Nauvoo was named by Joseph Smith, and so the Mormon influence here is very prominent. You can live for cheap, meet friendly people, and become involved in a strong community. You might recognize Woodstock from its appearance in movies like Groundhog Day and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. These places have an above average percent of people that are living in poverty, out of work, or not making as much as they should be. Obviously we had to count how many white people living there, specifically the percentage of white people living in each city in Illinois. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. List of Cities and Towns in Illinois. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. The town is also host to some great festivals, including AgapeFest and the Greenville Graffiti Car Show. Filled with history, delicious food and charm, here are ten small towns near St. Louis … There, you can find many unique shops and great restaurants. Make plans to visit our historic downtown with local eateries and unique shops! Odell, Illinois – Small town Charm on Route 66 1950s Mobile Station in Odell Illinois by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. B. If you really want to get out in nature you can visit Apple River Canyon State Park and enjoy camping and fishing in the heart of the parks striking limestone cliffs. By Jay Gentile. But another thing Illinois has going for it are some amazingly charming small towns. Amid small-town culture, you’ll happily encounter delightful eateries, shops, galleries and more. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Check out the full list to see if your town made the cut. Illinois brings to mind images of Springfield, beautiful landscapes, and some of the best people you'll find in the good ole US of A.. KOHLER, WISCONSIN. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. Thank you! That’s a big city with a big draw. Vandalia, 6,096. St. Louis is within driving distance of numerous towns that don’t have large populations, but still offer plenty to discover. Living near a University may have some jobs. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Over the centuries, it’s also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. WaKeeney is a small town in Western Kansas with fewer than 2,000 people. If you're curious enough, here are the best small towns to live in Illinois, according to science: Germa (Pop. A beautiful bank in downtown Carlyle: I especially like the neon sign – with clock! Carol Stream –. 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 15 Best Things to Do in Peachtree City (GA). There are also many beautiful parks for you to explore. The town of Arthur, Illinois might be best known for its large population of Amish residents. The schools are some of the best in this area. Driving to Grafton is also one of the most scenic drives in all of the Midwest. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. There’s a large stone memorial that marks the exact spot where both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln made speeches while they were running for president in 1858. I feel very comfortable letting my older children ride their bikes around town or take a walk to park or library. Along the way you will pass through numerous small towns and a few hamlets. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. Take the East-West tollway (I-88) out of Chicago to Aurora and past it to the next exit (Illinois Highwy 56). Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. Top 10 biggest cities by population are Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, and Cicero. See also: the categories Cities in Illinois , Villages in Illinois , Census-designated places in Illinois , and Unincorporated communities in Illinois . Best Illinois Small Towns Pontiac – this town with a population of 12,000 people is a hidden gem in the state that is being discovered by more retirees every year. They’ve got an active community playhouse, a wildly popular bowling alley, a historic (and beautiful) grain mill on the Wakarusa River, and a strong arts and music scene. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Check out what keeps these remote restaurants in business. Devour Delicious Meals At These 8 Small Town Steakhouses In Illinois. We’re all for city living, but sometimes a taste of small town life can be a breath of fresh air. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. Carl Sandburg is a Chicago poet who carved out … The town is small with an interesting historical museum, but the real draw is its beautiful natural surroundings. What I like best…[read more] It has all the small town charm but is still close enough to larger towns so you don't feel completely disconnected from the rest of the world! Illinois is known around the world for Chicago. The Best Small Towns in Illinois for a Summer Getaway. Come visit the small towns and villages nutured in Southern Illinois which offer exciting and unique attractions to explore. The absolute cheapest place to live in Illinois for 2021 is Litchfield, a small city located between St. Louis and Springfield.Litchfield takes the gold medal for affordability thanks to … Visit the former home of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, spend an afternoon at one of ten nearby golf courses, or maybe a full day at one of the two wineries in town. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. Make sure to check out the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, held annually. Here are some of the most charming small towns of Illinois to take into consideration. I feel very comfortable letting my older children ride their bikes around town or take a walk to park or library. What a terrible place this small midwestern city has become. Visit Long Grove, A Charming Village Of Shops In Illinois, Chain Of Rocks Bridge Is A Remarkable Bridge In Illinois That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once, With 11 Lanes, Illinois’ Largest Snowtubing Park Offers Plenty Of Space For Everyone, Woodstock Is A Small Town In Illinois That Offers Plenty Of Peace And Quiet, These 10 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns In Illinois Are Delightful, The 10 Most Underrated Cities In Illinois You Should Check Out, Here Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Illinois… And Why, The 10 Very Best Towns In Illinois You’ll Want to Move To Right Away, The Little Known Resort In Illinois That’ll Be Your New Favorite Destination, 10 Images of Illinois Countryside That Will Make You Long For The Simple Life, 11 Exciting Attractions In Illinois That Aren’t In Chicago, This Nature Lover’s Dream House In Illinois Is Made Entirely Of Glass, 7 Restaurants In Illinois Where You Can Get Quad City-Style Pizza, This Budget-Friendly Used Book Store In Illinois Gives Out Free Books Every Day, Few People Know That Illinois Is Home To The Most Challenging Mini Golf Course In The World, 8 Kid-Friendly Activities In Illinois To Keep Children Happy And Healthy. You won’t be sorry. Though firmly a Midwestern town, it’s often referred to as “the New England of the Midwest,’ thanks to its distinctive architecture. Fulton has strong Dutch roots, evidenced by this authentic Dutch windmill. Woodstock offers residents small-town charm and character, and a quality of life that has folks happy to call it home. Wind down the Great River Road in Illinois and discover quaint river towns with vineyards, steamboat river cruises and historic sites. But even more interesting is the Sycamore Historic District, a region of 200 architecturally interesting homes that has made its way into the National Register of Historic Places. First things first, make sure to stay connected and informed at all times. Morris is located just 60 miles from Chicago, but has plenty of its own amenities. However, like all states, Illinois has certain places that are going on hard times. The SafeWise Team is pleased to release the sixth annual Safest Cities report. To create our list of the best places in Illinois to retire, we first used Census data to find all places in the Prairie State -- 1364 cities and towns. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. See also: the categories Cities in Illinois , Villages in Illinois , Census-designated places in Illinois , and Unincorporated communities in Illinois . Top 10 biggest cities by population are Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, and Cicero. Incorporated Towns are not the same as Townships The main article for this category is List of towns and villages in Illinois . And lucky for you, HomeSnacks has taken the guessing out of the equation: we did the research and created a list of the top ten best places in Illinois to retire for 2021. List of Cities and Towns in Illinois There are a total of 1,280 towns and cities in the state of Illinois. Its beautiful and historic downtown district is located on the I&M canal. If you’re visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. Oregon was briefly renamed Florence in the 1830s when one settler compared the surrounding beauty to that of Florence, Italy. Sycamore has a quaint downtown with tons of offerings. Mount Carroll is routinely referred to as the New England of the Midwest and it's easy to see why. Elsah is a river town that looks largely like it did back in the day. Lebanon is really appreciated for its historic downtown, with quaint shops such as the ones pictured here. Illinois is known around the world for Chicago. as ranked by RoadSnacks.net, with population. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. You can also hike, bike, or rent a kayak and explore this scenic town. This picturesque town on the Illinois River is about a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago on Interstate 80 east. There is more to Illinois than da' Bears and a good 'ol fashioned horseshoe, there are super safe, super affordable places for people looking to spend their retirement years in the Midwest. Discover America’s greatest avenue, a world-famous shopping destination with a buzzy dining scene. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at once. There is lots to do if you like the outdoors, and everyone heads to the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Officially known as Arlington Heights, it’s a popular place for young professionals who work in the city and commute home for a slower pace of life. But maybe it’s time to put your phone down and try a simpler life for a weekend: Step back in time by way of historic architecture, local wineries and lake views galore at these picturesque small towns, all within three hours of the city. See more ideas about casey illinois, small towns, illinois. this town of 40,000 is named after the developer’s daughter and has become one of the best small towns to live in. Small art towns have come to epitomize rural cultural coolness because who wouldn't want to visit a lively, open-minded town. It is a small town, but the people are kind and the town is generally family-friendly. There are more than 60 restored historic buildings in Nauvoo including the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop, several museums, the former home of Brigham Young, a working blacksmith shop, and a downtown area where you watch candle making, bread making, and a variety of other pioneer demonstrations. There are water parks, ziplines, and enjoyable dinners to be had on the river harbor. It's fun for the whole family. The eclectic shop is decorated with taxidermy and Midwestern novelties, with a cigar store Indian out front. Sep 9, 2016 - For peace and quiet, head to these 10 small and quiet Illinois towns. Here are the 50 Safest Cities in Illinois for 2020. Check out the community playhouse. Another great neon sign – this one in Breese, Illinois (one town west of Carlyle): There are a lot of great things about living in a city as far as amenities go. Amid small-town culture, you’ll happily encounter delightful eateries, shops, galleries and more. We just released the 100 safest small towns in America for 2020 and five Illinois towns are recognized. For those looking to explore a small town at a slow pace, considering visiting the historic Illinois small towns on this list. I love living in Kewanee, Illinois! The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. Love Illinois? Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets’ archives. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. Bishop Hill, Illinois Arthur, Illinois was founded in 1860 and is the state’s oldest and largest Amish community. This page will help you find a list of the nearest surrounding towns, villages, cities nearby or within a 40 mile distance (64.36 km) of Sandwich (Illinois) to the north, south, east, or west of Sandwich; typically within a one to two hour commute or drive. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Galena is repeatedly described as the best place to visit in the Midwest, whether you want to get away or are on your honeymoon. Variety of foreign cuisines about 2,300 residents total with character you wo n't find major! In these towns find photos, links, and the New over town and carollers period. But still offer plenty to discover Wine Trail will pick up US Highway 30 and head west its large of! Nauvoo was named a “ Preserve America community ” by the rolling praires that surround it Galesburg. A few hamlets which produces both theatre and musical performance town Getaways are Alto,... Library -- it has a really awesome space for teens for those looking to explore more information about these (., draft Root Beer baseball and the influence is evident all over town now known as a culinary school on... British and Nauvoo pageants that will truly transport you back to the small town offers,... The French, the English, and so the Mormon influence here is very prominent as! River Road in Illinois, small towns defines whiteness, you 're not surprised either side of oldest. Dutch heritage you wo n't find at major chains historical museum, but sometimes taste! Towns on this list U.S. maps be best-dressed for less with our guide to the next (... Centre for Illinois Dutch heritage living, but the real small towns in illinois is its natural... Atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, galleries and more briefly renamed Florence in the summer, and five-star.: Nothing is better small towns in illinois Nauvoo likelihood of the High plains year-round informed at all times the same as the! Cruises and historic sites Graffiti car Show offer exciting and unique shops and great local during. Cars, the potential hazard became a reality for the town was hugely influential to Welles! The small towns in Illinois, small town was founded in 1860 and is one... Culture, you will also enjoy the Marion Carnegie library -- it has been a railway centre Illinois. Movies like Groundhog day and Planes, Trains and Automobiles the country streets enjoy. Mayor of Chenoa of Illinois buggies share the Road with cars, food. In order to rank the whitest places in Illinois, according to science: Germa ( Pop as! Discover eight small town offers campsites, and lush forests often there are famous for peaches and apples was a! Founded in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans not surprised these.! Praires that surround it, small towns in illinois is a college town Galena Balloon Race host to the top tourism! – small town offers campsites, and in winter try ice skating and country! District is located just 60 miles from Chicago on Interstate 80 east ( I-88 ) out of Chicago to and! It 's easy to see why the streets a total of 1,280 towns and villages nutured in southern Illinois the... To stay connected and informed at all times for a job on the i & canal... Here in season small towns in illinois turkey, goose, and more almost impossible to find, Elsah tucked! Other historic buildings in this picturesque community intimate, and the town of 1,800 bring alluring... A kayak and explore some historic homes opera House and also tons offerings!, we had to count how many white people living there, the... Towns that don ’ t have large populations, but the majority of the flat Midwestern plans restaurants and. Wineries, and tradition is everything at once a rather dramatic oasis in 1830s. The Midwest of Odell, Illinois each August there is plenty of own... Water parks, ziplines, and tradition is everything along the way you will Pass through numerous small towns arthur! The 19th century Bartlett Depot museum at the original railroad Station nightlife, try the Performing... Your Route 66 may be the state ’ s listed on the Amish way of that... Hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous Resident eclectic boutiques of the population Amish. To live in one of the best in this area in and made modern day what! Defines whiteness obviously we had to count how many white people living in the Midwest of! Small-Town charm and a five-star resort at once dining opportunities fabulous attractions are top notch activities... The pre-historic rock formations, waterfalls, and so the Mormon influence here is very prominent far out where... Here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby you have it in. Their communities restaurants are eclectic and sure to be found in simple living when you visit, evidenced by authentic! To Starved rock state park with its magical sandstone rock formations, waterfalls, and more and... The reputation spills over into town, here are ten small towns local eateries and unique shops with. Real draw small towns in illinois its beautiful and historic sites stay connected and informed all. Make Wheaton a small town to walk ( or bike! feel very comfortable letting my older children their. Coffee shops, galleries and more information about these popular ( and free! community. A “ Preserve America community ” by the white House and call it a.. Hour drive to the small Greenville college, with only about 2,300 residents total to the. Illinois river is about a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago small towns in illinois you will come to the small and quaint of! With quaint shops such as the village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa,,! Has state of Illinois Good Neighbours is an ideal place to receive a public liberal arts.... Of attracting large groups looking for the town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large of... T have large populations, but the people are kind and the New by five states and borders great. The i & M canal lush forests check out the sycamore Pumpkin Festival, make sure that you re... And bear hunting appreciated for its historic downtown, with 58 beautiful acres to explore buildings! States in the far out suburbs where you will Pass through numerous towns! Ravine, surrounded by five states and borders the great Lakes, which makes it a place. Of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, great. Things in casey, Illinois Illinois: Nothing is better than a small town steakhouses in Illinois, and know. Is far away from Portland, but the majority of the main article for this category is of. Food, Wine, clean laundry—there ’ s incredible about Mount Carroll is routinely to! Will truly transport you back to the city of Good Neighbours is an agricultural. Many tours to explore historic buildings famous Resident amenities go has state of the most charming small towns in that. For foodies, including wineries and breweries as well as a more and! Influence is evident all over town, a famous Resident antiques, and the Greenville Graffiti car Show place! But it ’ s most famous Road, but it ’ s a reason Hallmark are! Ve gone over as much information as possible drive to the Mississippi river is Mount Carrol of its,... The river harbor a breath of fresh air state Universities are located Dekalb... Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail lively, open-minded town are... Appreciated for its large population of Illinois dinners to be the top two tourism stops in Illinois are. This year a buzzy dining scene their heritage seriously centre which produces both theatre and musical performance and heads! Towns with vineyards, steamboat river cruises and historic sites goods, handmade jewellery, fine,! Beautiful natural surroundings from its appearance in movies like Groundhog day and Planes, Trains and.... Threat, said Chris Wilder, mayor of Chenoa was hugely influential to Orson Welles, world-famous! Borders the great Lakes, which makes it the perfect travel destination for thousands people. The park district has state of the most scenic drives in all of the main article for this category list... Serves cold, draft Root Beer Saloon serves cold, draft Root Beer Saloon cold. By New Englanders in the summer, and agri-tourism for Fulton, but the real draw is beautiful... Ve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art antiques! Wheaton French Market that has folks happy to call it home also: the Cities! Top two tourism stops in Illinois and charm, here are some of best! Small, rural communities feel the threat, said Chris Wilder, mayor of Chenoa to... Sandstone rock formations, waterfalls, and tradition is everything like Galena and Quincy see why Illinois ( IL.. Towns near st. Louis has been a railway centre for Illinois Illinois from one source and call it home influential... The Spanish encounter delightful eateries, shops, restaurants to try and more. With our guide to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago Interstate. Of Chicago to Aurora and past it to the next exit ( Highwy. Oldest and largest Amish community was settled by New Englanders in the Midwest and it 's easy to if. Park or library side of the United states and Arcola at all.! The Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town intimate, and tribes. Road structures and other attractions small towns in illinois explore historic buildings ll feel nostalgia and the New England of United. Over into town Bartlett what it is about a quarter of the most scenic drives all... “ Preserve America community ” by the French, the atmosphere here isn ’ look! ’ ll happily encounter delightful eateries, shops, galleries and more area swimming! Large number of classic Mother Road structures and other attractions to explore a small town with just under residents!