9 Prettiest Illinois Towns to Visit in 2024
The Algonquin people once called themselves “Illinois,” meaning “tribe of superior men.” Today, the state of Illinois may not be as superior as compared to its fellow states in America, but it certainly is not inferior when it comes to its prettiest towns to visit in 2024. Beyond the bounds of Springfield and Chicago are numerous destinations like Galena and Geneva, which hold many wonderful festivities and events that are worth seeing or attending. You can even follow the winding Mississippi River towards towns like Fulton, Nauvoo, and Alton—each a microcosm of Illinois’ magnificent culture and history. So traverse one of the many interstate highways abundant throughout Illinois and terminate in one of the prettiest towns to visit in Illinois.
Galena
Near the state borders of both Wisconsin and Iowa lies the gallant town of Galena. From the vantage point of Horseshoe Mound near the Mississippi River, you can get a grand view of the three states close to Galena. With Galena’s many 19th-century Victorian edifices like the Dowling House from 1826, Galena is a picture of old-school charm in a modern world. Another resplendent abode in Galena is the Italianate Ulysses S. Grant Home, a gift from the locals of Galena to Ulysses S. Grant for his contributions as president and general in the American Civil War.
Galena is most notably a town filled with festivities, such as the Galena General’s Parade on St. Patrick’s Day and the Great Galena Balloon Race in summer. Similar to Horseshoe Mound, which offers spectacular sights of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, you can find other Native American ceremonial mounds at Casper Bluff. So if you are looking to visit Galena, then you should definitely book a room at either the Hotel Galena, Aspen House, or A Great Escape.
Woodstock
Not to be misconstrued with the small town in Vermont that inspired the Woodstock Festival, the town of Woodstock in Illinois—which is only 51 miles away from Chicago—was also a site of more filmic significance. You might even get a sense of déjà vu when exploring its quaint town square, its Gothic-themed Opera House, or its humble domiciles. This is because Woodstock was where the classic movie Groundhog Day was filmed, for which it was renamed Punxsutawney, PA, for filming purposes. To this day, the townsfolk celebrate the Groundhog Day festival every February 2 which mostly focuses on the arrival of spring the movie itself. The townsfolk also celebrate the Lighting of the Square at the start of Thanksgiving. Live every day unfettered by the present and unbothered by the future in Woodstock, particularly when staying in splendid lodgings like the Cherry Tree Inn B&B.
Nauvoo
Lounging on the Mississippi River is the quaint town of Nauvoo. It is just across the historic site of Fort Madison from the river, and has seen different settlers and inhabitants come and go—from the Sauk and Fox people all the way to modern Mormons, Icarians, and German immigrants. Nauvoo was also the site of a Latter-Day Saint movement in the early 1840s, which the Joseph Smith Historic Site illustrates. Meanwhile, the Rheinberger House Museum showcases stores many of the articles and artifacts belonging to Nauvoo’s early pioneers.
Jonathan Browning, one of the most famed gunmakers who produced Browning guns and rifles, has a workshop in Nauvoo, whereas the Webb Blacksmith Shop depicts an ordinary smithy that has contributed much to Nauvoo’s industrial development. There are several more amenities to seek out in Nauvoo, so you ought to spend your lovely evenings at the Hotel Nauvoo, the Inn at Old Nauvoo, or Nauvoo Vacation Villas.
Fulton
Similarly, on the Mississippi River, though 50 miles from Galena, Fulton is a town founded by Dutch immigrants from America’s early days. The Fulton (Martin House) Museum chronicles the different people that contributed to the progress of Fulton. To continue close ties with the Netherlands, De Immigrant Windmill stands as an architectural and cultural memento with the townsfolk’s ancestors. Fulton’s people also celebrate Dutch Days on the first weekend of May as a homage to the first Dutch settlers in Fulton.
The Heritage Canyon contains many of the remnants of limestone-mining industries in the 1800s, while the Andresen Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation of Fulton’s wildlife and habitats. No worries when trying to stay a bit longer in Fulton, because establishments like the AmericInn Hotel & Suites and the Wild Rose Casino & Resort have sufficient necessities for your daily and nightly needs.
Princeton
Princeton has been widely hailed as one of the most charming towns in Illinois. Only an hour away from the city of Peoria, Princeton’s Amtrak Train Station has been a major nexus of transportation between big cities like Chicago, Quincy, and Burlington. The Barn Quilts of Bureau County represents Princeton’s modern agrarian attitudes while also showcasing its deep ties to a barn quilting past. Meanwhile, the Hornbaker Gardens promotes many floral delights for those who have natural sensibilities.
While traveling through Princeton, you might come across four Flags of Freedom fly which honor many of the military men and women who sacrificed themselves for the US. You might also chance upon the Lovejoy Homestead, one of the many historic homes in Princeton. Lovers of theater will definitely love watching Festival 56, a series of Shakespearean or Broadway performances conducted by the Princeton Theatre Group. So for those of you intrigued by Princeton’s principal delights, you can always book a room at the historic Knox Hotel.
Arcola
Beside the Okaw River is the more-than-okay town of Arcola. Only around an hour and a half away from Springfield, Arcola was originally called Bagdad (indeed, like the city of Baghdad in Iraq but which has no real affiliations with that city) in the mid-1800s built Arcola until it was renamed much later. For years, Arcola has been a central feature in the Illinois Central Railroad. But now, it is renowned for its production of broomcorn, and the locals commemorate this achievement every September with the Broomcorn Festival.
While strolling through town, you might come across the 15 Walldog murals where each mural highlights a significant episode in Arcola’s past. For example, one mural focuses on a native son of Arcola named Johnny Gruelle, the man who made the well-known Raggedy Ann Doll. For those of you intrigued by Arcola’s pretty wonders, you can always book a room at either the Arcola Inn or Quality Inn.
Ottawa
Approximately 80 miles from Chicago, the humble town of Ottawa can be found at the confluence of the Illinois River and the Fox River. Ottawa’s location essentially puts it in the middle of everywhere and, as such, serves as a gateway to a number of notable destinations such as Dayton Bluffs Preserve, the Buffalo Rock State Park, the Starved Rock State Park, and so much more. Ottawa also promises dozens of activities to keep you engaged and exercised. Hit the road and partake in several biking opportunities at Fox Valley Off Road. Take to the skies and soar like a bird with the Skydive Chicago. For a more relaxed and leisurely adventure, you can always explore the Italianate dwelling of the Reddick Mansion, formerly the abode of Illinois State Senator William Reddick. Once you are finished admiring everything about Ottawa—including its murals that show the town’s vibrant history—refresh and recharge at the Heritage Harbor.
Geneva
About 45 miles west of Chicago lies the sprightly town of Geneva. Though not as popular as the city of Geneva in Switzerland, this quaint Illinois town promises plenty of excitement along the Fox River. There are, for instance, a handful of parks and preserves for you to explore like the Island Park and Fabyan Forest Preserve—the latter, specifically, contains a five-story-tall Dutch windmill. To learn all about Geneva’s inception, visit the Geneva History Museum. You can also travel through the City Hall Prairie Garden and Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden, which have an assortment of artifacts from Asia. Geneva also has a Chicago 1893 World's Fair Viking Ship for you to ogle over. The people of Geneva celebrate a plethora of festivities every year, such as the Swedish Days Festival from June 19 - 23, the Classic Car Shows from July to August, and the Geneva Arts Fair on July 27 - 28. Do consider spending your restful nights in opulent lodgings like Herrington Inn & Spa.
Alton
About 18 miles north of St. Louis in Missouri and on the banks of the Mississippi River, the town of Alton was where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas conducted their final debate on the 1858 Illinois senatorial campaign and on slavery. Alton also happens to be the birthplace of Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, and Miles Davis, a legendary jazz musician. However, Alton is infamous for being one of the most haunted towns in America, and several structures like the McPike Mansion, Mineral Springs Hotel, The First Unitarian Church, and Milton School are reportedly sites of frequent supernatural phenomena. Regardless of these apparitional issues, Alton still has a number of pretty and delightful locations to visit, such as the Jacoby Arts Center, the Alton Little Theater, the Alton Museum of History and Art, and the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument.
From birthplaces of famous individuals, as seen in Alton and Arcola, to epicenters of trade and tourism like Princeton and Ottawa, these pretty towns are replete with attractions that will make you appreciate why Illinois is the land of a tribe of superior men. You will be living in the best of moments in Woodstock, where Groundhog Day was filmed (without fear of a time loop, of course). You will fall in love with the performances and festivals in Princeton, Geneva, and more. Most of all, you will not forget your newfound experiences in the Pumpkin Capital of the World, where the greatest number of pumpkins are produced. Better bring a bucket of popcorn—not for the movies, but because popcorn is the state snack of Illinois—and start making your way to the prettiest towns to visit in Illinois.
