Carroll County sits on 350 acres of predominantly rural countryside in West Central Illinois with a population of 15689 (2020). Its largest city by population is Mount Carroll which serves as its county seat while Lanark serves as its business hub due to its access to highways UUS 20 & 72 alongside Interstate 39 which connects the towns through Chicago to Des Moines IA & Minneapolis MN making it ideal for transportation purposes along with tourism opportunities due to its close proximity to Mississippi River attractions such as Galena & Dubuque IA's riverboats casinos & resorts. With an average temperature hovering around 60 degrees year-round Carroll Co offer many activities from nature hikes at Apple River Canyon State Park or hunting/fishing trips at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area as well opportunities for shopping with unique restaurants or exploring small town charm with their festivals & fairs periodically throughout the year .