23 Small Towns in ILLINOIS (Peaceful, Diverse, & Serene)
Small towns are excellent destinations for your vacation trips since you will be able to unwind and take a break from the busy and fast-paced city life.
Take a breather, meet the friendly townspeople of these small towns, and have that sense of discovery you will acquire in exploring something unknown to you.
Moreover, small towns are a good way to reconnect with nature due to the absence of towering structures, making their main attractions their natural area.
Illinois has some of the best small towns in the United States, which are well-known to tourists all over the globe.
In this article, you will have a short trip, so get ready to explore 23 small towns in Illinois!
And by the way, you may also want to check out some of the ghost towns in Illinois.
Small Towns in Chicago, Illinois
1. Long Grove (German Heritage)
Widely known as Illinois’s first historic district, Long Grove was established in 1890 and started as a small settlement for German pioneers and is now a famous tourist destination.
Avid lovers of history will love this place; by visiting the public library, you will get to know the rich background of this small town through countless historical records, personal accounts, and old photographs.
Expand your knowledge and wake up your inner enthusiast by getting to know Long Grove’s abundant past!
Imagine having a casual walk in the evening, seeing the town’s historical buildings and cobblestone walks, and meeting the locals known for their amiable demeanor.
Make a lot of friends during your stay here and diversify yourself by getting to know Long Grove’s culture.
Address: 57km away from Chicago, IL, United States
2. Dundee (Cozy Setting)
An incredibly cozy, intimate, and relaxing place, Dundee provides a place of retreat for its visitors through its beautiful setting, which features numerous natural spots.
Have a peaceful and quiet stay in this small town to reconnect with nature and breathe in the fresh air you have been longing for.
Take a well-deserved break from the fast-paced and tiring business world in the cities to get back that peace of mind you have lost.
Dundee has a lot of tourist attractions perfect for your next family vacation!
Grab your children to fill your hearts with excitement and cool off at Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park!
Ride the thrilling rollercoaster of the amusement park to fill yourself with exhilaration.
Have an action-packed experience at Paintball Explosion, where you can have a fun paintball match!
Address: 80km away from Chicago, IL, United States
3. Fox Lake (Local Cinema Focus)
Give yourself a befitting vacation at Fox Lake, where you will experience various things that will take your mind off all your worries.
Fox Lake is a small town in Illinois that has a population of almost 11,000 people.
During your stay in this town, you will get to meet the friendly locals who are widely known to give their best efforts for Fox Lake’s tourists to have a unique and unforgettable experience.
Diversify yourself by getting to know their culture, celebrate together, and develop a deeper understanding of their ways.
Fans of classical cinema will love the Classic Cinemas Fox Lake Theatres!
This spot is a local movie theater that features classic movies from the past in hopes of reviving the townspeople’s love for cinema instead of watching it in their homes.
Address: 92km away from Chicago, IL, United States
4. St. Joseph (Lake Michigan Coast)
Walk around the sands of the beaches at St. Joseph, featuring Silver Beach, a popular tourist destination in the United States for people wanting to take a dip to cool off.
St. Joseph is a small town that is along the coasts of Lake Michigan, which has numerous attractions making it the perfect spot for your family vacation!
This small town has a lot of sites focusing on different art forms, such as the Krasl Art Center, Curious Kids Museum, and Box Factory for the Arts.
It is a definite must for you to take your children here to show a variety of art forms that can ignite their passion for creating something beautiful.
Guide them as they expand their horizons in the museum to discover new things!
Have a pleasant family trip at Silver Beach Park, where you will be able to have a swim and spend a ton of quality time together.
Address: 153km away from Chicago, IL, United States
Also see our article on Haunted Houses in Illinois.
Small Towns in Galena, Illinois
1. Galena (Preserved Buildings)
Are you looking for a small town where you can have a quiet and peaceful vacation with your family?
Here in Galena, Illinois, your family will be able to unwind from work and studies to relax and release all your pent-up stress.
Galena is famous for its 19th-century buildings that have been well preserved due to the townspeople’s efforts in maintaining the rich culture behind their establishments.
Grab your children now and take them to this small town to give them a hands-on experience in this historic town.
Have a meaningful trip, and guide them as they develop a deeper understanding of Galena’s culture and grow as people.
Drive through the Ulysses S. Grant Home, which was the previous residence of the 18th President of the United States.
Address: Galena, IL, United States
2. Mount Carroll (Molly’s Kitchen & Bar)
Without a doubt, Mount Carroll is one of the most sought tourist destinations in the United States because of the various activities you can experience at this place.
Looking for a small town where you and your friends will be able to try out new things?
Have your quick weekend getaway in this small town, meet the locals to get to know the background of Mount Carroll, and create new memories that will last a lifetime!
Another notable thing about Mount Carroll is it has countless picturesque sites perfect for your Instagram wall!
Share the beauty of this place with the world and commemorate your time here by taking a ton of photos with your friends!
After a day of touring, dine at Molly’s Kitchen and Bar, where you will get to taste high-class food with top-notch alcoholic beverages.
Address: 63km away from Galena, IL, United States
3. Rockton (Unique Lodgings)
For your next vacation trip, it is highly recommended to visit Rockton, Illinois!
Have a comfortable stay at Rockton, where you can choose from various lodgings that each have a unique element, making your visit a memorable and pleasant one.
Play golf with your friends at Red Barn Golf Course during your free time.
Test your skills at the difficult courses of Red Barn and show your friends how good you are!
Have a friendly competition with them and bet who is going to pay for dinner!
Afterward, dine at the Rookies Pub and Grill to enjoy a delicious barbeque with tasty beer.
Create wonderful new memories that will last forever and deepen your bonds with each other!
Address: 132km away from Galena, IL, United States
Also see our article on Museums in Illinois.
Small Towns in Woodstock, Illinois
1. Woodstock (Railway Museum Visit)
Avid fans of theatres and operas will a hundred percent love this place!
It is an absolute must to visit Woodstock during your vacation because you will get to see numerous historical sites that will deepen your understanding of art and history.
See classic movies at the Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre with your beloved one and appreciate the uniqueness of old cinematography.
Watch the performance of the local orchestra at the Woodstock Opera House to enjoy classical music.
Develop your knowledge regarding the history of the country’s railway system at the Illinois Railway Museum.
Take your children with you to show them how fascinating and essential the railway system of the United States is!
After a meaningful time touring around Woodstock, enjoy gourmet food at the Public House of Woodstock.
Address: Woodstock, IL, United States
2. Sycamore (Recreational Activities)
Talking about the town of Sycamore, you will be able to find countless establishments where you can spend some quality time with your family, trying out a variety of fun things!
For your next family vacation, head down to Sycamore, Illinois, meet new people, and get to know the culture they have here.
Guide your children as they develop their understanding of other people’s traditions, starting at this place where not only will they have a meaningful time but also an entertaining one.
Come visit the Sycamore Family Sports Center to do different recreational activities such as driving range, miniature golf, go-kart, batting cages, and so much more!
You won’t have to worry about your family getting bored due to the presence of several tourist spots you can visit during your free time.
Address: 54km away from Woodstock, IL, United States
3. Ottawa (Nature Parks Paradise)
Without a doubt, Ottawa is one of the most famous towns in the country when it comes to natural areas where you can breathe in some fresh air and reconnect with nature.
Nature lovers will love this place, having to home natural parks such as Starved Rock State Park, Washington Square Park, and Allen Park.
A historic park indeed, Washington Square Park is a well-known spot for fans of American history since this is where the first Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 occurred.
Visit this momentous site with your children to show them one of the most significant events in history that helped shape the nation as it is today.
See the breathtaking formations in the Starved Rock State Park, enjoy the steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater, and take tons of pictures to commemorate your time in this place.
Address: 136km away from Woodstock, IL, United States
Also see our article on Festivals in Illinois.
Small Towns in Elmhurst, Illinois
1. Elmhurst (Theater Lover’s Haven)
Widely known as one of the leading towns in Illinois regarding the art of theater, deep lovers of this type of acting should a hundred percent visit this town!
Being home to more than 120 theater companies, you will be able to see various performances here, such as Broadway musicals and avant-garde performance art.
Diversify and deepen your understanding of art and see these performances to see theater in a form that is new to you.
Watch classic cinema at the Classic Cinemas York Theatre to relive the past during the glory days of movie theaters!
Have a pleasant picnic with your family at Wilder Park, walk around the lush bed of flowers in the gardens, and play sports at the sports courts.
Spend quality time with your children and make new memories you will remember forever!
Address: Elmhurst, IL, United States
2. Arlington Heights (Cultural Exploration)
Deepen your understanding of culture and arts by visiting Arlington Heights for your next vacation trip.
Meet various people from different backgrounds to get to know their traditions and develop a profound understanding of Arlington Heights’ culture.
Make numerous new friends and deepen your bond with them during your stay in this town!
Take a breather from the busy life in the urban areas to unwind from your work.
Release all your repressed stress and frustrations at Arlington Heights and focus on the wondrous natural scenery.
Claim back that peace of mind you have lost and reconnect with nature.
Have a delightful picnic at Lake Arlington, where you will get to see countless picturesque views perfect for your Instagram wall.
Take a ton of photos to commemorate your time in Arlington Heights!
Address: 31km away from Elmhurst, IL, United States
3. St. Charles (Fun & Entertainment)
The ultimate destination for fun, food, and entertainment, it is a definite must for you to take your friends to St. Charles for your next vacation trip!
Visit all the tourist destinations in this town and experience various things together with your friends.
With an excellent 4.6-star rating from thousands of its customers, you will definitely have a blast at the Arcada Theatre, where you will get to see different performances that will amaze you.
Relax at Pottawatomie Park with your family, play a game of miniature golf, and have a casual competition to see who has the best skills!
Walk around the lush bed of flowers in the park’s native gardens and enjoy the plants’ fragrant smell.
Explore the area by talking on one of the park’s trails and see the scenery in the place.
Address: 32km away from Elmhurst, IL, United States
4. New Buffalo (Intimate Getaway)
With a population of less than 2,000, New Buffalo is an incredibly intimate small town that is a great destination to unwind and have a quick weekend getaway.
Get to know the culture and traditions of the townspeople at this place to understand their identity better.
Meet new people and make a ton of friends during your stay in New Buffalo.
The townspeople are widely known for their amiable demeanor and will make you feel as if you are home.
Release all your pent-up fatigue and exhaustion, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the place.
Treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at Oink’s Dutch Treat!
Beat the heat by tasting New Buffalo’s famous ice cream!
Take a dip at New Buffalo Beach and play in the sand with your children.
Address: 139km away from Elmhurst, IL, United States
Also see our article on Attractions in Illinois.
Small Towns in Fulton, Illinois
1. Fulton (Affordable Countryside)
With a population of 3,500, Fulton is an intimate town characterized by old buildings that fit with the natural setting of the place.
Another notable thing about this small town is it is very affordable to stay here!
Without breaking the bank, you will be able to relax and experience life in the countryside fully.
Unwind from the hectic city life where you can’t even take a breather and reconnect with nature at Fulton!
Visit the various tourist spots here, such as the Heritage Canyon, Windmill Cultural Center, De Immigrant Windmill, Andresen Nature Center, Great River Road Antiques, and so much more!
Bike your way through the Great River Trail and see the scenic views Fulton has to offer!
Learn about the American lumber and forestry industries at the Sawmill Museum to increase your knowledge about the subject matter.
Address: Fulton, IL, United States
2. Galesburg (Arts Center Exploration)
Undoubtedly, Galesburg is the perfect small town for your family’s vacation trip because you will get to know its abundant history pertaining to anti-slavery and see the railway system that helped shape the nation today.
Grab your children, take them to Discovery Depot Children’s Museum, and show them historical artifacts that will amaze them!
Try out the different interactive exhibits in the museum, where you’ll learn about a variety of subject matters and encourage your kids’ creativity at the art studio.
Explore the various artworks in the Galesburg Community Arts Center and take your time as you appreciate their complexity and beauty.
What are you still waiting for?
There is no time to waste; pack your bags now and prepare for your next trip to Galesburg!
Address: 116km away from Fulton, IL, United States
3. Nauvoo (Cozy Wine Destination)
A small and cozy place to stay, Nauvoo is a small town in Illinois that has a population of 950; indeed, the people here have close ties with each other and will give you a warm welcome!
One of the most notable things about Nauvoo is its top-notch wine that has a distinctive taste, making it one of the most sought-after in the country.
Visit Baxter’s Vineyard & Winery, the oldest winery in Illinois, see how they make wine, and indulge yourself in the vast scenic vineyard of the place.
Together with your friends, taste flavorful wine while having a pleasant conversation to catch up on what’s happening in your lives.
Buy a couple of bottles of wine to present as a gift to your loved ones!
Address: 235km away from Fulton, IL, United States
4. Elsah (Close-Knit Community)
Being one of the smallest towns in Illinois, Elsah has a close-knit community wherein everyone gives their best efforts to help each other due to its modest population of 500 people.
During your visit here, you will be delighted as the townspeople warmly welcome you and ensure you feel at home.
Get to know the abundant history of Elsah by asking for stories from the inhabitants and reading historical accounts in the public library.
Deepen your understanding of Elsah’s culture and traditions to better understand the townspeople’s way of living.
Are you looking for an affordable water park where your family will have a ton of fun?
Take a dip at Raging Rivers WaterPark and explore the various pools of the place!
Address: 383km away from Fulton, IL, United States
Also see our article on Botanical gardens in Illinois.
Small Towns in Geneva, Illinois
1. Geneva (Festival Extravaganza)
Famous for its annual festivals such as Swedish Days, Festival of the Vine, Christmas Walk, and Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva is among the most renowned spots in the United States!
Even just once in your life, you should check out Geneva to experience the various things lined up here for its guests.
Taste a diverse selection of food and wine at the Festival of the Vine and meet new people along the way; you never know, you might make a lifelong friendship!
Savor the flavor of Geneva’s high-quality wine together with your friends and have the time of your lives!
Create wonderful new memories you won’t forget for the rest of your lives!
Celebrate the winter festivities during Geneva’s Christmas Walk, wherein you will see its streets lighted up by countless Christmas lights, giving you that sense of nostalgia and happiness you felt during your childhood.
Address: Geneva, IL, United States
2. Princeton (Nature Views at Zearing Park)
Get ready to experience various unique things at Princeton with your family and friends!
Spend a ton of quality time with your children at Pin Splitter Lanes, have a casual bowling game, and see who has the best skills in the game!
Impress your children by showing your bowling skills and winning the competition!
After a fun day at Pin Splitter Lanes, have a delicious meal at Myrtle’s Pie, where you will taste Princeton’s authentic pies which are famous for their exquisite taste.
Sip a cup of hot coffee while reading a book or having a casual conversation with the locals to know the story of their humble town.
Take your family to Zearing Park and enjoy the lovely views of nature to unwind and relax.
Address: 154km away from Geneva, IL, United States
Also see our article on Castles in Illinois.
Small Towns in Greenville, Illinois
1. Greenville (Farm Heritage Museum)
Greenville is a town in Bond County, Illinois which has a population of 7,000 and is known for its various museums, making it the right place for lovers of history.
What’s more, the travel expenses here are very affordable, that is why all you will have to worry about during your stay at this place is how to entertain yourself.
Increase your knowledge regarding the American way of living in the countryside by paying a visit to the American Farm Heritage Museum.
Take your kids with you for them to see the interesting exhibits in the museum.
Show them the joys they can acquire in visiting museums and help them understand the country’s history.
See the antiquities of Greenville here at Third Street Market.
Buy a couple of products as a present to your family and friends to show how interesting Greenville is!
Address: Greenville, IL, United States
2. Arcola (Shae’s Pub & Grub)
Have a lovely family vacation here at Arcola, where various activities are lined up for you to experience!
Take a quick trip to Aikman Wildlife Adventure, see the different animals in the zoo, and give your kids an experience they will cherish for the rest of their lives!
Give them a hands-on encounter with the zoo’s animals for them to see the animals up close.
Deepen your understanding of Arcola’s culture by paying a visit to the Arcola Public Library.
Learn the abundant history behind this small town to grasp how it transformed into its current state.
Converse with the townspeople, ask about their history, and make a ton of friends along the way!
Food and beer go hand in hand, don’t you agree?
Enjoy a tasty meal with some beer at Shae’s Pub and Grub!
Address: 156km away from Greenville, IL, United States
3. Quincy (Quincy Museum Artifacts)
Are you searching for a small town for your next vacation trip?
Quincy has a wide selection of establishments offering various activities for you to experience, making your stay here an unforgettable and entertaining one!
Have a quick trip to Quincy Museum, wherein you will learn about Quincy’s history and see different relics from the prehistoric period.
Ask the museum staff, who have a thorough knowledge of the exhibits here and will provide satisfactory answers to your inquiries.
Furthermore, it is an absolute must for you to take your kids to this museum as a different source of education that is fun and interactive.
Enjoy scrumptious barbeque at Fatbacks BBQ with your family.
While having a casual dinner, converse with each other about the things you loved during your stay at Quincy!
Address: 282km away from Greenville, IL, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the ghost towns, Escape rooms, and Hidden Gems in Illinois.
Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our articles on the small towns in Florida and Texas.