Illinois is home to many quaint small towns that may go unnoticed by tourists. Here are 11 quaint small towns in Illinois that most tourists completely overlook:
1. Princeton
Location: Bureau County
Sights: Famous for its historic covered bridges and the Owen Lovejoy Homestead, an Underground Railroad stop. The downtown Princeton features a lively Main Street with antique stores such as Eclectic Joy.
2. Buffalo Grove
Location: Lake County
Attractions: Provides a combination of urban and countryside experiences with parks such as Green Lake Park and Willow Stream Park. The Raupp Museum displays local history.
3. Crystal Lake
Location: McHenry County
Attractions: Boasts waterfront views and a vibrant arts scene, with the Raue Center for the Arts hosting performances of all kinds.
4. Nauvoo
Location: Hancock County
Attractions: Loaded with history, Nauvoo had been the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Has the Nauvoo Illinois Temple and Nauvoo State Park.
5. Greenville
Location: Bond County
Attractions: Famous for its heritage, boasting museums such as the Bond County Museum and the American Farm Heritage Museum. Provides recreational activities at the Greenville Country Club.
6. Geneva
Location: Kane County
Attractions: Provides scenic outlooks along the Fox River Bike Trail and a lively brewery culture, such as Penrose Brewing Company.
7. Elsah
Location: Jersey County
Attractions: Famous for its scenic beauty and historical architecture, Elsah is sometimes referred to as the “village of Elsah” because it has such a charming atmosphere.
8. Grafton
Location: Jersey County
Attractions: Located on the Mississippi River, Grafton features beautiful river scenery and a quaint downtown area with restaurants and stores.
9. Monticello
Location: Piatt County
Attractions: Boasts Allerton Park, a lovely natural preserve with gardens and trails. Downtown boasts a quaint atmosphere with restaurants and shops.
10. Atlanta
Location: Logan County
Attractions: Features historic architecture and the Cozy Dog Drive In, a vintage restaurant renowned for its “cozy dogs” (hot dogs on a stick covered in cornmeal batter).
11. Golconda
Location: Pope County
Attractions: A town with a history on the Ohio River, Golconda boasts places on the National Register of Historic Places and a glimpse into Southern Illinois’ heritage2.
They offer a mix of natural splendor, historic value, and small-town ambiance that is oftentimes overlooked by tourists intent on larger cities such as Chicago.
