Hanover is located in northwestern Illinois in
Jo Daviess County west of
Rockford between
Galena and
Mt. Carroll along Highway 84 about 2 miles west of the
Apple River and 7 miles east of the
Mississippi River.
The town has been dubbed the "Mallard Capital of the World" in part due to hosting the world's largest mallard duck hatchery.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 965, an increase of 57 since 1990.
Nearby recreation includes trips to Mississippi Palisades State Park located about 10 miles southeast of town.
