6 Illinois Towns That Rival Europe's Best
A few words come readily to mind when thinking of Europe's colorful coastlines and strata of history: beautiful, impressive, romantic. But such adjectives can likewise be attributed to none other than these six towns in Illinois, too, whose stoic foundations and own histories are no less impressive for being on this side of the ocean. If you are interested in a vacation with a European flair that is all the more affordable, maybe the town of Long Grove with its Bavarian architecture appeals to you. Perhaps the riverside walkways of St. Charles, evoking centuries-old Tudor-like imagery, are your perfect weekend getaway. The more you look at the towns of Illinois, the more you may realize that sometimes you do not need to fly to Europe. Sometimes you can find Europe right at home.
Geneva
It seems obvious to start this list with a Swiss city name. After all, the parallels are there: Geneva is beautiful at its very core, sprawling along the shores of Fox River and boasting a historic downtown, from which you can enjoy a river trail connecting to Fabyan Forest Preserve. With a lively atmosphere, no matter which old streets you decide to walk, Geneva's most elegant building is the downtown Herrington Inn & Spa, a towering hotel overlooking the Fox River. Much like its European counterpart, there are wineries and breweries to be found in this Illinois gem, but best of all: chocolatiers. Where else but the All Chocolate Kitchen, right in the heart of downtown, for a perfect family outing?
Woodstock
While not the site of the famous Woodstock concert of 1969, Woodstock's roots are old enough that the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And the moment you set foot in its historic central square, you can see why: the 19th-century Victorian architecture “transports you back in time,” while the square is lined with artisans peddling handmade pottery and delicious sweets.
The iconic square, serving as a perfect starting point to exploring Woodstock as a whole, leads into the rest of the town's unique offerings: visitors can relive scenes from Groundhog Day, filmed in and around Woodstock, as well as enjoy a multitude of performances and shows at the Opera House, another beautiful building with European flair in all its Gothic styling.
Lastly, visitors during the Holiday season can be treated to the Lighting of the Square, where thousands of lights transform the historic space into a Wonderland.
St. Charles
St. Charles is much more than just its riverside architecture that reminds visitors of Western Europe; it is a small but lively city of around 30,000 people, a downtown that stretches along the banks of the Fox River, and a plaza on 1st Street saturated with the same cafe culture as Paris. The city offers miles of walking trails, five different theatres, and a proud display of outdoor sculptures at Mt. St. Mary Park--an annual exhibit featuring artists from all over the country. Located near three major airports and just 35 miles from Chicago, St. Charles brings European atmosphere and architecture to your backyard.
Alton
Reminiscent of Germany's Rhine Valley, Alton is a picturesque town 25 miles north of St. Louis. Priding itself on being home to three distinct historical districts, Alton also boasts several theaters, including the Jacoby Arts Center, the Alton Little Theater, and the Alton Children’s Theater. Founded in 1837, Alton's gorgeous riverfront walkways along the Mississippi will feel as European as the city's foundation. Alton is where a river town meets a social hub; the resultant energy is rich and invigorating, and it is easy to lose yourself in the acres of history stretching before your fingertips.
Long Grove
An evening spent strolling the cobblestone streets of Long Grove will transport you back 200 years to when German pioneers built a small farming settlement named Muttersholtz, which is translated to "Mother’s Wood" in German. What has blossomed into a present-day tourist destination retains all of its Bavarian magic from those many years ago, and has added modern attractions to the mix: Blu Fig Cafe, a local and charming restaurant; Buffalo Creek Brewing, for those interested in German-style craft beers; and Covered Bridge Creamery, in 2019, named the best ice cream shop in Illinois.
The annual Cocoa Crawl, Chocolate Fest, and Strawberry Fest are all local events that give this beautiful town even more character. Uniquely blending its past with its present, Long Grove feels just like Germany of old, with a modern twist.
Galena
Making efforts to preserve its 19th-century buildings, Galena has scarcely changed one brick from its original layout. They advertise that they are frozen in time and that history is a beginning to them. No wonder, then, that they have so many sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. No wonder a place so committed to its historical integrity would be picture-perfect, surrounded by rolling hills and stretching along the vast Mississippi River.
More than just existing as a living time capsule, Galena is home to several wineries, including the Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, which the same family has owned for three generations, and Massbach Ridge Winery, which encourages guests to bring any snacks they like to pair with the samples as they go.
The iconic main street hosts over 125 shops and restaurants along a roadway that has been unchanged since the 1800s. This ensures that visitors have a variety of establishments to choose from and can admire centuries-old buildings with every step.
A historic and hallowed state, Illinois is more than just the heart of the country: it is a rolling wilderness with a network of rivers and forest, all pockmarked by unforgettable small towns reminiscent of Europe's most idyllic and unique. Woodstock's iconic square, Long Grove's cobblestone streets, Geneva's fancy chocolatiers, and everything in between are all microcosms of Europe's influence on North America. However, each of the towns listed in this article boasts attractions that are unique to the United States, too, ultimately showing that sometimes the rarest of places are the ones that strive for modern originality while staying true to a layered and enduring past.
