Discover 21 of the Best Small Towns in Illinois
Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a quick weekend getaway, Illinois is full of scenic small towns where life slows down, nature comes alive and little surprises can be found around every corner. From haunted cities to riverfront and lakefront oases to captivating historical sites, Illinois small towns have something to appeal to every traveler.
Galena
Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, Galena is the “Town That Time Forgot,” with well-preserved architecture, unique museums, and storied landmarks, including the Ulysses S. Grant home and the Belvedere Mansion. Visitors can also enjoy the Galena Historic District, which encompasses more than 800 properties and houses restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
Woodstock
You won’t experience deja vu — or will you? — as you visit the town where Groundhog Day was filmed. Fans of the movie can take self-guided walking tours to different filming locations, including the Tip Top Cafe, Gobbler’s Knob, the Cherry Tree Inn, and even the infamous corner where Phil Connors runs into Ned “Ned the Head” Ryerson.
Nauvoo
Visitors can take a step back in time as they engage in fun activities like candle dipping and horse-drawn wagon rides and explore historic sites like the Nauvoo Historic District. Visitors can also navigate the city on a variety of tours, exploring living history, scenic vineyards, and archaeological dig sites.
Lebanon
Situated just east of St. Louis, visitors will love exploring the historic “Brick Street” shopping district; home to cozy restaurants and quaint shops. Homer Park is the perfect outdoor destination, providing a fishing lake, athletic courts, and a scenic Trillium Trail walking path. Fans of the arts can enjoy performances at the Looking Glass Playhouse and the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.
Mount Carroll
Patrons of the arts can enjoy performances at the historic Timber Lake Playhouse, which has entertained thousands of visitors since 1961. Visitors can also explore the curiosities of the Raven’s Grin Inn, an actual haunted house that was turned into a haunted house, or stroll through the Mount Carroll Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bishop Hill
The historic village of Bishop Hill invites visitors to put their learning caps on as they step into a place steeped in Swedish-American heritage. The Bishop Hill State Historic Site offers a look at the Bishop Hill Colony and several buildings of historical significance; elsewhere visitors can visit multiple museums and galleries to gain insight into the town’s Swedish roots.
Elmhurst
Put on your best walking shoes and start exploring the best of Elmhurst. Start with visits to the Elmhurst Art Museum and Elmhurst History Museum to see the historic McCormick House and numerous art exhibits and artifacts.
Stroll through the campus of Elmhurst College and take a few moments for quiet reflection among the gardens and walking paths of Wilder Park and the Illinois Prarie Path.
Fulton
Fulton is a scenic small town with a strong Dutch heritage, best represented by its iconic De Immigrant Windmill. This authentic Dutch windmill is fully operational and the Windmill Cultural Center right next to it offers unique exhibits on windmills around the world.
Fulton’s proximity to the Mississippi River also allows for relaxing strolls, scenic views, and unique experiences along the waterfront. Lock and Dam No. 13 is one of the most fascinating experiences, offering the chance to watch boats navigate through the Mississippi River.
Shelbyville
Residents and out-of-towners seeking a friendly, small-town vibe need look no further than Shelbyville, which offers lakefront tranquility on the shores of Lake Shelbyville. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing at the lake, or explore multiple beaches and trails to soak up the beauty around them.
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Away from the lake, history buffs and shoppers alike can explore the 19th-century architecture of the Shelbyville Historic District or stroll through downtown Shelbyville, ready to shop ’til they drop.
Elizabethtown
Nestled along the Ohio River and surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, Elizabethtown allows visitors to explore historic sites or disappear into nature.
The historic Rose Hotel, built in 1812, not only provides a window into the past but also offers great river views. The river, the forest, and nearby Cave-in-Rock State Park offer space for camping, hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing amongst tranquil scenery.
Grafton
Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, Grafton beckons visitors to enjoy thrilling river adventures.
Pere Marquette State Park is a popular fall color spot and offers hiking, boating, and fishing. Visitors can also watch boats going out of Grafton Harbor or seek out treasures at the Grafton Flea Market. Wine enthusiasts can visit Grafton Winery & Brewhaus for tasty beverages paired with river views.
Makanda
The “Gateway to the Giant City State Park” offers visitors of all ages a chance to explore the park, known for its impressive bluffs and scenic Giant City Nature Trail. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views and reflect from the hilltop where the Bald Knob Cross of Peace sits.
After spending time strolling and shopping along the Makanda Boardwalk, wine enthusiasts can follow the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail to explore some of the best wineries in Southern Illinois.
Pittsfield
Illinois is famously known as the Land of Lincoln and a stop in Pittsfield should include a trip to the John G. Nicolay Historic Site, a marker that denotes the former home of Lincoln’s private secretary.
The history doesn’t stop there. Pittsfield’s historic Courthouse Square includes beautifully preserved buildings with shops and restaurants and historic walking tours of town offer a look into the past as visitors pass historic homes and buildings.
Jonesboro
With a mix of natural beauty and rich heritage, Jonesboro is the perfect small town in Illinois to explore. It’s famously the site of the third of the Lincoln-Douglas debates and a memorial includes markers and information about these famous debates.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Trail of Tears State Forest and the nearby Shawnee National Forest for a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Alton
Steeped in history and reputed to be one of the most haunted towns in America, a visit to Alton isn’t for the faint of heart. Experience all things supernatural on one of Alton’s Hauntings Tours or tour the Alton Prison, which dates back to the Civil War.
Once you’ve been sufficiently spooked, drive or bike the Great Rivers Scenic Route for magnificent views of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
Arthur
Situated right in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, visitors are transported to a land of handmade goods, horse-drawn buggies, and Amish farms. Travelers can visit different Amish shops and eateries to peruse furniture, handmade goods, and delicious baked goods. In the fall, travelers can visit The Great Pumpkin Patch, which offers mazes, family-friendly activities, and plenty of pumpkins.
Hennepin
Hennepin is a quaint place to get away from the stress of the everyday and get back to nature.
One of the best spots in Hennepin is the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park with more than 100 miles of trails and opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking near the Hennepin Canal. Visitors can also explore the Illinois River and Hennepin and Hopper lakes to enjoy fishing, photography, and birdwatching.
Arenzville
Festival enthusiasts will have an absolute blast at the annual Arenzville Burgoo Festival each September — famous for its burgoo stew, a hearty dish cooked in big iron kettles. In addition to mouthwatering food, the festival features family-friendly fun, games, and live music.
Marshall
History seems to be hiding around every corner in Marshall! From the historic Clark County Courthouse to the vibrant Harlan Hall, to the Archer House Hotel, Marshall’s history is rich and every building has a story.
Visitors can stroll through the Marshall City Cemetary, where many notables are buried, learn about Marshall’s significance on the historic National Road, and explore Marshall’s Main Street, lined with charming shops, boutiques, and local restaurants.
Metropolis
Metropolis may sound like a city out of a comic book — and it is — but it’s a very real city that embodies the spirit of small-town America. For comic book fans of all ages, this is a must-visit destination.
Visitors can take photos next to gigantic statues of Superman and Lois Lane and visit the Super Museum, a super shrine to the Man of Steel with costumes, photos, and thousands of pieces of Superman memorabilia.
Casey
As home to some of the world’s biggest attractions, Casey is a small town with a BIG claim to fame. Travelers who love the extraordinary can soak up small-town charm as they admire the work of local artists including massive works like the World’s Largest Wind Chime, the World’s Largest Mailbox, and the World’s Largest Rocking Chair.
Discover the Best Small Towns in the Prarie State
The best small towns in Illinois will leave you with unforgettable memories, perhaps a few unique keepsakes, and a big smile on your face. No matter your interests, these vibrant towns have something to present to everyone and will leave you wanting to come back or explore more of the Prairie State.