7 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Illinois
Visiting Illinois’ underrated small towns can mean walking around the same square featured in Groundhog Day in Woodstock or diving into Route 66 history at Pontiac’s Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. In Crystal Lake, you can unwind by the town’s namesake lake, where you can also go boating and fishing. Over in DeKalb, farmers' markets and vintage games at Star Worlds Arcade give this college town its own fun personality. In the seven towns ahead, you will find underrated charm and plenty to do.
Woodstock
The heart of the charming small town of Woodstock is centered around its historic town square, which served as the setting for the major Hollywood film Groundhog Day. The town is best known for the Woodstock Opera House, one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States. Today, visitors can enjoy concerts, lectures, visual arts events, and more in the historic venue.
Quaint Woodstock offers a delightful array of natural spots to enjoy all year round, like Brookdale Conservation Area and Hennen Conservation Area. The town also comes alive with exciting events throughout the year, such as the McHenry County Fair, the Woodstock Folk Festival, and wonderful arts gatherings like the Art Fair on the Square.
Pontiac
Situated on historic Route 66 in the heart of the state, pretty Pontiac is the perfect place to spend a few days or more on your next vacation. Pontiac celebrates its Mother Road heritage with a collection of Route 66 sites, hand-painted outdoor murals that pay homage to the famous route, and the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, which features memorabilia, artifacts, historic photographs, and more.
Pontiac is proud to feature the Museum of the Gilding Arts, the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum, and the Livingston County War Museum. Inside the charming historic courthouse, visitors can explore the Livingston County Local History Exhibit. Additionally, the town warmly welcomes visitors to enjoy its three charming swinging bridges, each spanning the picturesque Vermilion River.
Grafton
Charming-yet-underrated Grafton is situated at the confluence of two important American waterways, the Mississippi River and the Illinois River, making it an ideal destination for water lovers. Grafton is known for its beautiful water views, which you can take in while dining al fresco at a downtown restaurant or at one of the town's pretty parks. Taking a cruise aboard the Hakuna Matata riverboat is another fun way to experience the rivers.
For those seeking adventure, the Grafton SkyTour provides breathtaking views high above the town's river bluffs. If you're looking for a more serene outdoor experience, take some time to enjoy Pere Marquette State Park, a nearly 8,000-acre natural haven along the Illinois River. When visiting Grafton with family during warm summer days, be sure to check out Raging Rivers WaterPark for some cool, fun-filled escapes.
Batavia
Although Batavia's neighboring towns of St. Charles and Geneva tend to get more attention, this dynamic Fox Valley destination also has more than its fair share of cultural, historical, and outdoor attractions. No matter what time of year you visit Batavia, you will find no shortage of special events or unique opportunities, such as roller skating at the beloved Funway entertainment complex, to keep you busy.
Explore the charming historic downtown, where you'll find unique specialty shops like the Healing Arts Metaphysical Center, cozy eateries such as Batavia Creamery, and a delightful array of cafes. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Fox River trails or dive into local history at the Batavia Depot Museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, Dick Young Forest Preserve and Nelson Lake Marsh are wonderful destinations to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, located in northern Illinois about 60 miles from Chicago, is often overlooked as a vacation destination, but it has all the ingredients for a memorable trip. Start your visit with a relaxing walk through the historic downtown, which features a mix of local eateries, cafes, boutiques, and the Raue Center for the Arts, which originally opened in 1929 and showcases live entertainment today.
If you're visiting Crystal Lake with your family, you're in for a treat! The town has many kid-friendly attractions, like Urban Air Adventure Park, which everyone loves. Don't miss the Lippold Park Family Golf Center and North Wall Rock Climbing Gym—they're both fantastic experiences. Plus, the Quarry Cable Park at Three Oaks Recreation Area on North Lake is a great place for fun times together.
Princeton
With its two well-known covered bridges, including the historic Red Covered Bridge and the more modern Captain Swift Covered Bridge, as well as an abundance of interesting attractions, the northern Illinois town of Princeton is not to be missed. All summer long, the Down on Main Street concerts delight locals and visitors alike with live entertainment and food trucks.
The eye-catching Princeton Arts District is home to several unique local shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, making it a fun place to spend a day. If you want to learn more about the area's history, the Bureau County Historical Society operates local museums as well as a research library. Arts and entertainment enthusiasts will also want to check out the historic Apollo Theater, which dates to the 1880s and remains a downtown landmark.
DeKalb
Nestled among the cornfields of northern Illinois, the college town of DeKalb offers more than initially meets the eye. Dynamic DeKalb is home to Northern Illinois University, which helps give the town a lively feel. If you are visiting during the summertime, check out the DeKalb Farmers' Market or the nearby Sycamore Farmers Market, both of which sell sweet corn and other fresh produce and homemade goods.
If you enjoy vintage gaming, you'll love Star Worlds Arcade, and skaters will find Fargo Indoor Skatepark and Skate Shop perfect for their needs. The historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb hosts music concerts, theatrical productions, and comedy shows regularly.
Next time you're traveling through Illinois, skip Chicago and explore the state's small towns, where you'll find warm, welcoming communities rich in history. Even though many of these towns are overshadowed by more popular destinations, they are worth visiting anytime you pass through. Illinois' charming towns showcase the state's true character, from busy farmers markets to lively festivals and fairs.
