McLean county is located in the Lakes and Gardens Region and calls Washburn its county seat. The county population on July 1, 1999, was 9,603, a decrease of 854 over the 1990 census.
The county is comprised of about 2,100 square miles and wraps itself around the eastern reaches of Lake Sakakawea. The recreationally rich area also contains more than a half-dozen pothole lakes on its eastern side and are often used by fishermen and hikers. Formal facilities include Ft. Stevenson State Park and the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge.