10 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Illinois
Most conversations about Illinois revolve around Chicago. Its towering skyscrapers, diverse culture, and unmatched gastronomy attract millions of annual visitors. While the Windy City remains the most desirable destination in the state, a lot remains to be seen in the often-underrated countryside. Many beautiful small towns showcase the quieter side of Illinois, promising vacationers a novel and off-beat experience.
These stretch across the territory, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Mississippi River, and each boasts a distinct charm that sets the tourist experience apart from the rest. However, some grab attention with their downtowns, which are full of life and teeming with activity. From Galena to Woodstock, here are some of the prettiest downtown strips in Illinois.
St. Charles
St. Charles is a scenic town on the banks of the Fox River with a jam-packed downtown strip, where bars, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and boutiques create a busy urban hub. The St. Charles History Museum welcomes newcomers to inspect the community's heritage since its founding in the 1830s. Inside, a vast artifact collection, with Civil War relics, offers an intriguing perspective of the past. Aspiring creatives can derive inspiration by touring the Arcadia Theater, where professional performers entertain audiences with electric cabaret and music shows. Alternatively, visitors can examine original artworks by different Chicago creatives in a 5,000-square-foot exhibition space at 116 Gallery. When they need something to eat, they can pop into Mio Modo for delicious Italian cuisine to replenish their energy reserves.
Urbana
This celebrated college town in Champaign County credits its popularity to the buzzing downtown strip, revamped to host a mix of galleries, restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues. Urbana takes great pride in its lively arts and culture. You will notice this inside the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, where residents turn out in numbers to watch and support homegrown creatives. Tourists interested in African American folklore will find invaluable resources at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, shedding light on the community.
At Spurlock Museum, guests can browse rare artifacts exploring different cultures from Egypt and East Asia. Lastly, shopaholics can find whatever they want at Urbana's Market at the Square, from food items and flowers to fashion products and more
Buffalo Grove
Set about thirty miles from Chicago's bustling downtown, Buffalo Grove has a lively downtown district that promises a little bit of everything. The delightful hub welcomes history buffs to learn the town's past at Raupp Museum. It has two galleries with assorted archives about the past years. Vacationing families are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertaining the young ones, from exposing them to fun challenges and puzzles at No Escape Room to getting behind the wheel at K1 Speed.
After the adrenaline rush, you can take them to Long Grove Confectionery Outlet & Chocolate Tour for delicious indulgences, featuring handcrafted gourmet chocolates. Alternatively, ensure they eat a full-course meal at Prairie House Tavern, which serves all-American favorites.
Edwardsville
Downtown Edwardsville expertly combines the old and the new to guarantee visitors a broad spectrum of attractions. You can get a glimpse of the past eras at the Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, a Federal-style mansion with a legacy stretching back to the 1820s. On the other hand, guests can embrace more modern pursuits at the Edwardsville Children's Museum. This magnificent facility has curated exhibits and hands-on programs designed to entertain and educate young minds.
The Edwardsville Arts Center welcomes first-timers for a rich cultural lesson featuring an intimate collection of pieces by area artists. This is true for Wildey Theatre, a restored turn-of-the-century opera house that focuses on performance.
Geneva
Geneva is another adorable municipality on the Fox River bank with a refreshing downtown district. Its rich mix of attractions means opportunities for all types of travelers. Historians are exposed to the town's unique past inside the Geneva History Museum. This showcases rare exhibits and relics sourced from the community since the early days. At the same time, retail therapy fans enjoy their chosen pastime at the Geneva Commons. This 418,000-square-foot mall houses more than eighty retailers and restaurants, selling all manner of merchandise.
If you plan to buy a present to take back home, you can find a variety of cute options inside the Little Traveler. Finally, Geneva is known for its brewery culture, which you can sample when you visit Penrose Brewing Company.
Monticello
Monticello lives up to its "Main Street Community" tag with a bustling downtown area that is constantly jostling with people. The area is the site of the weekly Monticello Farmers Market, which brings together vendors and buyers in a festive setting for a remarkable day of trade, featuring farm produce, meats, crafts, and other wares. The Monticello Theatre Association pays homage to the performance arts by staging various presentations by budding artists and performers.
Additionally, those who appreciate the sophisticated technique of creating glass art can witness it in person at Prairie Fire Glass. For shoppers, Monticello Mercantile sells everything from home decor items and jewelry to gifts and women's clothing, meaning you can't miss something to purchase for your loved ones.
Woodstock
This suburban community on the outskirts of Chicago has one of the prettiest downtown strips in Illinois. Better known as the Woodstock Square Historic District, this vibrant corridor harbors critical cultural landmarks and heritage centers. This includes the imposing Woodstock Opera House, which dominates the skyline with its rustic architecture and hosts live theatrical performances. The area also hosts the Woodstock Farmers Market every Saturday from May to October, spreading cheer through shopping opportunities and genuine interactions.
For antique collectors, there is no better stop than Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall, which sells a variety of primitives and collectibles. Finally, use your time downtown to catch the latest movies at Classic Cinemas Woodstock XQ on its eight HD screens.
Elmhurst
Home of Elmhurst University, this charismatic college town excites newcomers with its infectious personality, which shines throughout the downtown corridor. The student population elevates the arts and culture scene, and vacationers can experience this at the Elmhurst Art Museum. This world-class establishment exhibits a collection of modern visual art. Movie lovers enjoy the latest productions at Classic Cinemas York Theatre in a comfortable venue with plush seating and fresh popcorn.
If you gravitate towards history, you won't regret touring the Elmhurst History Museum. The site contains important archives and relics that bring hidden history back to life. Elsewhere, don't miss the chance to purchase fresh-from-the-farm produce, crafts, or baked goods at the Elmhurst Farmers Market on Wednesdays.
Quincy
Quincy is a beautiful community that enjoys exquisite views of the Mississippi River. Besides its famed outdoor allure, the town has a lively urban square, which serves as the hub for all things history, culture, and commerce. You will notice a fine display of 19th-century buildings, highlighted by the rustic Quincy Museum. Visitors quickly fall in love with the facade of the John Wood Mansion. This stately 14-room mansion was constructed in the 1830s and once housed the state's 12th governor.
Just like its history, Quincy has an entertaining art scene. The Quincy Community Theatre treats residents to engaging stage performances that showcase budding local talent during musical and theatrical shows. Meanwhile, beer lovers can sample freshly crafted drafts at the Quincy Brewing Company.
Galena
Nostalgia seems to be the central theme in downtown Galena, home to an exquisite collection of Victorian mansions and structures hinting at its dynamic heritage. The area is chock-full of attractions, and many tourists take the Galena Trolley Tours to explore as many as they can in the shortest time. This sightseeing trip features an informed guide narrating the backstory of each point of interest. But if you have enough time to spare, Galena is conveniently walkable, allowing you to tour treasures like the Dowling House.
This is the town's modest building and boasts a heritage from as early as the 1820s. Meanwhile, the Ulysses S. Grant Home preserves the legacy of former American President Ulysses Grant in his childhood home. If you are visiting with family, the P.T. Murphy Theatre promises to raise your spirits with unexplained illusions and tricks.
Final Thoughts
The prettiest downtown strips in Illinois showcase the rich diversity of attractions and experiences waiting outside of Chicago. Together, they represent the true character of the state by exposing vacationers to underexplored state history and rare cultures and traditions to guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While each town has a distinct personality, they all represent quintessential United States small-town charm. Expect to make lasting memories, whether you are mingling with college students in Elmhurst or tasting local beers in Geneva.
