7 of the Most Welcoming Towns in Illinois
Illinois, the 21st state to join the Union. Not only that, almost everyone knows the iconic city of Chicago, a cultural hub in Illinois located along Lake Michigan.
Most importantly, Illinois has a diverse population, with friendly and welcoming people all over, especially in smaller communities and neighborhoods.
You can find warm faces all the way from the suburbs near Chicago to the towns spread close to the six bordering states.
So, if you are looking for a friendly town to visit, pack your bags because these seven towns are some of the most welcoming in Illinois.
Buffalo Grove
Located just north of Chicago, this peaceful suburb is known for its friendliness and abundance of green spaces. It is also considered to be one of the safest communities in the state.
The town has lots of forested areas to see and explore. There is Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve to the north, Camp Pine Woods to the south, and Deer Grove to the west.
The closest is the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, with peaceful outdoor spaces and trails with amenities like picnic areas to spend time with the family on a warm day.
It might not have Willy Wonka, but Long Grove Confectionery Co. offers tours of its Buffalo Grove factory. You can indulge yourself in the smells and tastes of the chocolate-making process.
The town has some fun and unique local events. Buffalo Grove hosts an annual community festival known as ‘Buffalo Grove Days.’
The event takes place every year around Labor Day and has a huge collection of events like a parade and even a car show.
Galena
Timeless brick buildings line the downtown core of Galena, and friendly faces welcome visitors.
The town's Main Street is lined with brick buildings, showcasing the charm of its Italianate and Victorian architecture.
If you want to experience the friendliness of the townspeople, just stick your head into a store on Main Street and say hi.
During the Civil War era, the town was home to Ulysses S. Grant, who later became the 18th President of the United States. His Civil War-era home still stands and takes in people wanting to learn about his life and the times he lived in.
Ten minutes to the south, you can find the Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve, overlooking the Mississippi. It has beautiful views of the riverside and also contains an archaeological site with 51 burial mounds.
These mounds are connected to the Effigy Mound people, who lived in the area until around 1000 BCE.
Geneva
Geneva might not be as famous as its Switzerland namesake, but it still has a historic downtown and sociable people.
The downtown area, particularly along Third Street, is full of aged brown brick structures, standing boldly against the blue sky overhead.
Downtown Geneva has over 150 specialty shops and restaurants, offering an unparalleled experience with refurbished storefronts and Victorian-style establishments.
Geneva hosts various events and festivals over the year that really demonstrate the town's affable nature, including the popular Swedish Days festival.
Held every June, the event has been held for over 70 years and acknowledges the heritage of the Swedish settlers who called the area home.
Enjoy the outdoors at Fabyan Forest Preserve, which is found along the Fox River. On the east side of the preserve, the 5-story Fabyan Windmill proudly stands among fields and forests.
Inside the preserve, make sure to visit the Fabyan Japanese Garden, a peaceful oasis with winding paths, demonstrating a seamless integration with the surrounding nature.
Nauvoo
Nauvoo is a small town with a long history, priding itself on being a inviting experience for the entire family.
Nowadays, Salt Lake City is the modern-day headquarters for the Mormon Church, but once upon a time, that title belonged to Nauvoo.
If you are visiting, give yourself enough time to see both the Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo House, as they lend insight into the daily life of early Mormons.
Residents of Nauvo recognize the town's historical significance and its appeal to tourists and actively engage with visitors. You can really feel this during the Nauvoo Pageant.
The event is a great celebration for the entire family and has music and dancing, detailing the early history of the Mormon Church.
Whether it is by sharing stories about the town's history or simply offering a kind-hearted greeting on the streets, residents help create a warm and receptive atmosphere.
East Dubuque
East Dubuque's lovely setting on the Mississippi is enhanced by the Julien Dubuque Bridge crossing the river.
The town is a safe place to live, with a low crime rate and a subdued atmosphere.
Interestingly, East Dubuque had a turbulent history, once being a notorious hub with many bars and gambling halls open during Prohibition. Legend has it that the infamous gangster Al Capone used the city as a hideout during that era.
Sinsinawa Avenue acts as the town’s main street, taking you into the downtown area, with old-style brick buildings lining the way.
Not far away is Gramacy Park, with 10 acres to walk through and explore. The park also holds 26 ceremonial and burial mounds from the Hopewell Native American Culture inside its borders. If you're visiting the park in the winter, look up, you might see a Bald Eagle flying by.
The Ahva Living in East Dubuque is a heritage landmark constructed in 1893 and was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Initially used as a school, it stands out with its prominent brick exterior and three-story bell tower.
Ottawa
Only 80 miles from downtown Chicago, the town of Ottawa is often thought to be 'In the Middle of Everywhere.'
This nickname really starts to make sense when you see Ottawa acts as a hub for 4 state parks and a nature preserve, all within a 20-minute drive.
The Ottawa 2 Rivers Wine Fest is an annual event that brings together locals and visitors to celebrate wine, food, and the community. During this festival, you can see the friendly atmosphere of Ottawa firsthand.
In 1858, Ottawa played a crucial role by hosting one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates at Washington Square, marking a significant event in American history.
Nowadays, the Washington Square Historic District has maintained its 19th-century charm, with pristine homes and buildings giving you a look back at the town's early history.
For an adventure outside of town, the Starved Rock State Park has scenic canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails along the Illinois River. It is the perfect way to discover all the town has to offer.
Inverness
Inverness is known for its peaceful environment, low crime rate, and abundant recreational spaces.
This gives the town a distinctive combination of safety and natural beauty for both residents and visitors.
The area was first settled back in 1836 and was later named after the well-known Scottish city. Arthur T. McIntosh, a leading land developer in Chicago, wanted to build a community for young couples to enjoy a rural lifestyle surrounded by woods and meadows.
Nowadays, Inverness is well-known for its expansive residential properties, offering large lots to purchase.
The village has three charming parks—Rogers Park, North Park, and South Park—spanning 42 acres, providing residents with a lot of green space to play in.
North of town is Deer Grove Forest Preserve, a protected area perfect for bird watching or taking a relaxing walk.
If you like golf, Inverness will quench that thirst. Inverness is a great option for golf enthusiasts, with Inverness Golf Club on the eastern edge of town and Makray Memorial Golf Club to the north.
In Conclusion
From the big city allure of Chicago to the tranquil rural expanses, Illinois has a diverse tale to tell.
There are friendly communities all over the state, each painting a different kind of welcome for its visitors. In the small towns, you can really experience the heart of Illinois hospitality.
In these quieter corners of Illinois, genuine human connections still thrive, and residents are eager to share their stories.
So, if you are traveling through the 'Land of Lincoln,' make sure to immerse yourself in these authentic stories and find the lesser-explored small towns.
