8 Unspoiled Small Towns in Illinois
Escape the noise of the bigger cities in these unspoiled Illinois towns! What exactly makes them unspoiled, you may ask? Think locally-owned shops, untouched forests, and historical attractions locked in time. Travel the same path as the early pioneers at Heritage Canyon in Fulton or leisurely stroll through shaded pines at White Pines Forest State Park in Oregon. You can even enjoy the view from the top of an authentic Dutch windmill in Fulton. In these picturesque towns, the air smells a little fresher, and the friendly locals will make you feel right at home!
Elsah
The picturesque town of Elsah is often called “the town that time forgot” due to its well-maintained 19th-century buildings and undisturbed landscapes. Grab a cup of coffee and wander dense tree-lined streets and search for treasures to take home in quaint little shops like the Elsah General Store with a view of the Mississippi River. Far removed from the noise of the big cities, Elsah is a peaceful escape that will make you feel right at home.
A 20-minute drive down Great River Road leads to Pere Marquette State Park, with plenty to see and discover. Hike the 12 miles of easy-to-heart-pounding trails, or drive to one of the overlooks that provide panoramic views of the Mississippi River and bluffs. The best time to visit Elsah is during the fall to watch the leaves change, but it also comes alive during the spring when the town holds its annual Elsah Spring Festival. No matter what time of year you visit Elsah, it’s bound to be memorable!
Pontiac
Located off the iconic Route 66 is the quirky hamlet of Pontiac. Known for its countless attractions and beautiful views, Pontiac is never boring! The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum is a great place to learn more about the cultural impact of Route 66 and check out its exhibits of classic cars and memorabilia. And if you love classic cars, you must visit the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum!
Many of the commercial buildings downtown retain their rustic 19th- and early 20th-century feel, adding to the charming ambiance of the area. Tour the well-preserved homes in the area, like the Yost House Museum and Jones House, then grab a cup of coffee at The Cup and the Scone. And if you want to get acquainted with nature, Humiston Riverside Park is downtown! It provides sweeping views of the Vermilion River, hiking trails, playground areas, and picnic tables. With friendly locals and tons of community events, it’s always a good time in Pontiac!
Lebanon
You don’t need to travel far to step back in time in Lebanon! Located 26 miles from Saint Louis, Lebanon is where old-town charm and adventure meet! Visitors can spend an entire afternoon strolling down St. Louis Street (aka The Brick Street) to shop in charming stores like Brick Street Books and Curiosity Shop. Brick Street is also home to amazing local events like the annual Fall Festival or the holiday Lebanon's Victorian Holiday.
However, Lebanon's real claim to fame is its iconic Mermaid House Inn! It was built in 1830 by a retired sea captain and is a must-see for visitors. Since its opening, it’s welcomed a few famous guests. Charles Dickens once stayed at the Mermaid House Inn, and he loved it so much that he discussed it in his novel American Notes. With fantastic views in Horner Park and Silver Creek and historical buildings, Lebanon harkens back to simpler times.
Arcola
You can find a little bit of everything in the rustic getaway of Arcola! Nestled in the heart of Amish country, you may have to share the road with a few horses and buggies. Arcola is a town where time moves a bit slower thanks to the large Amish population. While you're there, make sure to visit Yoder's Homestead Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts to bring home. In stark contrast to the Amish scene, Arcola is also home to the iconic Hippie Memorial, a colorful 62-foot-long sculpture that pays tribute to the cultural changes in the 1960s and 1970s.
While there’s so much to see and explore in Arcola, it’s also surrounded by natural beauty. The Aikman Wildlife Adventure is a great retreat to take the family! Visitors can drive through the safari to see wildlife from all over the globe, like bison, zebras, elk, and camels. Or, you can get up close and personal on their walking tour, allowing visitors to feed and pet some of the animals at the park. Arcola is one of those sleepy towns tucked away in Tennesee that offers old-world charm and much to explore!
Geneva
With a beautiful downtown district and a view of the Fox River, Geneva is a Midwestern town that feels like home. j manicured sidewalks and pop in cozy shops like The Little Traveler or the popular Geneva Antique Market. The 19th-century architecture and colorful storefronts make exploring Geneva feel quaint and cozy. If you plan your visit from April through November, you can pick up some homemade specialty goods at the outdoor French Market in the parking lot of the Metra Station.
To bask in the beauty of the Fox River, check out Fox River Trail, one of the most popular spots in Geneva. The scenic river-side trail connects to the Fabyan Forest Preserve and Island Park and is a great spot to hike, canoe, or kayak. If you end your hike at the Fabyan Forest Preserve, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic five-story Dutch windmill called the Fabyan Windmill. With so much to see and explore, Geneva is the perfect place to slow down and unwind.
Makanda
Makanda got its start as a humble camp for those working on the Illinois Central Railroad. Today, it has blossomed into a thriving town with a slower pace and friendly atmosphere. There’s no better example of Makanda’s old-world vibe than walking down the picturesque Makanda Boardwalk. They have unique art galleries like the Visions Art Gallery, or you can shop for gifts from around the world at the Makanda Trading Company. If you plan your visit in October, you can catch the annual Vulture Fest, celebrating the vulture migration with live music, great food, and local art.
Makanda is also known as the gateway to the amazing Shawnee National Forest. Lace up your hiking boots and explore trails such as the Little Grand Canyon Trail or Indian Point Trail. However, the most stunning site in the forest is the Garden of the Gods, which provides sweeping views of unique sandstone formations and scenic panoramic views of the forest below. With so much to discover, a trip to Makanda is never boring!
Oregon
Far removed from the bustle of the bigger cities of Illinois is the sleepy hamlet of Oregon. It perfectly blends historical attractions and natural beauty with a flair for quirky art. One of Oregon's most popular shopping spots is the Conover Square Merchant Mall, which was once a piano factory. Today, it’s a sprawling indoor mall packed with unique shops you won’t find in your average mall! While you are there, make sure to check out Oregon’s amazing Black Hawk Statue (built in 1911), a massive 48-foot-tall statue that overlooks the Rock River.
You don't have to travel far when you are ready for outdoor adventure. Oregon is ideally located between the White Pines Forest State Park and the Lowden-Miller State Forest. In White Pines, you can hike in the densely shaded pine forests or rent a cabin to spend the night. Hike along the Rock River in Lowden-Miller State Forest, or take a canoe out on the water. Oregon's amazing forests and sleepy old-world vibes make it a must-see on your next Illinois road trip.
Fulton
The unspoiled town of Fulton is nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River on the border of Illinois and Iowa. While Fulton has plenty of attractions peppered throughout the area, the De Immigrant Windmill is one of their most famous sites. This authentic Dutch windmill was built in the Netherlands, disassembled, and rebuilt in Fulton. Visitors can walk up to the top of the windmill (it is free, although donations are welcome) to gain an amazing view of the Mississippi River.
To step back in time, Heritage Canyon is no better place! It’s a 12-acre historical site that serves as an open-air museum of Fulton’s past. This historical site has wooded trails and restored pioneer buildings, including a blacksmith, general store, schoolhouse, church, and log cabins. Fulton also connects to the Great River Trail, a paved biking and hiking trail along the Mississippi River. And if you’re in town during the spring, you can partake in the Annual Dutch Days Festival, which offers authentic Dutch foods, live music, and family-friendly activities. Its rich history and beautiful views make Fulton a must-see for history buffs.
From perfectly manicured streets to breathtaking landscapes, these towns offer a slice of Midwest magic that will melt your stress away. Whether you long for antique shopping in the unique Conover Square Merchant Mall in Oregon or want to witness the Vulture Migration during Vulture Fest in Makanda, these unique Illinois retreats are a must-see! Sometimes, the most memorable trips light sleight off the beaten path. So get ready to hit the open road and discover the true heart of Illinois—one delightful, unspoiled town at a time!
