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Olney, IL

Olney is a small city in southeastern Illinois, known as the "Home of the White Squirrel," where these rare creatures have the right of way and are protected by a unique city ordinance.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The city's full official name is Olney. It is the county seat of Richland County, Illinois, United States . Richland County is located in the southeastern part of the state, an area historically known for agriculture and small industrial towns .

Date of Foundation and Age

Olney was incorporated as a village in 1848, making it over 175 years old . The town's name was suggested by Judge Aaron Shaw to honor his friend, Nathan Olney. However, the first settler in the area was Thaddeus Morehouse, who arrived around 1815 and built a log cabin that served as a hotel and tavern along a stagecoach route .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Olney is located in southeastern Illinois at geographic coordinates 38°44′N 88°5′W (38.7306, -88.0819) . It sits on relatively flat prairie land typical of the region. The elevation of the city center is approximately 146 meters (479 feet) above sea level . According to the 2010 census, the city covers a total area of 6.66 square miles (17.25 km²), which is almost entirely land .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Olney primarily functions as a small regional hub. Its economy is driven by its role as the county seat (an administrative center), local manufacturing, and service industries. It is also the home of Olney Central College, part of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges system, which provides educational services to the region .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Olney was 8,701 residents . With a population under 10,000, it is classified as a small city. The population density was approximately 1,255 people per square mile . The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, and the median age is around 39 years .

City's "Business Card" (Briefly)

Olney is famously known as the "Home of the White Squirrel." The city is renowned for its protected population of rare white eastern gray squirrels, which have the right-of-way on all city streets. This unique quirk draws visitors curious to see the squirrels and learn about the local ordinance that makes it illegal to run one over, with a fine of $750 .

Landmarks

The White Squirrels of Olney

Olney's most famous and defining feature is its population of white squirrels. These are not albinos but a rare color morph of the eastern gray squirrel . The squirrels have the right-of-way on all public streets, sidewalks, and thoroughfares, and the police department's badge features a picture of one . An annual squirrel count is held each fall to monitor the population, which has historically peaked at around 1,000 in 1943 but now holds steady at about 200 . Several parks in Olney offer excellent opportunities to spot these unique creatures .

Olney City Park

This park is highlighted as a prime location for visitors hoping to see the famous white squirrels. Beyond its furry residents, the park serves as a community hub with multiple little league baseball and softball diamonds, a city playground, 4-H livestock buildings, covered pavilions, and public tennis courts .

Alvin Musgrove Park

A family-oriented park featuring an aquatic center, a playground, lighted basketball courts, a soccer field, a skateboard park, and a baseball diamond, making it a central spot for recreation in the city .

Kiwanis/Rotary Park

This park provides the only public access point for boating on East Fork Lake. It is also the only location in Olney to play disc golf and offers a covered pavilion and public swimming in the lake .

Miller's Grove & Bird Haven

This is a significant site for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. It is a wonderful place to watch the white squirrels and fish on East Fork Lake. Bird Haven is a dedicated bird and plant sanctuary that was bought and developed by the renowned ornithologist Robert Ridgway. It is also the burial place of Ridgway and his wife, Julia .

Bower Park

Originally named Tower Park, this small, quaint park was the site of a 125-foot brick water tower built in 1880. Although the tower was demolished in 1941, the park now features flower gardens and benches for quiet relaxation in the town .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Olney has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa), which is typical for the American Midwest. It is characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. There is no distinct dry season, and precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year .

Average Temperatures by Month

Based on 1991-2020 normals from a nearby weather station, the average temperatures vary widely by season .

Precipitation and Humidity

Snowfall

The city receives an average of 10.5 inches (27 cm) of snow per year. Snowfall is most common from December through February, with January typically seeing the most snow, averaging 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Transport

Main Highways

Olney is accessible by several state highways that connect it to the broader region. The major routes serving the city are:

Airports

While Olney does not have a major commercial airport, it is served by a small general aviation airport.

Railroads

Historically an important mode of transport, railroads still play a role in freight movement through the area, but there is no active passenger rail service directly in Olney. The nearest Amtrak station with service is in Effingham, IL (about 40 miles northwest), which is served by the City of New Orleans, Illini, and Saluki lines.

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Carle Richland Memorial Hospital

The primary healthcare institution in Olney is Carle Richland Memorial Hospital (CRMH) , a DNV-accredited 104-bed facility that serves as a regional medical hub for eight counties in Southeastern Illinois, covering a population of over 109,000 individuals . The hospital is recognized for its comprehensive services, which include a state-of-the-art obstetrics unit with a Level II Nursery designation. Its "Family Maternity Services" unit features six LDRP (Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum) birthing suites, designed to provide a comfortable and continuous care experience for mothers and newborns . In 2023, there were 215 births at CRMH, highlighting its role as a key maternity center for the region . As part of the larger Carle Health system, patients at CRMH have access to a vast network of specialists, including connections to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, a 489-bed Level I Trauma Center that provides Level III Perinatal Services and operates dedicated neonatal and perinatal air/ground transport services . The hospital also has an academic affiliation with the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world's first engineering-based medical school, offering opportunities for research and collaboration .

SIHF Healthcare - Olney Health Center

A cornerstone of community-based primary care is the SIHF Healthcare - Olney Health Center, located at 1120 North East Street . This outpatient clinic is part of the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) and serves as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) for residents of Olney and the surrounding area . The center offers a wide array of services under one roof, embodying a comprehensive approach to healthcare. These services include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), and Pediatrics . It also features an on-site Pharmacy, Behavioral Health services, and dedicated Diabetes treatment . The clinic is designed to be accessible for all, with facilities for individuals using wheelchairs and a strong recommendation to book appointments in advance . SIHF Healthcare accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and operates on a sliding fee scale (SmartPay Program) to ensure that care is affordable for everyone, regardless of their financial situation . The center has received exceptional feedback from the community, holding an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on Google reviews, with patients frequently praising the quality of care and the compassionate staff, such as Nurse Practitioner Kylie Garbe . After-hours assistance is available by calling 618.395.7340 .

Weber Medical Clinic and Rural Health Centers

In addition to the main SIHF site, Olney is home to several Rural Health Clinic/Center providers, which are facilities specifically established to address healthcare needs in underserved areas . These include locations associated with Richland Memorial Hospital, Inc. at 1200 N East St and 605 E Main St, as well as the Weber Medical Clinic Ltd at 1200 N East St . This particular Weber Medical Clinic location functions as a community health center, providing a comprehensive scope of services that includes Family and Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and importantly, Dental services . The clinic prides itself on being a "one-stop shop" for healthcare, with providers collaborating closely to deliver integrated care. A key feature of this clinic is its integrated dental department, which offers examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorative care like fillings and crowns, and even extractions and sedation for special needs patients . The clinic is open year-round, full-time, and serves as a vital resource for the rural community .

Regional Healthcare Context

Olney's healthcare landscape is shaped by its position as a regional hub. While the city itself provides robust primary and acute care, it is also well-connected to larger medical centers in the area. Carle Health, the system that includes Carle Richland Memorial Hospital, is a vertically integrated, not-for-profit organization recognized as a "Great Place to Work®" and holds multiple Magnet® designations for nursing excellence across its hospitals . This affiliation ensures that Olney residents have access to a broader network of specialists and advanced care, including potential academic and research affiliations through the Carle Illinois College of Medicine . The community is also eligible for public service loan forgiveness programs for healthcare professionals working in the area, further emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a strong medical workforce in this rural setting .

Sports and Recreation

Local Sports and Community Activities

Olney offers a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, reflecting the area's appreciation for outdoor activity and community life. The community maintains several parks and facilities that serve as hubs for local sports. These include an aquatic center for swimming and water recreation, as well as an 18-hole golf course that provides a venue for the sport in the region . The area's landscape, with its several large lakes, makes it a destination for boating, fishing, and other outdoor recreation . Community parks are also available, offering spaces for casual sports, family gatherings, and physical activity . While Olney may not be home to major professional sports franchises, its location places it within a few hours' drive of major cities with professional teams. It is approximately one hour from Evansville, Indiana, and less than three hours from both Indianapolis and St. Louis, providing access to a wider array of major league sports events .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

A Community and College Town with Regional Connections

Olney's culinary identity is best understood through the lens of a close-knit community with access to the broader culinary landscape of Southern Illinois and the Midwest. The city itself is characterized by its small-town charm and friendly neighborhoods, where the local dining scene likely reflects a mix of classic American fare, family-owned establishments, and comfort food . The strong community ties mentioned in descriptions of local healthcare extend to its overall atmosphere, which would be reflected in local eateries that act as gathering places for residents .

Given its proximity to outdoor recreational areas like several large lakes, there is a strong local tradition of freshwater fishing, with catches like bass and crappie likely featuring on local menus, especially in homes and perhaps in community-focused restaurants . This connection to the land and water is a subtle but important part of the local food culture.

Furthermore, Olney is home to a community college, which brings a diverse, youthful energy and often influences local food scenes with more casual, diverse, or innovative dining options . The town's location in the "beautiful countryside of Southern Illinois" also means it is near local wineries, offering opportunities to explore regional wine production as part of the culinary experience . This combination of small-town values, nearby natural resources, and educational influence shapes the unique, if understated, culinary traditions of the area.

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