7 Most Historic Illinois Towns to Visit in 2024
Though Illinois is more about the hustle and bustle of Chicago and the lakeside glamour, The Prairie State contains loads of beautiful small towns. Some of them are situated in the countryside where one can breathe some fresh air. From radiant Galena to majestic Nauvoo, there is a piece of history in each place for visitors to take back with them. In 2024, these small towns in Illinois are perfect for history lovers looking for a day out that is peaceful in nature.
Galena
History simply oozes out of the picturesque small town of Galena. One of the key sites is the Ulysses S. Grant Home. Here, visitors get to know a lot about the life of the great general of the Civil War and former president. The Dowling House is the oldest stone house in Galena and is very informative regarding early frontier life. One more place of interest in the town is the Galena & US Grant Museum, which traces from the very important days of the town's lead mining to its significance in the Civil War, giving people a well-rounded picture of the history of the region.
Nauvoo
Nauvoo is an adorable small town that holds a lot of religious history. The town is lined with well-preserved buildings that date back to the 1840s, when Joseph Smith and his followers had made it a bustling community. Visitors flock to the beautiful Nauvoo Temple, which has been restored. Afterward, tour restored homes, shops, and public buildings in the Historic Nauvoo district— including the Smith Family Cemetery and Joseph Smith's Red Brick Store, where Smith's influential teachings were shared. The Nauvoo Historical Society Museum gives further insight into the abundant history of the area through artifacts relating to its early settlers and later religious past.
Alton
Being one of the major sites of the Underground Railroad, Alton hosts many of the sites here that were used to help the enslaved escape to freedom. It is one of the oldest-founded small towns to visit in Illinois, founded in 1818. There is a monument in memory of Elijah P. Lovejoy, an abolitionist newspaper editor who was killed by a pro-slavery mob. Here, one can only feel that the town of Alton shares so much in the history of fighting for freedom. To create a sense of eeriness, the Mineral Springs Hotel, now probably best known for the ghost tours it conducts, delves into its haunted history. Alton also hosts the Beall Mansion, an upscale bed and breakfast where visitors can stay.
Ottawa
Tucked in like a feather in a cape, Ottawa is a quaint small town that hosts the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. A decent number of Civil War soldiers are buried in the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. At the same time, the Reddick Mansion—a fine restoration of a 19th-century home—offers tours that include the history of the town and who has lived here. Another place to visit is the Illinois & Michigan Canal; today, however, the towpath serves a very different purpose: a picturesque trail to walk and bike on. Also addressing the town's ties with the Boy Scouts of America and the region's past is the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a beautiful small town that is full of history, from having the second oldest college in the state, Illinois College, to hosting many homes that had part in the Underground Railroad to many parts of involvement in the civil rights movement. Of special interest is the Governor Duncan Mansion, offering tours. It used to be the home of the sixth governor of the state of Illinois and remains a leading example of Greek Revival architecture. Tourists can also visit Beecher Hall, Colonial Inn, and the Dr. Owen Long House. There is also the Historic West Side Walking Tour, where you can take a stroll while learning more about the town’s past.
Princeton
Princeton is an underrated small town in Illinois where the past and small-town charm come together. The Owen Lovejoy Homestead was one of the major stations on the Underground Railroad. Now a museum, it offers insight into the town's abolitionist past. The Red Covered Bridge was built in 1863 and is one of the very few standing throughout Illinois, creating a picture postcard-like remaining bit of history within the town. Exhibits in the Bureau County Historical Society Museum display Native American artifacts that have been donated by collectors around the town. It features two museums and a research library. The Soldiers and Sailors Park is the perfect place to take in nature while sightseeing.
Woodstock
Woodstock has a beautiful downtown area and is another community that proudly displays its history. The Woodstock Opera House is a beautifully restored 19th-century building with performances dating back over a century. To this day, it still hosts performances. Woodstock Historic Square is surrounded by nice buildings that are great for photos. It provides the background to several antique stores, restaurants, and galleries. It was one of the towns where scenes were taken for the movie "Groundhog Day," so it offers the chance to take a walking tour of different modern-day locations. Visitors can also take a stroll by the Woodstock Fountain.
Illinois is filled with history, and its small towns are proof of the past that once existed. Whether exploring Woodstock's opera house or strolling through Princeton, small towns in this state will leave visitors with priceless memories that they can share with family and friends. When visiting this majestic state, don’t count out the small towns that helped build The Prairie State into what it is known for today.
