Welcome to Johnson County Illinois

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What a great place to be right now!

Johnson County has so much to offer its residents, visitors, and business community.

Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest in Southernmost Illinois, Johnson County is home to the regions best opportunities to live, learn, work, and play.

With all the amenities of big city living within 30 miles, there is no reason not to want to be in Johnson County, Illinois.  
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With two major interstates and a handful of other US and state highways crossing its boundaries; and the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers close by, Johnson County is easily accessible. With railways and airports close by as well, Johnson County is a prime location to start a business or industry.

Rich farmland has always made the county appealing to the agricultural industry. Orchards and cornfields have been a valuable part of Johnson County’s 200-year history. With the introduction of wineries to the Southernmost Illinois area, grape vineyards are continuously emerging throughout the region supplying the demand of the Southern Illinois Wine Trail.

The City of Vienna, located in the center of the county, next to Interstate 24, is the county seat and the largest municipality. The Village of Goreville, in the northwest corner is recognized as the home of Ferne Clyffe State Park and Lake of Egypt. Other communities include, the Villages of Cypress, Belknap, Buncombe and New Burnside.

Also as famous are the rural landmark communities of  Simpson, Grantsburg, and Tunnel Hill, the location of the popular railroad tunnel on the Tunnel Hill State Trail; and Ozark, the home of one of the largest youth camps in the Midwest, Camp Ondessonk.

Johnson County has two excellent high schools and five elementary schools that offer the highest level of educational opportunities. Higher education advancements are available at several colleges and universities nearby. Shawnee Community College, John A. Logan College and Southeastern Illinois College are within a few minutes driving time of the county. Many graduates of these community colleges advance to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale only minutes away as well.

Johnson County has beauty unsurpassed by any other county in the state. With the Cache River State Natural Area including Heron Pond and the Little Black Slough, wildlife and rare species of plants and animals are plentiful. Numerous lakes provide outstanding fishing, boating, and swimming.

If golf is your passion, a visit to the Gambit Golf Club is a must! Eighteen holes set on undulating terrain challenge golfers of any level.

In 1994, the governor of Illinois declared Johnson County the “Bicycle Capital of Illinois.” Thousands of cyclists from across the country visit the Tunnel Hill State Trail headquartered in Vienna each year. They come to enjoy the splendid ride of the 45-mile state park.

In the southern part of the county you’ll find the Cache River Wetlands, complete with interpretive center to help you enjoy your visit.

From the Shawnee National Forest to bicycle riding on the Tunnel Hill State Trail to area wineries, restaurants, golfing, and more, let Johnson County become your home!