13 Small Town Getaways In Illinois Perfect For Families
The state of Illinois is home to many great attractions, restaurants, and historical sites that provide endless amounts of knowledge and fun. Most notably, the state was the home to the 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, in the town of Galena. It also had the movie “Groundhog Day” filmed in the quaint little town of Woodstock. There are many nature walks and wildlife to observe, especially at The Andresen Nature Center in Fulton that encourages children to learn about insects like butterflies and bees. Nicknamed “The Prairie State", it is more commonly known as the state where Chicago resides. Although this state is one of the most populated, it actually is the home to many small towns that are often visited and highly praised by tourists. Tranquility and wholesomeness are found in these 13 small towns perfect for families in Illinois.
Galena
The beautiful small town of Galena is home to 19th century architecture and family friendly activities for travelers to experience. Full of green landscapes and walkable parks, this town provides enriching activities such as horseback riding and a petting zoo, hosted by the Riverview Ranch and Resort. For families looking for a low-key activity, there is the Galena Veterans Memorial Park for a nice picnic and pathways to hike for a bit of exercise. Specialized exercise comes in the form of Galena Goat Yoga for the experimental tourists that want to try a truly unique and immersive experience. Most notably, this little town is known for a big historical significance, as it was home to President Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. You can tour the house Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. History buffs can also appreciate the town’s charm at Old Market House State Historic Site that hosts special events, tours, and exciting exhibits.
To fuel a fun-filled day with loved ones, tourists and locals enjoy an American cuisine brunch at Otto’s Place. For the foodies, Galena offers a Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour from $77-$80. The parents can enjoy special tastes at eateries while dining with children 5 and up as well. Traveling with the family can be very time consuming when everyone wants to do different things, so visitors often crash at the Stoney Creek Inn. This rustic and outdoor inspired hotel provides free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Summertime is an excellent season to visit with warm weather and big crowds for the best events.
Long Grove
The friendliest town to enthrall the tourist looking for a getaway is the quaint town of Long Grove. Though small in space, it is mighty-packed with a list of hobbies to explore. The Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve has 5.5 miles and over 400 acres of scenic hiking and biking trails to admire nature and bond with family while soaking in the great outdoors. For sweet tooths, the Ma & Pa’s Candy store provides uncommon candies that are hard to find at your typical candy store like salt caramels and sponge candy. If Chocolate is preferred, the chocolate dipped strawberries purchased at Long Grove Confectionery Co. are adored by locals and tourists.
To satisfy hunger for the whole family, Joanie’s Pizzeria of Long Grove has menu options inclusive for vegetarians. Nearby is the Midtown Home + Market speciality gifts shop downtown area for a truly unique shopping trip to burn off all the treats of the day. Something fun and memorable for the kids is a tour of the Sock Monkey Museum, the world's largest collection of vintage Sock Monkeys. You can even take home a souvenir to reflect back on the experience from the gift shop afterwards. The best time to visit would be in the spring when plants are blooming and the weather starts to get warmer for outdoor festivities.
Nauvoo
Nauvoo is a town with rich history and beautiful greenery that fully encompasses the small towns perfect for families in Illinois. Families can catch a glimpse of the serene water on the banks of the Mississippi at the Smith Family Cemetery, all the while taking in its history. Nearby is the 3.3 acres of natural beauty at the Nauvoo Illinois Temple. Its large end-tower pierces the sky and makes a great photo opportunity to get a snapshot of your loved ones and then tour the area to learn a little more about this special town and this building built in the 1840s by settlers. The tours are more frequent in the summer to make sure the loads of visitors all get the chance to see the historic building.
Continuing on with the theme of the town’s history, a real home-like overnight stay is possible at the Hotel Nauvoo Historic Inn & Restaurant. For those craving something cold and sweet on a hot summer’s night, Annie's Frozen Custard is available to serve up the highly coveted bread pudding with custard. Combining learning and sugary goodness, Scovil Bakery offers tours and its famous 1840s recipe of gingerbread cookies, which also make a great treat to bring home and enjoy after a memorable trip.
Barrington
Barrington’s suburban feel gives a home away from home vibe that is sure to make for a wonderful exposure of tranquility. Found in Cook County, residents frequent the coffee shops and parks that are available for tourists to enjoy as well. Your family can immerse themselves in culture at the Sanfilippo Place de la Musique, a specialty museum of all things music and its history. Tours are limited, so it is best to book in advance online. For a more heart-pumping adventure, all ages are welcome to the Battle House with a 16,000 square-foot gaming arena. It consists of battling equipment, team colors, and endless fun running regular hours Friday-Sunday.
The Barrington Art Festival hosts an enriching atmosphere that welcomes all to explore. There is art for the youth, live music, a variety of foods to choose from, and the artists who make the actual art presented. For a more casual getaway, tourists can window shop through the The Arboretum of South Barrington with stores like L.L. Bean and Sephora. Hungry travelers don’t have to go any further for a bite to eat, because this shopping area has restaurants like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dawg Park, and Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery for dessert. Spending the night at the FairBridge Inn Express will allow time to rest for another day of added fun.
Woodstock
Most notably known as the filming location for the movie "Groundhog Day,” the town of Woodstock invites visitors to explore all it has to offer. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of HIstoric Places, with the Bull Valley Police Department as one of the downtown buildings that has been on this list since 1979. The Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall combines antiques and the love of shopping for those looking for unique sentiments to bring home. The Woodstock Opera House provides exceptional experiences with all kinds of shows with varying price ranges depending on the type of performance.
Emricson Park offers a playground for active children to run around, a swimming pool, and walkways filled with lush green trees. Families can relax and take in the natural environment surrounding them and enjoy each other’s company here. For an inviting dinner, a local favorite is the Public House of Woodstock to grab some lobster-stuffed ravioli for $17.90 for the whole table to share. To ensure everyone can finish their to-do list, tourists can stay at the Best Western Woodstock Inn with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and game room for all ages to have a blast.
Ottawa
Unique for its Victorian-style architecture, Ottawa offers mesmerizing wall murals and parks to enrich all the wanderers out there. In 1858, Washington Square Park was historically recognized as host to the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. Filled with many walkways and statues, such as Abraham Lincoln, many frequent the park in the holiday season to enjoy the snowfall and in the spring its visitors are surrounded by tea roses. For tranquility, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center gives the chance to admire the towboats and a history lesson of the role of transportation of the Illinois Waterway. Right along the Illinois River are the large art sculptures found in Allen Park that reach heights over forty feet. Continuing your visit with art and history, The Ottawa Visitors Center has opportunities to go on walking mural tours for groups with a flat fee of $25.
Dessert is devoured at the Ottawa Bakery, full of scones, cannolis, and cookies. On October 21st, Dog-lovers can rejoice at Bill’s Bark! Toberfest at Jordan Block, a dog-themed event full of puppy love. October is a great time to visit with more events like Camp Tuckabatchee Haunted Camp and the Parkrun. Extended stays are made cozier at the Comfort Inn to wind down by the indoor pool and whirlpool.
Schaumburg
A small suburb of Chicago, this small-town reflects family-oriented lives and provides a variety of beautiful parks to match your peaceful stay here. Parks like Atcher Island, Atcher Park, Bell Park, Bock Neighborhood Center, and Bock Park are all open for those who wish to explore a wide range of freshly cut grass paired with a bright blue sky. At Atcher Park, you’ll find a baseball field, basketball court, bike trail, and a great picnic area to lay out with your traveling crew. The Schaumburg Farmers Market carries on with the natural serenity of the town with its fresh vegetables, flowers, dog treats, and many more avenues to discover from local vendors. The Environmental Fair typically runs in June, and children are able to participate in arts and crafts while other events for everyone include barrel racing and electric vehicles on display.
This town is also the home of the largest mall in Illinois, the Woodfield Mall, with stores Apple, American Eagle, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Bath & Body Works. For a quick bite to eat on the go, Auntie Anne’s cinnamon sugar pretzel costs a small fee of $5.99. For a sit-down dining experience, tourists can eat breakfast for any meal of the day at the Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe. Nights are well spent at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel with its indoor pool, bar/lounge area, and fitness center.
Harvard
Harvard offers its rich culture and unique festivities such as the dairy festival, Milk Days Festival where it crowns a queen, prince, princess, and junior princess. The day is filled with delicious food, a parade, and concludes the evening with fireworks to be enjoyed by all ages with friends and family. Water slides galore are found at the Aquatic Center and Swimming Pool that also has a sand play area, beach volley ball pit, and a bath house. Locals and tourists may obtain summer passes for entrance. For a more relaxed day planned, Milky Way Park supplies a playground, walking path, soccer fields, and more.
Another great experience to walk around outside and bond with family can be had at Royal Oak Farm Orchard, consisting of apple picking, hay and train rides, pumpkins, bakeshop, and petting zoo. Coming in the fall is recommended when the place is packed with pumpkins and fall activities. With all the exercise available here, the chance to fuel up on all-you-can-eat fish fry is available every Friday at Town & Country Restaurant. Families that want to spice up mealtime can do so at La Trinidad Mexican restaurant that serves mouthwatering cheesy burritos. Baymont Inn by Wyndham has a rustic-looking indoor pool area with seating and wide windows for natural lighting.
Monticello
This small town has historic places and delicious eateries to explore. Allerton Park & Retreat Center consists of 1,500 acres of vibrant-green nature to hike through. The Georgian-style mansion sits peacefully by the Sangamon River away from the ruckus of the big cities. Though beautiful all year-round, the snow-fallen scene of winter is simply breathtaking to take a stroll through its gardens. Running the span of 5 miles, the Monticello Railway Museum offers train rides on Saturdays and Sundays from May 6 through October 8.
Prairie Fire Glass is an art gallery and studio in the heart of Monticello that allows the chance to appreciate and shop for truly unique works of glass art. Ornaments, candles, and more are shopped for and special order requests may be placed as well. Other shopping venues include Bespoke Gift Company for one of a kind purchases. After shopping and exploring this little town’s culture, you're sure to have worked up a big appetite to be indulged at Fieldhouse 219 for outstanding burgers and fries. Just a fifteen minute drive from the Willard University Airport, the Best Western Monticello Gateway Inn caters to guests with its pool and free breakfast.
Crystal Lake
This small town’s family-friendly feel provides warmth and a peaceful atmosphere that welcomes tourists with wide arms. Hiking and biking opportunities are open on the pathways surrounded by bright green land at Veteran Acres Park where you can spot deer and birds in their natural habitat. Kids of all ages can enjoy the challenge of rocking climbing at the North Wall Rock Climbing with day passes for adults at $17 and kids 12 and under $13. Theater lovers can enjoy a show at the Raue Center for the Arts, with ticket pricing varying depending on the type of event.
At the Crystal Lake Antique Mall shoppers can take home a special souvenir to always remember their relaxing trip in this friendly small town unsuspecting treasures like jewelry, books, toys, vintage clothing, and much more. Local eateries include Benedict's La Strata for a breakfast quesadilla, da Baffone Cucina Italiana for spaghetti and meatballs, and 1776 Restaurant for hanger steak. The trip can be made stress-free with an overnight stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson with a snack shop, indoor heated pool, and free coffee.
Buffalo Grove
This lovely little town, found in Lake and Cook Counties, is commonly visited in the summer when its festivals occur. Buffalo Grove Day is held from August 31 through September 4, which promises community activities of rides and games. For more family fun and games, Rockin' Jump Buffalo Grove supplies the ultimate trampoline jumping park for great exercise and an absolute blast. 60 minutes of jump time is $16 per person. For a real brain challenge, families can attempt the No Escape Room with a group of five at $160, and varying prices depending on group size. For low-key outdoor activity, tourists can enjoy the pristine water views of Willow Stream Park. The 54-acre park consists of a playground, soccer fields, bike paths, picnic areas, and more.
Shopping adventures are had at The Plaza at Buffalo Grove and The Grove shopping center. Dinner guests will find a two-for-one location at the Buffalo Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor where a nice meal and delicious dessert can be enjoyed amongst family in one sitting. It serves traditional diner food and is known for their sundaes and milkshakes. Extended stays are made possible with reservations at Four Points by Sheraton Buffalo Grove, accompanied by an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a restaurant.
Princeton
Located in Bureau County, Princeton offers tourists boutique shopping, art from local artists, and historical significance. Captain Swift Covered Bridge, made entirely of wood, was inspired by Theodore Burr and his architecture designs for arches. Another similar landmark is the Red Covered Bridge that has a picnic available to enjoy a serene afternoon soaking up the sun. The Bureau County Historical Society Museum hosts a “Military Appreciation” exhibit and "Women of Bureau County,” highlighting Susan B. Anthony, Kathryn Hays, and more. Tours for adults are $5 and children 15 and younger are $3.
Rare for small towns, Princeton has Amtrak available for travelers. Unique shopping ventures to discover are at Hoffman's Patterns of the Past for chinaware, Eclectic Joy for homegoods, and much more on Princeton Main Street. Family-oriented Big Apple restaurant has great breakfast for any time of the day options like pancakes and french toast, or the Flour House Bakery & Coffee for pastries and caffeinated beverages for a quick bite. A 16 minute walk from the train, the AmericInn by Wyndham hotel offers laundry facilities, free breakfast, and a pool.
Fulton
Found across the Mississippi River, this small town of Whiteside County with a wholesome community that values history and nature. The Andresen Nature Center educates on the area’s wildlife, insects, and plants. It provides activities like grasshopper dissections, building/painting butterfly houses, and many other kid-friendly opportunities. The best time to visit is the first weekend of May when Fulton hosts the Dutch Days Festival in the downtown area to commemorate when it was founded back in 1835. Hikers can enjoy a scenic nature walk at Heritage Canyon with a self-guided tour between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
Blessings Boutique on main-street offers unique designs and clothing for the adventuress shopper. More shopping can be enjoyed at River Huis Traders. A local favorite, Fulton Meat Market, Inc. serves grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Other restaurants include Homer's Deli, King Pins Saloon & Dance Hall, and Krumpets Cafe & Bakery. Thrill seekers can make fun memories at local campgrounds like Morrison Rockwood State Park with grills and fishing, Riverfront Park with electric/water and picnic tables, and Thomson Causeway with RV campsites and a playground.
With all of this in mind, it can be difficult to choose where to plan your next family adventure. The good news is that there are many options that all provide ample family time and wholesome bonding activities. Buffalo Grove Day is a wonderful event to experience full of rides and delicious food. Similarly, Harvard’s Milk Days Festival promises a parade celebrating all the great things that make small towns perfect for families in Illinois. With parks like Washington Square Park in Ottawa, any tourist is sure to make memorable and unique experiences with their families when traveling.
