The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In Illinois

Summer has finally arrived, and Illinois residents have earned a break from the cold. Now is the perfect time to get out and explore the state! If you are craving for a trip, the following seven towns are some of the state’s most incredible, filled with Dutch heritage, summer folk festivals, county fairs, and iconic state parks. As you plan your next unforgettable trip, make sure to keep these seven towns in mind.

Fulton

If you have been dreaming of visiting Europe, you can find a little piece of the Netherlands in Fulton, Illinois! This town is rich in Dutch heritage, continuing to preserve its culture through the annual Fulton Dutch Days Festival. Each spring, this festival celebrates all things Dutch with a traditional dinner, Klompen dancers, arts and crafts vendors, and a variety of other cultural activities. Year-round, you can visit the De Immigrant Windmill, an authentic Dutch smock windmill that was built in the late 20th and early 21st century by native millwrights in the Netherlands. To explore more of Fulton’s history, make sure to spend an afternoon at Wierenga's Heritage Canyon, an elaborate replica of a 19th-century historic settlement that sits on a 12-acre quarry.

Quincy

With over 3,600 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Quincy is one of the Midwest’s most impressive architectural gems. The John Wood Mansion is an excellent example of this beautiful architecture, located along 12th Street as a restored, 19th-century Greek Revival home. The mansion, which was once the home of Quincy’s founder, is open to visitors, featuring 14 rooms decorated with historic furnishings and artifacts that reflect the era.

To continue your architectural and historical exploration of the town, head over to the History Museum on the Square. Home to various historical exhibits that reflect the area’s early days, this museum is housed in Quincy’s original library, a Richardsonian Romanesque limestone building that was constructed in 1888. If you need a good spot to eat, Quincy also has over 130 restaurants to choose from. Tiramisu is a beloved spot to dine, serving authentic Italian cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients and an extensive selection of wines.

Geneva

Situated along the Fox River, Geneva is filled with nature trails and parks, allowing you to spend the weekend in the great outdoors. Hikers, bikers, and joggers will love the Fox River Trail, a 30-mile riverside route that extends throughout Kane County. Peck Farm Park is another unique green space in town. This park covers roughly 385 acres and features a variety of attractions, including a butterfly house with hundreds of butterflies, a historic gallery, a picnic area, nature trails, and a 19-acre wetland.

For a tranquil night away, consider lodging at The Herrington Inn & Spa, a riverfront inn that offers 60 uniquely decorated rooms. The inn has an onsite spa and restaurant as well, allowing you to have everything you need nearby.

Woodstock

If you are looking for an entertaining town to visit this summer, Woodstock offers a wonderful selection of summer festivals and events. On July 20th, the town will host the 40th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival, which brings a variety of local, national, and international artists to perform. Some of the genres you will be able to hear this year include Americana, country, traditional and contemporary folk, Latin, and Appalachian tunes. A few days later, the McHenry County Fair will begin, taking place from July 29th through August 3rd. Activities during the fair include livestock exhibitions, horse shows, food-eating contests, amusement rides, and more. Visitors should also check out the Woodstock Opera House’s calendar, which has upcoming live band and comedian performances, along with theater workshops.

Lebanon

Between its local playhouses, quirky boutiques, and giant parks, it is easy to see why residents are so laid-back in Lebanon. Travelers can start their weekend at Horner Park, one of the town’s most prized green spaces, spanning 58 acres and featuring a 5-acre fishing lake, old-growth trees, a nature trail, and sporting fields. Afterwards, check out the calendar at the Looking Glass Playhouse, which puts on shows throughout the year. The Rocky Horror Show is one of the playhouse’s upcoming performances, taking place on July 25th and 26th. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, you will love Moon Penguin's Emporium, a thrift and consignment store that sources its treasures from estate sales and abandoned storage units. Who knows what you will find!

Ottawa

Surrounded by four Illinois state parks, Ottawa is a great base for outdoor adventures. Just 20 minutes from town, Starved Rock State Park stands as the most visited state park in the state. Here, hikers can explore the Illinois River, several seasonal waterfalls, and 13 miles of trails. Just a short drive south of Starved Rock, travelers will also reach Matthiessen State Park, which is filled with canyons, forests, prairies, streams, and plenty of incredible rock formations. If you are hoping for something a bit more relaxed, you may enjoy signing up for a cruise on the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat, a historic boat that dates back to 1962, today offering catered food and cocktails during a sightseeing or sunset cruise.

Princeton

Princeton always finds a way to celebrate its agricultural community, whether it be through a county fair or a farm-to-table restaurant. The Bureau County Fair is one of the town’s beloved annual festivals, taking place each August and featuring all kinds of activities, including concerts, livestock exhibitions, tractor pulls, and demolition derbies. Travelers will also enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, such as Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves comfort food like meatloaf, baked lasagna, and half-roasted chicken. If you are interested in some of Princeton’s architecture, stop by its two covered bridges: The Red Covered Bridge, built in 1863, and Captain Swift Bridge, built in 2006.

Final Thoughts

With so many towns to explore in Illinois, it can be hard to narrow down the best. These seven towns are a great starting place, offering all kinds of attractions, such as riverboat cruises, 19th-century mansions, and riverside hiking trails. Many also host an impressive range of events in the summer, like music festivals and county fairs. So if you are looking to switch things up, don’t hesitate to pick one of these seven towns to explore!