Due to an angle in the state's border with Ohio, Hillsdale County has the southernmost point in Michigan.

The Hillsdale County Courthouse was designed by Claire Allen, a prominent southern Michigan architect.

Hillsdale County was a New England settlement; its early settlers came from the northern coastal colonies – "Yankees", descended from the English Puritans who emigrated from the Old World in the 1600s.

There was a wave of such settlers into the Northwest Territory during the early 1800s, many traveling on the newly completed Erie Canal, and made safe by the conclusion of the Black Hawk War.

The county government operates the county jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services.

The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances.

In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.

This was under the claim that Hillsdale County Clerk, Marney Kast, had purposely spoiled certain candidates ballots past the filing deadline.

Hillsdale Municipal Airport (KJYM) established in 1963, has a 5000' paved and lighted runway with instrument approaches, hangars, tie-downs, and fuel services available.

The 4000 mile National Scenic North Country Trail passes through the county in a north–south direction.