Hardin, IL

united states

Hardin sits at the end of Route 100 along the Illinois River, serving as Calhoun County's unlikely seat despite having just 663 residents. Most visitors arrive via the scenic river road from St. Louis (45 miles) or Alton, winding through limestone bluffs and farmland. The town operates the only ferry crossing for miles, connecting to Route 96 on the east bank. Its 1869 courthouse ranks among Illinois' smallest county seats.