When most people think of the state of Illinois, they picture Chicago. They picture skyscrapers looming overhead and crowds bustling around Navy Pier. Because of Chicago’s popularity, the charming small towns of Illinois are often overlooked.
The reality is Illinois is home to dozens of beautiful small towns. Fall, in fact, is the perfect season to explore these lesser-known areas of Illinois. With the fall leaves changing to beautiful reds and yellows and a crisp breeze in the air, you will experience how lovely the Midwest can be.
10/10 Princeton
With a population of around 7.7 thousand, Princeton is the perfect small-town getaway. Princeton is known for its picturesque storefronts and small, locally run shops. Many of the buildings still don the original architecture and ornate ceiling designs from the 19th- early 20th century when the buildings were constructed.
After wandering around the antique shops, boutiques, and general store, stop by Alexander Park Tavern for a pub food dinner and a round of drinks.
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Address:
815 Park Ave W, Princeton, IL 61356 -
Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-1:30pm, 4:30-9pm, closed Sundays -
Recommended:
chicken and coleslaw
Don’t forget to stop by Myrtle’s Pies for a delicious dessert.
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Address:
927 N Main St, Princeton, IL 61356 -
Hours:
Monday-Friday 7am-2pm, Saturday 7am-6pm, Sunday 7am-2pm -
Recommended:
banana cream pie
9/10 Bartlett
This charming village is over 130 years old and has a rich history. The land used to be a hunting ground for Cherokee, Miami, Ottawa, and Potawatomi Indians. Later, the countries of Spain, England, and France would all claim this land at various points in time. Explore the land for yourself by visiting the stunning Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve or Mallard Lake.
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Address 1:
Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve- Hawk Hollow, Bartlett, IL 60103 -
Address 2:
Mallard Lake- Mallard Lake, Hanover Park, IL 60133
Bartlett also boasts a variety of outdoor activities. Sign up for archery lessons through the Bartlett Nature Center, or grab your bike and explore the more than 19.5 miles of scenic biking trails.
8/10 Geneva
If you are less into nature and more into architecture, check out the Chicago suburb of Geneva. This town is known for its luxurious Victorian architecture. Grab a cup of coffee to go and embark on your own walking tour of the historic Geneva neighborhoods.
Really entranced by the architecture? Consider staying in a historic bed and breakfast like the T.C. Smith Historic Inn Lake Geneva Bed & Breakfast. This B&B was built in 1865, and each room is decorated with 19th Century decor.
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Address:
834 Dodge St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 -
Cost:
call (262) 248-1097 for rates -
Amenities:
free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, air-conditioning, pet-friendly, free parking
7/10 Woodstock
Woodstock, Illinois, has the best of both worlds; downtown charm and breathtaking nature. This town of about 25,600 is known for its historic downtown. One beautiful, must-visit building is the Woodstock Opera House. Built in the late 1800s, this building has been a staple of the town for decades. Go to see the opera house’s beautiful limestone exterior and Gothic design elements, or venture inside to take in a show.
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Address:
121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098 -
Cost:
$ -
Upcoming shows:
The Nutcracker Ballet 2022, The Rocky Horror Picture Show movie screening, Theatre 121’s A Christmas Carol
Woodstock is also home to several conservation areas. Take in the fall colors by hiking at one of Woodstock’s many preserves.
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Address 1:
Dufield Pond Conservation Area- 11750 Country Club Road -
Address 2:
Hennen Conservation Area- 4622 Dean Street
6/10 Ottawa
Like many of these charming Illinois towns, Ottawa features a lovely downtown area. What sets Ottawa apart, however, is its unique murals. A public art program titled “A Brush with History” was created to revamp the downtown area. Thanks to this program, the downtown is now filled with historical murals depicting various aspects of Ottawa’s history.
The natural beauty in this area is also a big draw, specifically Starved Rock State Park. Tourists and locals alike visit Starved Rock to see its cliffs and waterfalls and explore the 13 miles of trails.
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Address:
2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348 -
Trail Hours:
7 am-sunset
5/10 Sycamore
Sycamore, Illinois, boasts remarkable views of the Kishwaukee River. Watch for wildlife who inhabit land along the river, including rabbits, deer, and woodchucks. This area is also perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
Aside from the Kishwaukee River, be sure to explore the farms, orchards, parks, and preserves located in Sycamore. The Great Western Nature Trail, for instance, attracts bikers in the summer and snowmobilers in the winter. This 17-mile trail contains plenty of beautiful flora, including native prairie, blackberries, dogwood, and wetlands.
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Address:
E State St, Sycamore, IL 60178 -
Trail Hours:
sunrise-sunset
4/10 Arcola
If you are looking to unplug and explore some farmland, Arcola is the place for you. This town is located in Illinois Amish Country. The town looks picturesque with its old-time horse-drawn buggies, fields of corn, and red barns. If you are unsure of activities to do in this town, consider sitting and reading a book under a tree, enjoying the slow pace of the town and calming scenery. Also be sure to stop by the Arcola Carnegie Library, a registered landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Address:
407 E Main St, Arcola, IL 61910 -
Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, closed Sundays
3/10 Fulton
Craving a trip to the Netherlands but don’t have the funds? Visit the Illinois town of Fulton and admire the town’s Dutch windmill. This breathtaking windmill was crafted in the Netherlands, then assembled in Fulton by experienced Dutch craftsmen. Still operational, the windmill head moves via wind power. The hours you can visit this charming windmill are listed below:
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Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm
Fulton, Illinois, also borders the Mississippi River. Consider packing a picnic dinner and taking in a sunset along the Mississippi River bank.
2/10 Elmhurst
The quiet town of Elmhurst is also home to a spectacular windmill, The Mount Emblem Windmill, located inside Mount Emblem Cemetery. The real draw of Elmhurst, however, is Wilder Park. This charming park is located in the center of town, on what was once a cow pasture. The lovely park scenery includes a lily pond, flower gardens, and a glass conservatory.
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Address:
175 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 -
Park Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 6:30am-9pm, Sunday 8am-9pm -
Conservatory Hours:
April-December 8 am-6 pm, January-March 8 am-2:30 pm
The town of Elmhurst also hosts numerous events in Wilder Park, including movie nights, flower shows, barbecues, and adopt-a-park programs.
1/10 Galena
Galena might be small, but there is plenty to see and do in the town. Galena nightlife includes breweries, live music, saloons, comedy shows, and magic theater. The downtown street looks like something out of a Hallmark movie, with bright brick buildings, color shop awnings, American flags, and string lights. The small shops in town are the perfect spot to look for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Galena also offers plenty of outdoor activities to partake in while enjoying the scenery. Perhaps the most unique activity the town offers is antique tractor driving. For only $25, you can drive around on an antique tractor for 30 minutes.
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Address:
256 S. Grebner Rd. Elizabeth, IL 61028 -
Cost:
$25 for 30 minutes -
Requirements:
must be at least 5’0 tall
