These 7 Towns Are Illinois's Best-Kept Secret

Sometimes the smallest and most overlooked towns can be the most beautiful. Untouched and unknown, these destinations are quiet pockets of fortitude, every bit as important to the state as its capital and all the more rustic for its seclusion. But since they are tucked away they are not always easy to find when researching travel destinations. What goes overlooked in Illinois gets highlighted here, however: this is a list of the Prairie State's seven best-kept secrets.

Long Grove

Originally founded as Muttersholtz, the town of Long Grove (the English translation of the name) was once a small farming settlement. Now, an evening spent strolling the cobblestone streets of Long Grove will transport you 200 years back in time, to when German pioneers were laying the first bricks of their new settlement. What has blossomed into a present-day tourist destination retains all of its Bavarian charm from those many years ago, and has added modern attractions to the mix: Blu Fig Cafe, a local and charming restaurant; Buffalo Creek Brewing, for those interested in German-style craft beers; and Covered Bridge Creamery, in 2019, named the best ice cream shop in Illinois.

Itasca

Itasca is close enough to Chicago to have plenty of railway connections and ease of transportation, yet far enough away to be unique unto itself. Itasca is a perfect placement between worlds. Featuring plenty of natural sites to visit, those who travel to Itasca can enjoy the Itasca Riverwalk, which runs along Spring Brook and connects the historic downtown to the rest of the lively city. Springbrook Nature Center is a great place for the family to learn about the surrounding environment, while Usher Park, located in the heart of town, has a multitude of walking trails, a gazebo, and an expansive pond.

Preserving and emphasizing the beauty of its surrounding nature, the town of Itasca is where modern accessibility pairs with the great outdoors.

Galena

Galena has not changed much from its original buildings and roads. Striving to maintain its roots and preserve its history, the town is a secret gem of the past waiting to be discovered. Tucked along the banks of the Mississippi River and surrounded by hilly terrain, Galena is also every bit as beautiful as it is preserved.

How about its modern attractions, though? Well, Galena has them in droves. Home to several wineries, including the Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, which has been family owned for multiple generations, and Massbach Ridge Winery, there are plenty of local delights for the would-be sommelier to partake in. Beyond the vineyards, Galena has a historic and unchanged main street with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Visitors can feel as though they have stepped back in time as they browse establishments including (but certainly not limited to) American Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor, Buckhorn Saloon, and even A Darkness Lovely, which is a retail outlet that works in conjunction with guided tours offered of Galena's haunted history.

Marengo

A lively city founded in 1835, Marengo rests in the southwestern corner of McHenry County and near the Kishwaukee River (a perfect site for a day trip centred around fishing or hiking). Steadily rising in population, this growing town is as family-oriented as they come. With two public elementary school districts, an award-winning high school district, and a private elementary school, younger families have plenty of educational opportunities. Add in nearby colleges as well, and people of all ages can advance their careers in Marengo.

The Marengo Park District is a 140-acre community park that includes a fitness center, a daycare, and several other opportunities for recreation. The McHenry County Conservation District offers camping and nature-themed programs that showcase the local beauty of the surrounding area.

Staunton

Speaking of convenient locations, it does not get much more accessible than having a town just 25 minutes north of St. Louis and 50 minutes from Springfield. But Staunton is much more than just its central proximity; it is an original coal-mining and mill town from the early 1800s that today prides itself on being “what small towns used to be,” despite the fact that its last coal mine closed several decades ago.

Staunton has several parks, the American Legion, a long bike trail, and a Farmers Market that operates from May through October. They are also “caring, loving, helpful, and the friendliest town, we believe, in America.” Just waiting to be discovered, the quiet town of Staunton deserves a larger share of the spotlight.

Harvard

Surrounded by a plethora of options for indoor and outdoor recreation, the town of Harvard embodies small-town feel with big-town adventure. There are four ski hills in the rugged yet charming landscape around Harvard, and a short drive beyond them, Lake Geneva is a popular spot for swimming and boating.

Closer to home, Harvard has the largest number of dedicated conservation areas in the state of Illinois. Aiming to protect its own unique resources, the City of Harvard has passed ordinances to conserve wetland and prevent erosion, ensuring that the beauty of the town and its surrounding land can thrive for generations to come.

With several hotels, banquets, and parks (including the Aquatic Center, home to a pool with waterslides, a diving board, and a nearby snack bar), Harvard is a perfect example of a town protecting its environment, honoring its people, and welcoming anyone looking to explore all that small-town Illinois has to offer.

Mendota

Located in LeSalle County, in north-central Illinois, Mendota is derived from a Dakota word meaning “Crossing of Trails.” Born of a meeting of railroads, Mendota's place in the network of American rail lines can be traced back to 1853, though even today it is still a frequent stop both for Amtrak and for goods-transportation purposes.

Mendota is also the home of the annual Sweet Corn Festival, which serves locally sourced, buttery, and delicious corn to all visitors of the festival. Once you have had your fill, you may enjoy carnival rides, live music, parades, and much more. The rest of the year, Mendota prides itself on being a welcoming and active community for living, working, and playing.

Rife with small towns waiting to be found, the many overlooked and underappreciated gems in the Illinois rough deserve their fair share of recognition. The tiny towns on this list contain all of the complexities of their larger counterparts, and all of the beauty and ruggedness of the untamed wild, too. Steeped in history and charm, these seven Illinois towns do not need to stay a secret any longer: dust off the travel list, and make some updates. Small-town Illinois is waiting.