7 Offbeat Illinois Towns
Illinois is full of offbeat small towns where you can tour historic spots like a frontier blacksmith shop, then head straight for some of the canyon-and-bluff views at Starved Rock or the sweeping Illinois River overlooks around Ottawa. Galena leans into its storybook look with a sloping downtown and a strong connection to Ulysses S. Grant. Woodstock, meanwhile, keeps things light with movie-famous charm, a walkable square, and an annual February celebration. Taken all together, these 7 small towns show why Illinois is home to some of the most memorable offbeat towns in the Midwest!
Galena
Galena is an out-of-the-way town near the borders of Iowa and Wisconsin. This small town is known for its impeccably preserved 19th-century Victorian architecture, as the 1826 Dowling House exemplifies. The Italianate Ulysses S. Grant Home, a gift from local citizens to the Civil War general turned US president, is also a fine example of Galena's quaint history. Get a chance to witness the Great Galena Balloon Race during summer's highest peak or the Galena General's Parade during St. Patrick's Day.
Take a leisurely stroll through stunning natural features like the Mississippi River or Horseshoe Mound, situated just outside Galena and offering breathtaking views of three states. You can also explore other mounds at Casper Bluff, which are believed to be ancient Native American ceremonial sites. Looking for a cozy place to stay? Don't worry—Hotel Galena provides wonderful accommodations for a comfortable night’s rest.
Woodstock
Be ready to relive the same day again in the town of Woodstock, located about 60 miles from Chicago. If you feel an odd sense of déjà vu to the place, then you probably recognize Woodstock as the setting for the classic movie Groundhog Day, referred to as Punxsutawney in the film.
Woodstock even celebrates a Groundhog Day festival every February 2, similar to the Groundhog Day festival in Pennsylvania. Aside from movie references, visitors can be dazzled by performances at the historic, Gothic-themed Opera House. Try not to miss out on the mesmerizing Lighting of the Square at the beginning of Thanksgiving. Last but not least, book a room at the Cherry Tree Inn B&B.
Nauvoo
Nauvoo rests peacefully along the banks of the Mississippi River, just across from the historic Fort Madison, Iowa. This land has been home to a rich tapestry of cultures over the years, including the Sauk and Fox Native American Tribes, as well as settlers like the Mormons, Icarians, and German immigrants. Visitors can explore the Joseph Smith Historic Site to learn about the story of the Latter-Day Saint movement in Nauvoo during the early 1840s. Plus, the Rheinberger HouMuseumeum offers a wonderful display of pioneer-era artifacts, giving you a glimpse into the past.
Military enthusiasts might be interested in visiting the workshop of Jonathan Browning, one of the most famous gunmakers in the world, thanks to his Browning guns and rifles. Perhaps tour the Webb Blacksmith Shop for deeper insights into a vital part of life in the American frontier. For places to stay, look no further than the Hotel Nauvoo, the Inn at Old Nauvoo, and Nauvoo Vacation Villas.
Fulton
Located about 50 miles from Galena on the Mississippi River, Fulton celebrates its Dutch heritage with the De Immigrant Windmill, an iconic structure brought from the Netherland. On the first weekend of May, Fulton commemorates the arrival of Dutch settlers on Dutch Days. The Andresen Nature Center educates travelers on preserving riverside wildlife in the area.
The Fulton (Martin House) Museum warmly shares the rich history that shaped our town. Journey through Heritage Canyon and step back into the bustling limestone-mining days of the 1800s. Although called a canyon, Heritage Canyon is actually a charming 12-acre nature walk sprinkled with historical wooden structures from the old quarry. For a cozy stay, the AmericInn Hotel & Suites and the Wild Rose Casino & Resort offer excellent amenities and welcoming atmospheres.
Princeton
An hour away from Peoria, Princeton has often been cited as one of the most charming towns in Illinois. Princeton was a major railroad station between Chicago, Quincy, and Burlington. Today, the historic Amtrak Train Station continues to shuffle passengers across Illinois. The Hornbaker Gardens is a verdant paradise for outdoor and plant enthusiasts.
The Barn Quilts of Bureau County testify to Princeton's historical and economic ties as an agricultural community. The four Flags of Freedom fly in salutation to the military men and women who continue to serve the US. Learn more about Princeton's past in the Lovejoy Homestead, or attend Festival 56, a series of Shakespearean or Broadway performances by the Princeton Theatre Group. Once exhaustion seeps in, recharge at the historic Knox Hotel.
Arcola
About an hour and a half away from Springfield, the town of Arcola sits on the banks of the Okaw River. Pioneers in the mid-1800s built Arcola, originally called Bagdad (similar sounding to Iraq's Capital, Baghdad, but with no other affiliations), to service the Illinois Central Railroad.
Today, Arcola is well-loved for its abundant broomcorn harvest. The friendly townspeople come together each September to celebrate the Broomcorn Festival, a joyful event honoring the town's proud farming heritage. Take a delightful stroll through Arcola to admire the 15 Walldog murals that beautifully capture the town's rich history. One special mural tells the story of Johnny Gruelle, a talented local, and how he created his beloved Raggedy Ann Doll, affectionately known as "Annabelle." After exploring these charming attractions, consider resting at the cozy Arcola Inn or the welcoming Quality Inn for a comfortable stay.
Ottawa
The town of Ottawa in Illinois is a much smaller community than the city of Ottawa in Canada. Located 80 miles from Chicago, the town is centrally positioned, notably at the confluence of the meandering Fox River and pristine Illinois River. It is close to a panoply of state parks, such as Buffalo Rock State Park, Dayton Bluffs Preserve, Starved Rock State Park, and more.
Adventure awaits for all! Feel the thrill of skydiving at Skydive Chicago or explore the exciting offroad biking at Fox Valley Off-Road. Take a delightful tour of Reddick Mansion, an Italianate masterpiece built by Illinois State Senator William Reddick. As you wander around, enjoy the colorful murals that beautifully tell Ottawa's lively history. Finish your day with a peaceful moment at Heritage Harbor, where you can relax and recharge.
Absolutely, while cultural centers like Springfield and Chicago showcase the lively spirit and industrial charm of the American people, small towns such as Princeton, Fulton, and Galena have their own special magic that shouldn't be overlooked. Take a journey down those less traveled roads to these charming small towns and discover the unique beauty and warmth of Illinois' rural communities.
