Aerial view of the Galena River flowing through Galena, Illinois.

The Most Charming River Towns In Illinois

Illinois' waterways have had a lasting impact on this Midwest state, shaping its identity long before the first humans ever got here. Whether it’s the mighty Mississippi or the scenic Ohio and Illinois Rivers, these waterways also helped define (and still do define) life in the Prairie State's most picturesque communities. For travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond Chicago's urban sprawl, they’re also ideal destinations for an escape, whether for a day or for a weekend. Find out more about what’s in store when you pay a visit to these most charming river towns in Illinois.

Galena

The charming riverside in Galena, Illinois
The charming riverside in Galena, Illinois.

Set on the hillside overlooking the Galena River near its confluence with the Mississippi, Galena is well-known as Illinois' best-preserved 19th-century town. Now home to just 2,900 people, this northwestern Illinois river town once boasted 14,000 residents during its 1850s lead-mining heyday, rivalling Chicago at the time. Today, an impressive 1,450 Historic District structures are included on the National Register of Historic Places, an architectural time capsule that attracts close to a million visitors annually.

Among the most interesting buildings (and there are a lot of them in Galena), Dowling House was built in 1826 and is notable as the town’s oldest home (guided tours are available). Dating from 1855 and said to be the largest hotel in the West, DeSoto House Hotel continues to operate as a full-service historic hotel that once had Mark Twain and even Abraham Lincoln stay.

Another presidential tie can be witnessed at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, where the future president lived before and after the Civil War. Hop aboard a fun Galena Trolley Tour and the guides will point out this and other historic landmarks for you. For great views of the river, visit the dramatic limestone bluffs of nearby Mississippi Palisades State Park.

Grafton

The Mississippi River in Grafton, Illinois.
The Mississippi River in Grafton, Illinois.

Strategically located where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi, Grafton occupies one of the most scenic locations along the Great River Road. A 19th-century quarrying and boat-building center, this riverside town is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, in particular water sports. If that sounds like you, head to Grafton Harbor, a popular marina that offers boat rentals, river cruises, and serves as a launching point for fishing expeditions.

From December through March, Grafton becomes the internationally renowned “Winter Home of the Bald Eagle" thanks to Pere Marquette State Park which provides guided eagle-watching tours. The park's Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s using massive Douglas fir logs and local limestone, offers overnight accommodations with spectacular river views. The centerpiece, the Great Room, features a massive stone fireplace constructed from rock quarried right here in Grafton.

For more riverside fun, bring a bike and tackle the 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, a paved path that follows the Mississippi River to Alton. For dining, the Loading Dock's riverside patio provides fresh traditional fare while the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus is part restaurant, part winery, and part craft brewery with outdoor seating overlooking the river.

Golconda

The Ohio River in Golconda, Illinois
The Ohio River in Golconda, Illinois.

Situated along the Ohio River in the Shawnee National Forest, Golconda is one of Illinois' oldest and most historically significant river towns. In fact, its 19th-century character is so well-preserved that the entire town has been designated as "Historic Golconda," a distinction held by only a handful of Illinois communities. The town's location along the Cherokee Trail of Tears also adds historical weight to its scenic river setting.

Main Street and the surrounding historic district showcase elegant old architecture including "Silk Stocking Row," a collection of grand estates overlooking the Ohio River. Of these, Buel House State Historic Site was built in 1840 and now offers tours of its Greek Revival interior. Other historic river town sites to visit include the First Presbyterian Church, built in 1869 and home to the oldest continuous Presbyterian congregation in Illinois (worshipping since 1819); and the Pope County Courthouse, an Italianate masterpiece that serves as the centerpiece of the historic district.

The river continues to serve Golconda well, though now mostly for leisure. The Golconda Marina provides access to the Ohio River's Smithland Pool and boats slips, and fishing tournaments are held here regularly as anglers vie for catfish and bass. Dixon Springs State Park, located just north of town, features hiking trails, camping facilities, and swimming areas.

Nauvoo

Latter-Day Saint Temple in Nauvoo, Illinois
Latter-Day Saint Temple in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Rising from a horseshoe bend in the Mississippi River, Nauvoo once boasted a population of around 15,000 residents by 1844, equal to that of Chicago in the same year. Its population today? Only 940 souls. But this small riverside town is definitely worth visiting, with Historic Nauvoo’s more than 40 restored buildings that look just as they would have in the 1840s. Lording over it all from its hilltop perch is the gleaming white Nauvoo Illinois Temple, rebuilt by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The town is every inch an immersive living history experience and features costumed missionaries demonstrating period crafts. These include blacksmithing, pottery making, and baking in authentic brick ovens at sites like the Scovil Bakery. The John and Elizabeth Browning Home and Gun Shop is another must-visit, as is the Joseph Smith Historic Site. Here you’ll find the original log homestead where the Mormon leader lived, the red brick Mansion House built in 1843, and the Smith Family Cemetery. Across town, the Community of Christ maintains additional historic sites, including the Joseph Smith Historic Site Visitor Center.

A great time to visit this amazing slice of history is during the Nauvoo Grape Festival. Held Labor Day weekend at Nauvoo State Park, it honors the French and German immigrants who introduced viticulture to the area back in the 1850s after the Mormon exodus. Baxter's Vineyards and Winery, Illinois' oldest, was established in 1857 and maintains the original vineyard (tours of its historic wine cellars are recommended

Chester

Chester, Illinois, the home of Popeye
Chester, Illinois, the home of Popeye. Image credit: Jim Vallee / Shutterstock.com.

Hands up if you remember Popeye? Well, if you do, you’ll want to visit Chester. Set on bluffs above the Mississippi River, this quaint town is famous as the "Home of Popeye" thanks to E. C. Segar, creator of the spinach-eating sailor. You can follow the Popeye Trail with its 20 granite statues scattered throughout town, each with QR codes that provide character histories and connections to the real Chester residents who inspired them. The star statue is undoubtedly the original six-foot bronze Popeye statue at Segar Memorial Park, erected in 1977 overlooking the river.

The Popeye connection runs so deep in Chester that the town celebrates the connection each September with its Popeye Picnic and Parade. This family-friendly happening draws thousands of visitors and culminates in the unveiling of a new character statue. Spinach Can Collectibles is a must-visit, too. It’s the world's only Popeye museum and gift shop with memorabilia and artifacts related to Segar's life and work.

Chester's riverside history can also be experienced by following its Heritage Trail, winding past buildings like Cohen Memorial Home, built in 1855 and famous for the distinctive blue storm windows that Mark Twain reportedly mentioned in Life on the Mississippi.

Elizabethtown

The Main Street in Elizabethtown, Illinois
The Main Street in Elizabethtown, Illinois. Image credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com.

Although small, Elizabethtown offers a fascinating glimpse into authentic river town life. Located on the Ohio River Scenic Byway, this village community has managed to preserve its historic character while making the most of its status as a gateway to the Shawnee National Forest. Dubbed "E'town" by locals, historic landmarks include the Historic Rose Hotel, Illinois' oldest such establishment. Constructed in 1812, it’s now a state historic site with a museum focusing on early frontier life.

You can, however, book a stay at the nearby River Rose Inn. Built in 1914, its tradition of hospitality continues and it’s now a romantic bed and breakfast with great Ohio River views. The First Baptist Church, founded in 1806, is another golden oldie and is the state’s oldest known Protestant church. Top your riverside stay with a visit to the E'town River Restaurant. Elizabethtown's most unique attraction, this floating barge eatery is moored to the riverbank and only accessible via a gangplank (check out their fresh-caught river catfish).

To burn off all that grub, head to Tower Rock Recreation Area. Located between Elizabethtown and Cave-In-Rock, it has a short trail leading to dramatic limestone cliffs that rise 100 feet above the river. Cave-In-Rock State Park, just nine miles east of town, provides additional recreational opportunities including the famous 55-foot-wide cave that once sheltered river pirates. And be sure to hop aboard the free Cave-In-Rock Ferry, which connects Illinois to Kentucky for a scenic river crossing.

Peru

The Grand Army of the Republic Monument in Peru, Illinois
The Grand Army of the Republic Monument in Peru, Illinois. Image credit: Eddie J. Rodriquez / Shutterstock.com.

Situated at the western end of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, Peru has evolved from an 1800s industrial town into the commercial hub of the Illinois Valley. Situated where Interstate 80 crosses the Illinois River, this pleasant river town has done a first-rate job of preserving the atmosphere of the steamboat era. You can get an authentic taste of this period at the Westclox Museum. Housed in the restored administration building of the former clock factory, it chronicles the company's role in making Peru the "Tick Tock City" from 1884 to 1980.

Other well-preserved commercial architecture includes the LaSalle County Courthouse (1858) and numerous buildings from the zinc mining boom era. The W.H. Maze Company, established in 1848 when the I&M Canal opened, continues operations as one of America's last remaining nail manufacturers (the same family still runs it). Just five miles southeast, Starved Rock State Park offers 13 miles of trails through 18 canyons carved by glacial meltwater. The park's waterfalls are at their best in spring, while winter brings excellent eagle spotting opportunities along the Illinois River.

If you can make a stay of it, look into the historic Starved Rock Lodge. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, it provides year-round accommodations and dining with great river views.

The Final Word

Visit one or visit them all, and you’ll agree that Illinois' charming river towns are as authentic as they come. Whether you’re visiting Galena's perfectly preserved 19th-century streetscapes or Chester's whimsical Popeye statues, these small towns are living proof that Illinois' best destinations have deep connections to the major rivers that run through the state.

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