8 Most Relaxing Illinois Towns

Home to over 2,900 lakes, 84,000 ponds, and 880 miles of rivers, Illinois residents know that there is no shortage of relaxing places throughout The Praire State. But where should you start when planning a relaxing weekend away? Whether you prefer cross-country skiing, sipping merlot at a winery, or exploring a serene Amish farm, these eight towns promise the rest and relaxation you have been craving.

Galena

Galena is the perfect destination for those in search of a winter escape. Less than a 20-minute drive away, visitors can reach Chestnut Mountain Resort, home to 19 ski trails, a 7-acre terrain park, and a 475-foot vertical drop. For all other snow sports, head to the Nordic Center at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, offering terrain for snowshoeing, sledding, and an ice rink for ice skating. After a day in the snow, visitors can warm up at the center’s fire pit. To enjoy some of the region’s wine, head to one of the nearby wineries, Massbach Ridge Winery and Galena Cellars Winery, both conveniently located on Galena’s Main Street.

Lebanon

In southwestern Illinois, near the border with Missouri, Lebanon is particularly popular for its brick-lined main street. Known as “the brick street”, St. Louis Street is lined by shops and boutiques, some of the highlights including Moon Penguin’s Emporium, Minerva Boutique, and Brick Street Books & Curiosity Shop. At the end of St. Louis Street, visitors will find the Mermaid Inn, a historic hotel associated with Charles Dickens, available for tours through the Lebanon Historical Society. Just one mile north of the historic downtown district, travelers can reach the tranquil Horner Park, a 58-acre park with old-growth trees, tennis courts, a soccer field, a five-acre lake for fishing, and a trail for a short nature walk.

Oglesby

As the gateway for Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby is the ideal destination for those wanting a weekend outdoors. Featuring 13 miles of trails, 18 canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and ice falls, Starved Rock State Park is easily one of the most beautiful destinations in the state. Matthiessen State Park is also nearby, home to streams, prairies, forests, and canyons that visitors can explore on hiking, biking, and horse trails. Those looking for a filling meal after a day of hiking can head to CortiLeno’s Pub, a local restaurant and bar with a full-service bar and mouthwatering pub grub.

Arcola

Arcola is at the entrance of Illinois’ Amish country, making it a good option for those wanting to disconnect. The Illinois Amish Heritage Center is a good starting point for travelers interested in Amish history, featuring a living farm and a museum with historic homes, workshops, a school, and gardens that date back as far as the 19th century. After exploring the heritage center, check out the 17 historic murals scattered through Arcola, ranging from a Raggedy Ann mural to The Sweet Shop mural. For a marvelous example of classic Revival architecture, check out the Carnegie Library in town, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nauvoo

Along the Mississippi River, Nauvoo has the perfect blend of pioneer history, live music, and nature trails to explore. Travelers can start their trip at the Nauvoo River Walk and Health & Wellness Trail, a rejuvenating trail that stretches along the riverbank, allowing visitors to unwind while appreciating the soothing sounds of water and the lush greenery. In the summer months, authentic bagpipers take to the streets of Nauvoo, teaching and giving demonstrations to ongoers. To admire some pioneer artifacts, spend a couple of hours at the Rheinberger House Museum, a home from the 1840s hosting a summer kitchen, a stone-arched wine cellar, a three-acre vineyard, and numerous articles from pioneer times.

Casey

Looking for a fantastical weekend escape? Casey, known for its motto “Big Things Small Town,” is home to giant roadside attractions that will make you feel delightfully small—like the size of an ant. The town has many world records for the “world’s largest” items, including the world’s largest rocking chair, golf tee, key, wind chime, and mailbox, among various others. While in Casey, stop by Fairview Park, a beautiful 40-acre park with a sunken flower garden, paved walking path, memorial garden, fishing ponds, shaded picnic areas, and more. After strolling through the park, travelers can enjoy a steak or barbecue plate at Richards Farm Restaurant, a converted 1930s barn.

Princeton

With a station along the Amtrak train route, Princeton is a convenient town to visit, even for those without a car. Open from April through October, Hornbaker Gardens is a beautiful natural attraction, offering an impressive variety of plants, decor, and garden art. After enjoying a morning at the gardens, head out to Lovejoy Homestead, a historic house museum dating back to 1838, once a home to Owen Lovejoy, a congressman and abolitionist. To finish your day at Princeton, consider booking an appointment at one of its spas, such as Renew Your Skincare, offering massages, facials, and other self-care treatments.

Long Grove

Long Grove, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings converted into charming shops, feels like a scene straight from a postcard. Travelers can start their morning with a Cinnamon Spice Apple Cider donut from Broken Bridge Treats, a sweet store housed in a historic red schoolhouse. Afterward, browse some of the nearby shops, such as Country House of Long Grove, a general store, and The Back Porch, a whimsical wind chime store. End the day with some outdoor exercise at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, a quiet 408-acre reserve featuring over five miles of trails perfect for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing along several creeks and a reservoir.

Peaceful Retreats in Illinois

With 87% of Illinois’ population living in urban areas, the need for a peaceful retreat is almost universal. Fortunately, no matter the season, the state is home to countless towns that provide a much-needed change of pace. These eight destinations offer a variety of relaxing activities, from exploring historic homesteads and visiting local sweet shops to gliding across ice skating rinks. So, request a few vacation days, pack a good book, and unwind in one of Illinois’ most serene towns.