McLeansboro is located in southern Illinois in Hamilton County (of which it is the county seat) about 25 miles southeast of Mt. Vernon along Highway 142 east of Rend Lake.
5,800-acre Ten Mile Creek SFWA welcomes hunters and fishermen as well as hikers and campers. Smaller Hamilton County State Park/Dolan Lake offers about 80 acres of recreation area with 60 campsites for area users. Boat rentals are also available.