach from one another. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or just want to get away from it all for a while, you’ll find something special in Clark County that won’t disappoint.