Illinois is home to numerous charming small towns that often fly under the radar for travelers. Here are 11 charming small towns in Illinois that most travelers miss completely:
- Princeton
- Location: Bureau County
- Attractions: Known for its historic covered bridges and the Owen Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad. Downtown Princeton offers a vibrant Main Street with antique shops like Eclectic Joy.
- Buffalo Grove
- Location: Lake County
- Attractions: Offers a mix of urban and rural experiences with parks like Green Lake Park and Willow Stream Park. The Raupp Museum showcases local history.
- Crystal Lake
- Location: McHenry County
- Attractions: Features waterfront scenery and a lively arts scene, with the Raue Center for the Arts hosting various performances.
- Nauvoo
- Location: Hancock County
- Attractions: Rich in historical significance, Nauvoo was once the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It features the Nauvoo Illinois Temple and Nauvoo State Park.
- Greenville
- Location: Bond County
- Attractions: Known for its heritage, with museums like the Bond County Museum and the American Farm Heritage Museum. Offers recreational activities at the Greenville Country Club.
- Geneva
- Location: Kane County
- Attractions: Offers scenic views along the Fox River Bike Trail and a thriving brewery scene, including Penrose Brewing Company.
- Elsah
- Location: Jersey County
- Attractions: Known for its picturesque setting and historic architecture, Elsah is often called the “village of Elsah” due to its quaint charm.
- Grafton
- Location: Jersey County
- Attractions: Situated on the Mississippi River, Grafton offers stunning river views and a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants.
- Monticello
- Location: Piatt County
- Attractions: Features Allerton Park, a beautiful natural area with gardens and hiking trails. The town square has a charming atmosphere with shops and restaurants.
- Atlanta
- Location: Logan County
- Attractions: Known for its historic architecture and the Cozy Dog Drive In, a nostalgic eatery famous for its “cozy dogs” (hot dogs on a stick coated in cornmeal batter).
- Golconda
- Location: Pope County
- Attractions: A historic town on the Ohio River, Golconda features sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers a glimpse into Southern Illinois’ rich history2.
These towns provide a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and small-town charm that often goes unnoticed by travelers focused on larger cities like Chicago.
SOURCES
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/12-prettiest-small-towns-in-illinois.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPcYsbBFvKY
- https://www.reddit.com/r/centralillinois/comments/1dz1s7v/favorite_central_illinois_small_town/
- https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/looking-most-underrated-small-towns-083542642.html
