These 9 Towns In Illinois Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024

Illinois isn't just Chicago. There are many picturesque small towns in this Midwestern state just waiting to be discovered. These towns were ranked among US favorites for their beautiful lakes, rich art communities, corn mazes, historic Presidential locales, and more. For example, Crystal Lake has some of the most beatiful small beaches in Illinois, while Nauvoo has a fascinating history surrounding the Mormons. Some of these towns also have hidden treasures such as a museum cataloging every generation of American bike in Sycamore. Learn more about these nine towns in Illinois that were ranked among US favorites in 2024.

Makanda

Makanda keeps the hippie lifestyle alive with its appreciation for the beautiful things in life, both in art and in nature, which make it a US favorite for visitors and residents alike. While Illinois may have a reputation for being flat, the Giant City State Park within Makanda offers picturesque bluffs next to babbling creeks. The park offers short trails of up to 1/3 of a mile all the way up to strenuous 12 mile journeys, where visitors can see paranormic views of the surrouding countryside.

In addition, Makanda has several several artsy boutiques ranging from the Visions Art Gallery with paintings, stained glass, and ceramics to the Makanda Trading Company with both art and gifts for travelers. Makanda also offers local wine in a beautiful setting at the Blue Sky Vineyard, located within the Shawnee National Forest. The Shawnee National Forest itself is a highly renowned location, offering 289,000 acres of oak-hickory forests to explore in Southern Illinois.

Crystal Lake

This scenic Illinois small town is ideal for a day relaxing by serene waters. This is one of the best lake towns in Illinois, featuring multiple access points to the water and a cute downtown area that hosts the Johnny Appleseed Festival every September. On the lake itself, located on the Crystal Lake Park District, there are two beaches: West Beach and the Main Beach. There's also several hidden gems such as the Greek Revival 1858 Colonel Palmer House, which regularly offers tours, along with special events such as tea making classes, taffy pulling and other fun activities.

Also in Crystal Lake is the Three Oaks Recreation Area. Located at the site of the former Vulcan Lakes Quary, this area is renowned for its beautiful waters and opportunities for fishing, paddling, scuba diving, and more. Crystal Lake is also a great place for local antiques such as at the Carriage House Antiques, Abalabix Books, or the Crystal Lake Antique Mall.

Galena

From vineyards to historic buildings to Mississippi River trails, there's plenty to see in the cutesy town of Galena. This town finds its way to the top of many Illinois destination lists due to its connection to US presidents and natural recreational opportunities. Vistiors can feel the history baked into this town that was the home of American Civil War General and President, Ulysses S. Grant. Visitors can imagine themselves in his footsteps and see his struggles throughout the Civil War at the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum or at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site.

In fact, there are a wide variety of museums to explore in Galena ranging from the Chicago Athenaenum Museum of Architecture and Design to The Old Blacksmith Shop, one of the last historic blacksmithing buildings from the 20th century that is still standing. Galena also offers several picturesque outdoor attractions such as the Chestnut Mountain Resort, great for skiing, slides, and a Mississippi River Cruise.

Woodstock

Woodstock is highly regarded not just to the name itself, but its rich history, intriguing residents and orchards. First founded in 1844 under the name Centerville, Woodstock was a major center for typewriter production in the early 1900s, producing nearly half of all the typewriters in the world by 1922. Today, this northern Illinois town of Woodstock is a cute destination that is worth exploring. Within its historic district, there is the 1889 Woodstock Opera House and 1857 Old McHenry County Courthouse. The Courthouse contains the Chester Gould-Dick Tracy Museum, honoring the creator of the Dick Tracy comic strips Chester Gould. Comic fans will enjoy seeing the artifacts and collectibles from this famous resident's comic book.

Lastly, Woodstock has many orchards to explore such as All Seasons Orchard which offers an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and corn maze. Just outside of town, there's a small trail that goes around an 11 acre pond and through a pine tree farm at the Brookdale Conservation Area that's perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle.

Ottawa

Ottawa regularly finds itself on top lists of Illinois towns due to its central location and the many historic events that took place here. In fact, the town prides itself on being in the Middle of Everywhere. Located 80 miles from Chicago. Ottawa sits between multiple scenic parks including Buffalo Rock State Park which is well known for offering the best views of the Illinois River and the surrounding rocks, and the Dayton Bluffs Preserve, which has 8.1 miles of trails through bluffs and ravines and a small pionneer cemetery.

Beyond these natural wonders, this town served a critical role in American history as it was the site where President Abraham Lincoln debated Stephen Douglass for the position of Senator. The site of the debate is at Washington Park in Ottawa. In addition, Ottawa houses one of the most luxorious mansions prior to the Civil War in Illinois: the 22-room Reddick Mansion, built in 1858 by humanitarian and Irish immigrant William Reddick.

Nauvoo

Nauvoo is a must-visit town, not just in Illinois but in America in general, known for its critical role in Mormon history. America is a land of religious liberty and as a result many religious groups have started here, including the Mormons. In 1839, the Mormons came to the area, drained the swamp and named the town. After they were driven out of town, large waves of German immigrants settled in Nauvoo. The Historic Nauvoo Visitor's Center tells the story of the Mormons who came here and their struggles as they moved west. Nauvoo offers firsthand accounts of how German immigrants lived at the Rheinberger House Museum located within Nauvoo State Park. It features Nauvoo's first vineyard, a restored whine cellar, and beautiful prints of Abraham Lincoln made by Lane K Newberry, a painter who aimed to recreate momentous moments in US history through the arts.

This town is also a major center for ancestory research and offers visitors an opportunity to discover their family tree at the Nauvoo Family Search Center. Lastly, Nauvoo has one of the area's best views of the Mississippi River atop David's Chamber Scenic Turnout.

Princeton

Although the city in New Jersey is more well known, Princeton, Illinois makes for a great day trip in the Northwestern part of the state. This top ranked town delivers a genuine sense of whimsy with its two nearly perfectly preserved covered bridges: the Red Covered Bridge and the Captain Swift Bridge, which are located Big Bureau Creek.

Princeton also served a major role in the Underground Railroad, which is on full display at the Lovejoy Homestead. The 1838 home of abolitionist and congressman Owen Lovejoy had a hidden area in the house for slaves to hide from hunters. Beyond these sites, Hornbaker Gardens is a serene place featuring daylillies, trees, shrubs and a barn. Princeton also hosts local art and theatrical productions at the Prairie Arts Center, which includes live poetry readings by some of the best poets in the Midwest.

Sycamore

Located 60 miles west of Chicago, Sycamore is just the town for those looking for a more down-to-earth day trip. But what makes this town truly special is its unique places to visit such as the Blue Moon Bikes Vintage Sting Ray Museum. This museum has three floors of classic and antique bikes. Speaking of biking, Sycamore prides itself on its biking trails such as the Great Western Nature Trail which connects larger DeKalb County to Kane County and the Fox River Trail. This limestone trail is known for having some of the best views of the prairie not just in Illinois but in the entire United States.

Sycamore is also an ideal spot for hikers, as they can escape into the forest at Adee's Woods, which has anicent oak trees atop a magnificient bluff. In town, Sycamore has one of the best local history museums at the DeKalb County History Mseum, which has exhibits on the history of American food fare, Latino artwork, cornsilk production, and other American traditions.

St. Charles

St. Charles is a top-rated town that truly has something for everyone. With a population of just over 32,000, it’s a hub for the arts, history, and outdoor adventure. The Fine Art Creative Arts Center offers classes in both traditional and modern arts and crafts, while the 1843 Durant House Museum gives visitors a glimpse into pioneer life with its fascinating artifacts. Strolling through the historic district, you’ll discover the Historic Arcada Theater, a 1,000-seat gem built in 1926 that now operates as a lively 1920s-style speakeasy.

This town is a great place to focus on personal healing, especially at the Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farms. Beyond these attractions, St. Charles is a major foodie town which is reflected in its Tortilla and Brew Tour which will take travelers by several restaurants and breweries such as Burrito Los Azaderos and 93 Octane Brewery.

Conclusion

There's far more to see in Illinois than just the Big Bean in Chicago. These small towns have some of the best 19^th century architecture, unique museums, and historic sites related to Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant ,and history of the struggle over slavery. That's not to mention all the whimsical attractions here ranging from apple orchards to covered bridges. These nine top ranked towns are perfect for a day trip or a longer stay.