7 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Illinois This Summer

Illinois is best known for its bustling city of Chicago, but "The Prairie State" has a lot more to offer, especially during the warm summer months. The Midwestern state has more than its fair share of lovely small towns, many of which have warm, welcoming communities and offer everything from water parks and lakes for keeping cool to hometown festivals and parades. Discover seven adorable small towns worth checking out this summer.

Galena

The fact that Galena is situated on the Mississippi River is just one of the things that make this charming town unique and visit-worthy. Galena has a small-town feel, but people flock to it from all over, especially in the summer months, to experience its thriving downtown, world-class eateries, cozy coffee shops, and historic sites. One of the town's biggest draws is the stately former home of 18th United States president, Ulysses S. Grant, as well as an abundance of other sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you want to cool off inside on a hot day, check out the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design or the Galena and US Grant Museum, which showcases the area's mining and steamboating history, as well as the life of the Civil War general and president. Outdoor lovers can spend time at the Buehler Preserve, an 18-acre prairie with trails for hiking, biking, and dog walking. Galena also boasts some of the Midwest's best vineyards, such as the Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, which has a refined downtown location for wine sampling and small gourmet bites.

Woodstock

Woodstock is a quaint, pretty small town that not only has more than its fair share of summer activities but also features a strong historical significance. The town was recognized as a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and was also named a Preserve American Community by the White House. One of the town's top attractions is the Woodstock Opera House, which was built in 1889 and is one of the country's oldest continuously operating theaters. It features live music and dance concerts, visual arts events, and lectures throughout the year.

Woodstock offers several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy the warm weather, such as Bates Park. The Brookdale Conservation Area is home to a 1-mile trail, an 11-acre pond for wildlife viewing, and picnic areas for al fresco meals. If you're visiting Woodstock during the first week of August, don't miss the Annual McHenry County Fair, a traditional festival featuring carnival rides, livestock, rodeos, live entertainment, and more.

Princeton

Located in the northern region of the state, pretty Princeton is situated at the meeting point of Interstate 80 and then the Amtrak Train system, making it a convenient summer getaway destination. The small town comes to life during the warmer months and plays host to the Main Street Concert Series beginning in June each year. The Princeton Theatre Group also offers a variety of live shows throughout the summer. A trip to Hornbaker Gardens is another must-do when visiting Princeton, as it features botanical gardens, a children's garden, and live entertainment throughout the summer.

Visitors can learn about the region's interesting past at the Bureau County History Center, which operates three museum buildings and a research library. You can spend a day or two wandering down Princeton's 2.5-mile main street, checking out specialty boutiques, cafes, eateries, and antique malls. For nature enthusiasts, lush Zearing Park, City County Park, and Soldiers and Sailors Park offer peaceful respites away from the bustling downtown.

Geneva

Nestled in the state's lovely Fox River Valley, Geneva is the perfect Midwest summer vacation location. Full of historic charm, the small town is situated on the scenic Fox River and offers many outdoor recreational opportunities. If you are visiting town on an adults-only weekend and want to try local brews and wines on an outdoor patio, check out the Penrose Brewing Company, Art History Brewing, or the Geneva Winery and Tasting Room.

Visitors come from all over to walk around downtown Geneva, filled with neat boutiques, antique stores, cafes, handmade chocolate shops, and gourmet eateries. During the month of June, don't miss the Swedish Days Festival, which offers live music, carnival rides and games, parades, and a craft beer tent. You can explore the area by renting a bike and heading down the Illinois Prairie Path, which runs through Geneva.

Fulton

Another lovely Illinois town located on the Mississippi River, Fulton is the quintessential small Midwestern community. The small town offers an exciting mix of historic sites, outdoor attractions, and dining and nightlife, making it an ideal summer vacation spot for couples or families. Start your trip by checking out the Fulton's Dutch windmill, which was manufactured in the Netherlands and assembled by local Dutch craftsman for an authentic feel. The 100-foot-tall windmill celebrates the region's Dutch heritage, and is open for tours during the summer months.

The Andresen Nature Center is a great place to get acquainted with the area, as it features local wildlife, insect, and flora and fauna displays, as well as information about the Upper Mississippi River watershed. If you are traveling with kids, the nature center also offers a chance to view insects under a microscope, games, crafts, and other child-friendly activities. The Martin House Museum, which is home to the Fulton Historical Society, is another must-see attraction when visiting the area.

Ottawa

Another charming small town located in the northern part of the state, Ottawa is best known for being the gateway to four major state parks, Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Buffalo Rock, and Illini State Park. The outdoor spaces are lush, green, and ready to explore all throughout the summer months, whether you love to hike or bike. Ottawa is also situated at the confluence of the beautiful Fox and Illinois Rivers, making it the ideal place to fish or go canoeing and kayaking.

If you only have time to visit one of the local state parks, check out Starved Rock, which is known for its steep sandstone canyons, wooded trails leading to scenic Illinois River overlooks, and refreshing seasonal waterfalls. Dayton Bluffs Preserve is another place for nature lovers to explore and it features 150 acres of woodlands, ravines, Fox River shoreline, and Native American burial mounds.

Lebanon

Tucked away in western Illinois just 30 minutes from the bustling city of St. Louis, lovely Lebanon has a rich history in education and the arts. The historic, brick street-lined downtown offers visitors a delightful mix of local eateries, cozy cafes, boutiques featuring handmade items, antique shops, and art galleries. Fine arts enthusiasts will enjoy catching a live show at the Looking Glass Playhouse or checking out the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.

Spend a summer day at the 58-acre Horner Park, which features baseball and softball fields for sports lovers, a large fishing lake for anglers, pavilions for live entertainment, and the Trillium Trail Walking Path. If you are looking for a place to stay while in town, consider the charming Mermaid House Hotel, which was built in 1830 by a New England sea captain and was visited by famed author Charles Dickens.

From north to south and east to west, expansive Illinois is filled with the loveliest and most inviting small towns that make perfect summer vacation destinations. Whether you are hoping to cool off in natural waterfalls and lakes, or inside historic theaters and museums, you will find what you crave in this scenic Midwestern state this summer.