8 Most Charming cities in Illinois

Chicago dominates the public image of Illinois. While it is not hard to understand why that is the case, it does often lead to other parts of the state being ignored or forgotten about by outsiders. 

Illinois is an enormous state filled with exciting and engaging cities just waiting to be explored by tourists both inside and outside of Illinois. Each of these cities has its own history, cultural influences, and flair that makes them stand out amongst the crowd. If you ever find yourself in desperate need of a new place to travel within Illinois, do not despair. There are plenty of options. 

Aurora

Even though Aurora is still technically a part of Chicago, it is far enough from all of the noise and bright lights to make it forms its own distinct identity that is entirely separate from its big brother in the Windy City. 

Much of the city is centered around the Fox River. The downtown core of Aurora is split in half by the river and creates a stunning contrast between the blue water and red brick buildings that surround it. Much of Aurora has an antiquated yet charming feel to it. Much of the growth of the city took place at the beginning of the 20th century and many of those "boom buildings" are still standing today giving off a strong 1920s vibe. 

Joliet

Another city that hugs the edges of the Chicago sprawl, Joliet is situated in the furthermost corner of the Chicago metro area. Joliet is of course much more slow-paced and laid back compared to the hustle and bustle of big city life. 

Despite having a sizable population, life in Joliet still feels as though you are living in a small town. It has all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a large city while also maintaining a level of peace and quiet that is usually associated with the countryside. A few standout attractions in Joliet are the Rialto Square Theatre and the Joliet Historic Museum. Both are great places to visit for the stunning architecture alone. The shows held in the Rialto are also quite diverse and will have a level of appeal to just about everyone. 

Naperville

Located right next to Aurora, Naperville shares much of the charm that is present in this area. However, in Naperville, it is the DuPage River that gives it its character rather than the Fox River. 

The boardwalk along the DuPage River has witnessed a serious overhaul in the last decade or so seeing millions of dollars worth of investment and development in the area. This new built-up riverside district has managed to pull off a clean and modern look that does not come across as too sterile or cold. The shopping in this area is noteworthy. Many high-end stores and boutiques have set up shop here. Not to mention to fantastic restaurants in the area. There is nothing quite like enjoying a great meal and taking in the sights of Naperville. 

Rockford

Sometimes referred to as the "Forest City" Rockford is famous for its large amount of public gardens and parks. The Anderson Japanese Gardens in particular are some of the most well-kept and tranquil areas of Illinois. When you are walking through the gardens it is hard to imagine that all of this can be situated right in the middle of a city with nearly 150,000 residents. 

After a walk in the gardens take a trip to the timeless Starlight Theatre. Here you can find all manner of shows and performances. However, what really stands out is the building itself. It has been in operation since 1967 and has not changed from the day it fist opened. Taking a trip to the Starlight is like stepping into a time machine back to the 1960s. 

Springfield

Springfield is the capital city of Illinois. Much of the downtown core of Springfield is made up of stunning governmental buildings all adored with the classical architecture that is typical within the United States. There are plenty of guided tours around this area both on bus and on foot. These tours can also be tailored to various age groups so bringing kids along should not be too much of a hassle. 

After you are done touring the capitol buildings make sure to check out the various street art murals that are all around the city. Many of these elaborate pieces of public art have been commissioned by the city itself and have been completed by local artists. 

Elgin

Another city that sits on the path of the Fox River, Elgin has a great mix of both urban and rural lifestyles. To the east is mostly sweeping farmland and other agricultural projects while the more westerly parts of Elgin resemble that of a small and quaint city. 

Much of the downtown area is known for its distinctive Victorian-style buildings. This Victorian architecture is best seen in the Elgin History Museum. This massive building has taken inspiration from both Victorian and Roman design and pulls off the fission flawlessly. Taking a stroll through the various parks and along their boardwalk is also a great wat to explore the city. 

Peoria

Located right in the middle of Illinois, Peoria has a much more blue-collar, working-class atmosphere than other cities in the state. Peoria is a city in the middle of the farming heartland of the state. Much of the city's economy and culture surrounds the agricultural sector in one way or another. 

Peoria sits right along the nightly Illinois River. Not only does it provide visitors with a great view but also the opportunity to take a short river cruise. Most of the river cruises are done on traditional boats powered by motors but there is another more high-class option too. There are steamship trips that head up and down the river on a regular basis and is a great way to take in the stunning surrounding landscape in style and comfort.  

Waukegan

Waukegan can be found just north of Chicago and only a few miles south of the border with Wisconsin. It sits right along the southern tip of Lake Michigan and offers great views of the lake. Being so close to the water, boating culture is huge here and it is not uncommon for even the middle-class residents of this city to own their own watercraft. 

The Waukegan Municipal Beach and Harbor Light are some of the more iconic places in the city. During the summer thousands of people come to this area to enjoy the good weather and go for a swim to cool off. You can access the Harbor Light either by walking along a large jetty out into the lake or by taking a short trip on a boat. 

Summary

Illinois is a huge place with tons of things to see outside of Chicago. While there is nothing wrong with the Windy City it is a shame that the rest of the cities in the state are not always given the chance to shine.

If you find yourself with an opportunity to take a trip to Illinois this summer make sure to check out some of the cities on this list. There is a good chance that one of these places to will make a long last positive impact and change your view on the state as a whole.