12 Of The Prettiest Small Towns To Visit in Illinois To Visit

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Small towns have a certain charm to them, and lucky for many of us, we don’t have to go too far to travel to them!

There really isn’t a time of the year to visit them more than others, however, I don’t know about you, but the fall season just calls out the most to make the trek out and experience all the main streets, gazebo town centers, and historic districts. 

I may have said this before, either here or on Instagram, but I am so grateful to be able to live in a place where I can actually tell the difference between all 4 seasons.

As a California native born and raised, Illinois offers the beautiful colors of fall, but also, the quaint, beautiful, cozy factor that you’d see on a show like Gilmore Girls, which who doesn’t love??

Why visit small towns near you?

Visiting small towns near you is such a refreshing way to enjoy your surroundings, your state, and create more adventures without much planning or money.

Especially if you are in a position where you cannot travel far, exploring your nearby small towns is such an awesome way to learn more of the history behind your state, and therefore gain more appreciation.

I know I’ve been guilty of thinking, what kind of history do we even have when comparing it to older cities around the world – which I don’t recommend doing – because, at the end of the day, every place has its history, stories, and remarkable and unique qualities.

They deserve the spotlight, and to be discovered and appreciated, too.

In today’s post, I thought I’d share my list of the prettiest small towns to visit in Illinois now as the leaves turn red/orange and the wind gets chillier. In this list, I’ll share the towns that evoke a cozy, warm, fall feeling that you may see in the movies but are actually real, and actually close by to us (local and adopted Illinoisians). 

Let’s get started!

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12 Of The Prettiest Small Towns To Visit in Illinois To Visit

Woodstock

This pretty small town is located in northern Illinois and is most famously known as a filming location for the ever-popular movie, Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray.

However, this small town has also been recognized with a few titles, as it has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as well as on the Preserve America Community, a program established by President George W. Bush to help preserve the cultural heritage of various small towns across the U.S. 

What to see here: take a stroll around the Woodstock Square Historic District (type that into Google Maps and it will take you straight there), and check out the small shops and locally crafted art!

Where to stay: From budget stays to hotels a train ride away. Check out some of the hotels that you can book your room and visit with leisure this quaint town. Woodstock conveniently has a train stop on the Metra train that makes traveling to this town easier, making it an easy day trip from the city! Check out some of the hotel booking options below:

St. Charles

A “small town with big city attraction” St. Charles is located about an hour west of the city and has just that.

One of the most attractive qualities about the town is the Fox River which runs right across the town, and along the river, you’ll see parks and scenic trails that take you along the riverside, and woods. 

The downtown main street is full of historic buildings that house shops and top-tier restaurants, so it’s definitely worth the drive to explore it for yourself, while you listen to the band playing in the summer, or you’re staring at the beautiful fall foliage in the autumn.

What to see here: check out a live vaudeville act or a silent movie at the Arcada Theater (originally opened in 1926) or simply walk along the Fox River on the scenic trails to get some pretty amazing views of downtown St. Charles.

Where to stay: St. Charles, like a few other towns located on the Fox River will offer not only budget stays, but also a few local boutique hotels definitely worth considering staying at to really get the pretty, small-town experience, and also support local businesses. One of those local hotels is the Hotel Baker, right on Fox River, so you’ll know you’ll be right in the heart of downtown St. Charles with amazing views of the river.

Batavia

Batavia is really big on creating community and extending that to all its visitors that come out here. 

Also along the Fox River, you’ll find the town of Batavia which has recently added more attractions from local eateries to more retail options for its visitors.

Additionally, one of the main attractions has to go to its bike trails and its world-class bike shops ready to welcome and assist visitors to explore Batavia on bike.

The natural landscape of the area is a big draw for visitors and the pride for locals, so it’s definitely worth a trip out there!

What to see here: make sure to make a stop at the Red Oak Center, where you will see just what Batavians (people of Batavia) have to offer when it comes to nature around their village. As of now due to COVID, the facility building and its programs are not running now, however, the trails and grounds are open and free for you to explore. Check it out!

Where to stay: Batavia has many good and budget hotel varieties to choose from when booking your stay in town. The beauty of this town in closeness to other towns listed on this post like Geneva and St. Charles is that Batavia is not too far away from those towns. If you’re traveling by car, you can stay in another town on this list, and make a day trip to Batavia to explore.

Geneva 

The town of Geneva has all you’re looking for in a quaint, pretty small town – beautiful victorian architecture, and abundance of local and small businesses and eateries, art galleries, and beautiful nature and parks to leisurely stroll,  something truly for everyone. Its attractions will surely make you see why Geneva has the appeal that it does. 

Here you’ll find 150 local shops and restaurants offering the best of Geneva, throughout its historic district, as well as a peek into Geneva’s history, as many of its buildings are conserved from its original founding, in the 1800s. 

Also along the Fox River, you will be able to experience scenic walks of the town, as well as its public art that is displayed all throughout the city on the sidewalks and buildings.

What to see here: check out Fabyan Forest Preserve, and check out the iconic Dutch windmill, amongst the beautiful nature of the Japanese garden. 

Where to stay: Geneva has a great mix of small, local, boutique hotels as well as offering budget stays, which is great! Depending on your budget, you have more variety to stay in arguably one of the prettiest towns in (northern) Illinois. A local favorite is definitely the Herrington Inn and Spa, so check that one out when you’re searching for your hotel!

Related Post: The Best National Parks And State Parks To Visit In Illinois

Naperville

Not exactly a small town, in fact, Naperville is known to be Illinois’ fifth-largest city, however, its downtown has enough of the small-town feel and charm that I just had to add to this list!

Naperville is known for a few things, a mix of old and new, world-class dining, its famous riverwalk, and offers something for everyone. Fun fact: In 2010, Naperville became the official sister city of Patzcuaro, Michoacán, México.

What to see here: One of its main attractions has to be the Riverwalk, first created in 1981 in honor of the city’s 150th anniversary. Considered to be Naperville’s crown jewel, the Riverwalk which is located off the DuPage River is just the place to sit and unwind for a bit, take a snack and take in the scenery of the iconic wood bridge, Fredenhagen Park, the clock tower, the Exchange Club Memories fountain,  and more! Visit during any season, and you’ll see how beautiful the river illuminates the city. 

Planning a trip to Naperville? Here are a few activities you can do while you’re there!

Where to stay: Naperville because of its size, has many options in terms of lodging options, both boutique and local, as well as chain budget hotels. Check out the links below to book your stay depending on your preference down below!

Related Posts: A Beginner’s Guide To Los Pueblos Mágicos de México

Galena

Recognized by many publications including Travel + Leisure as one of America’s Greatest Main streets, and mentioned in blogs and videos all over the internet, I could not make this list and not add this iconic small town! 

To many Illinoians, Galena is a treasured city, as it’s one of the oldest in the state dating back to the 1800s!

One of the many great things about this small town is its main street, referred to as Helluva Half Mile, which upon driving through it, you’ll notice the cobble street under the car, and the original red-bricked buildings dating back to the 1800s, and the beautiful hills surrounding the town and main street. 

In Galena, you won’t find any chain brand shop or restaurant, only locally owned, mom and pop shops, which will make you feel that you’re getting the very best that Galena has to offer. 

What to see here:  Check out a visit to the Ulysses S. Grant home, which as the name suggests, was the Civil War General and 18th U.S. President’s home, gifted by the town of Galena, in 1865. Today, it is open to the public, and according to their website, they are open to taking visitors on a tour of the house. Also, a bonus thing to check out here is to visit this small town during the Night of the Luminaria on December 10th. On this day, the town is lit up with around 5,000 luminaries throughout its streets and sidewalks, and a time when shops are open later to accommodate visitors and holiday shopping. Truly a pretty site to take in!

Where to stay: In downtown Galena, you’ll mostly find local gems such as the DeSoto House and other local hotels, as well as a few chain options a little bit outside of the historic downtown. Looking for something a little more family-oriented? Look out for Chestnut Moutain Resort with TONS of things to do for both guests and visitors!

Read More: 7 Interesting Facts About Galena, IL. You Probably Didn’t Know

Mount Carroll

Known as “the New England of the Midwest” due to its architecture with a taste of country charm, Mount Carroll is a small town with around 30 different historic sites to check out on a visit here!

Located around 2 ½ hours west of the City, and 10 miles from the Mississippi River, Mount Carroll, is known for and takes pride in the conservation of its buildings and the overall look of its community. 

The town is known to look the same as it did 50 years ago, which they claim is not easy to find nowadays as life gets more modern and more connected. 

However, in recent years, the small town has been growing in population and residents, as many people from all walks of life have begun moving here, adding a new type of charm that is just as homegrown as its original buildings. 

Mount Carroll is on the way to Galena, so you may be able to make it a long weekend kind of trip, and check out both Illinois gems to take in their local and quaint beauty, not found in many other parts of the state.

What to see here: While taking a walk around the historic district of this small town to observe the perseverance of the buildings and overall town,  By far, one of the most interesting attractions for many in this town has to be Raven’s Grin Inn. This is a 5-story Victorian-style house that was purchased in the ’80s and turned into an eclectic, spooky, Halloween-themed haunted house that offers tours, or can be rented out for special events. The tour of the home is full of spooky stories, a physical juxtaposition of objects that give the mansion an eerie vibe.  Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public due to COVID, however, it’s definitely a place to check out and support as soon as it’s possible to tour the space.  

Where to stay: A mix of quaint, locally owned hotels and chain hotels, Mount Carroll, and the surrounding area not too far from the downtown. If you’re choosing a local hotel, make sure to check for the Butterfly Cottage.

Arthur

Arthur is a small town that will literally make you feel that you have traveled to a different point in time, as you begin to notice the horse-drawn buggies, the one-room schools, large gardens, and roadside stands selling homegrown produce – you’ll know you’ve entered Amis Country. 

Known as the heart of the Amish Country in Illinois, this small town has so much to offer such as wood shops, furniture shops, bakeries, quilt shops, and of course, produce shops offering their very best, organic produce.

A stop to Arthur wouldn’t be complete without any of this, so make sure to make time to walk around, and explore the city on foot.

What to see here: Check out the Great Pumpkin Patch where the Amish display around 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourd from all over the world, grown there in the small town, along with mazes to enjoy and other fun pumpkin patch activities. Also, a stroll down the main street to see up close the best that Arthur has to offer, and enjoy the scenery of Amish country. 

Where to stay: Arthur is a very small town, that if you will more than likely end up staying a little bit outside the downtown area. That’s ok though, because there are many options just outside, just check them out for yourself here.

Fulton

Brimming with Dutch heritage, Fulton is a small town with more than its iconic Windmill (which actually works and can be visited) and small-town charm, as it is also beautiful nature and wildlife, due to its closeness to the Mississippi River and Heritage Canyon.

What to see: The obligatory stop is to see the working Dutch Heritage Windmill, that was preassembled in the Netherlands and then fully installed in Fulton with the help of the Dutch. Although closed right now due to COVID, you can still view it from the outside. Another stop must be Heritage Canyon, which is open to be explored by visitors. Its unique 12 -acre wooded path will take you along and pass by buildings originally constructed in the 1800s. 

Where to stay: The town of Arthur has a few options in terms of lodging locations and places to stay. Many of which are mostly chain hotel brands, and some a few miles away from the town of Arthur. Check some out here below!

Elsah

Voted the number 1 most scenic spot in Illinois by The Telegraph, Elsah is a small town that is nestled next to the iconic Mississippi River and offers a picturesque vision of a simpler kind of life.

What is very eminent is the beauty of its historic buildings, natural beauty and greenery, small-town charm, and an abundance of things to see from the ruins of the original homes, a visit to an authentic general store, and a stroll by the Farley Music House and the Elsah Museum (free entrance, but closed now due to COVID).

What to see here: Check out Pere Marquette State Park, especially during the fall season to catch some amazing fall foliage, or simply take a stroll around the downtown area, grab a bite to eat, and truly step into the Elsah way of life. 

Where to stay: A perfect offering of different lodging options from boutique, cute, and local hotels to a few chain options are available here in Elsah! If you’re looking for something unique and cute, check out hotels like The Green Tree Inn and the Beall Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn a few miles outside of the town of Elsah, but a pretty wonderful experience nonetheless.

Nauvoo

Originally called Quashquema by the Native Americans of this land, and today, mainly known for its Mormon history, culture, and natural charm, Nauvoo is located around 4 ½ hours west of the city and delivers quite a change in scenery and feel. 

The small town of Nauvoo has undergone a variety of phases when it comes to its people, influence, and what that looks like today, reaching back to the Native American tribes – Sauk and Fox Tribes, to then the European immigrants, Joseph Smith and his religious group, who gave the small town its name, and then French and German wave. 

Today, you can stroll its main street in the downtown area, and see the variety of architecture that dates back to those formative years. A small town with an interesting history stretching back to the 1800s, Nauvoo is a place to check out at least once, and see for yourself!

What to see here: A visit to the LDS temple is pretty much a must because of the prominent influence it had, and continues to have here, as well as other LDS sites around town (there are quite a few). However, the Nauvoo State Park is also a must-visit place for nature lovers as it sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. A place to surely go and absorb its peaceful quality and natural splendor. 

Where to stay: Because of its history, and a place where many people of the Mormon faith travel to, there are many hotel lodging options ranging from beautiful, boutique hotels such as the Willard Richards Inn and the Nauvoo Vacation Villas and Condos, as well as a few trusty chain hotels. The perfect mix for anyone and everyone to stay a while. Check out some hotel deals below!

Lebanon

If you’re ever on your way to Saint Louis from Chicago, make sure to add a bit of time to make a stop in Lebanon. This is a small town known for a couple of names, such as “The Brick Street” for its iconic brick street-lined historic downtown area, where you’ll be able to see the row of local shops, eateries. 

“Little Egypt” is the other name not only Lebanon is known for, but the majority of Southern Illinois.

The reason for this is because it was thought by European immigrants, that the Mississippi River and Ohio River created something similar such as the Nile Delta in Egypt, where the land was fertile and rich (Southern Illinois is known for a lot of farming).

In fact, you’ll notice there are other towns such as Cairo, Palestine, New Athens, Sparta, and other towns with similar names if you take a look at a map of Southern Illinois, so they really went with this idea!

Returning to why you should stop in Lebanon, the quaintness, charm, and historic details will give you a nice break from driving through hours of cornfields and lone barns on the road. Also, Charles Dicken made a trip here!

What to see here: A visit/stroll by the Mermaid Inn which welcomed Charles Dickens during his stay there in 1842, a stroll through “The Brick Street” to get that iconic IG photo, and a visit to Horner Park located in the heart of the downtown area. 

Where to stay: With more budget hotel options available, a visit to Lebanon is surely an easy and affordable visit. From trusty chain hotels such as Best Western, Holiday Inn, and the Hampton Inn, you have a variety to choose from and complete your stay with. Check out some great hotel picks down below!

Concluding thoughts on 12 Of The Prettiest Small Towns To Visit in Illinois To Visit

Have you visited any of these small towns in Illinois? 

I would love to hear about your experience, and if there are others you recommend visiting!

If you’re not from Illinois, or you’ve never been, I hope this list helps you consider a few extra day trips or weekend trips to take when you visit this midwestern state! 

To many more local travels full of charm, wonder, and coziness,

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