These Small Towns in Illinois Come Alive in Summer
Known as “The Garden of the West” and “The Prairie State,” Illinois has a long history of production and growth, and not just agriculturally. Home to Chicago, one of the largest metropolitan areas in America, the city was the site of constructing the first skyscraper in the 1880s. The state is bound by water nearly on all sides, including the Mississippi, Lake Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Paired with the fertile lands of the great sprawling prairies, Illinois can grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. These massive harvests feed not only Illinois residents but the entire nation.
With such vibrancy and energy, it is no surprise how many small Illinois towns attract visitors and vacationers, especially in the summer. From amazing outdoor adventures like cruising on a riverboat to taking in a show at a long-running playhouse and beyond, there are endless adventures just waiting to be explored!
Ottawa
Located almost exactly in the center of northern Illinois, Ottawa is a fun little place with plenty to offer prime vacation season tourists. It prides itself on being “The Middle of Everywhere,” a food, arts, and adventure hub.
For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, book a cruise on the Sainte Genevieve. It is a recreation of the classic riverboats that used to make their way up and down the mighty Mississippi. The boat is a popular spot for lunch and dinner jaunts on the river and is stocked with fine cuisine from local restaurants. There are plenty of tours available as well.
If getting out into nature is the way you want to spend your sultry season getaway, Ottawa is central to not one but four state parks, each of which is less than half an hour from town. At the Dayton Bluffs Preserve, you will find even more hiking trails surrounded by the thick green lushness of summer. You can also take both a hike and a tour through local history by following the trail along the historic I&M Canal.
Arcola
Arcola is located in the central part of Illinois, surrounded by the classic Midwest landscape of wide-open prairies under endless skies. Summer visitors will find farm fields worked by old-fashioned and modern equipment and machinery. The area has a large Amish population that utilizes more analog techniques for farming, transportation, and daily life.
Downtown Arcola has many examples of beautiful and well-preserved architecture, most notably the Carnegie Library, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. More recently, history was made with the creation of the Walldog Murals throughout town, a project that depicts scenes from Arcola’s history, completed by artists who came to this region from all over the world.
However, a visit to Arcola is incomplete without stopping by the Hippie Memorial, a freestanding piece of art that stretches for dozens of feet and pays tribute to the hippie movement of the 1960s and beyond.
Casey
Near the Indiana border, in east Illinois, is the quirky and unique town of Casey. The town motto is “Big Things Small Town,” and when they say “big” they mean that quite literally.
Casey is famous for its collection of more than a dozen items that hold the record of officially being the “World’s Largest.” These include various and random items such as the World’s Largest Mailbox and the World’s Largest Golf Tee. Each of these is the work of a single person, a local craftsman named Jim Bolin, who loves to build things on a massive scale.
There are several other giant things scattered around Casey that, while they may not qualify for world records, are still fantastically large. All of these huge, strange things have turned Casey into a hotspot for the classic American road trip. Every travel season, the town is filled with tourists and vacationers seeking the most one-of-a-kind attractions in the country.
Bishop Hill
About an hour east of the Iowa border sits Bishop Hill, a charming little village steeped in history. Originally founded as a would-be utopian society by a religious group from Sweden, Bishop Hill has since blossomed quietly into a peaceful retreat for residents and travelers alike.
Local organizations like the Bishop Hills Historical Society and the Bishop Hill Old Settler’s Organization have and continue to actively preserve the village’s past. These efforts include maintaining original structures throughout the area, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Bishop Hill Arts Council is another volunteer-run organization that hosts many events yearly. In the summer, you will find a wide variety of these going on around town, including antique car shows, a hummingbird festival, and how-to classes such as dyeing fabrics with indigo.
There are several heritage festivals and reenactments as well. These include the Agriculture Days, with demonstrations of old-time crafts, Old Settlers’ Day, and Bishop Hill Chautauqua, a weekend of reenactments told through story and music. They cannot be missed.
Mount Carroll
Mount Carroll is nestled in the steep and rolling landscape of northern Illinois. While it may hold the national record for the lowest recorded winter temperature, it is also a sight to see in the summer.
Much of this friendly town is included in the Mount Carroll Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area encompasses older neighborhoods as well as most of downtown. History buffs come from near and far to stroll these parts of town and get their fill of the distinct and well-preserved architecture.
But Mount Carroll is worth visiting for more than just a delightful walking tour. Nearly a dozen parks and recreation zones in and around town, including multiple disc golf courses popular with kids and grownups. From spring through fall, you can spend Saturday mornings filling up your basket at the farmers' market in town.
For arts and entertainment, check out the Rhythm Section Amphitheater, a stunning open-air event space with plenty of scenery to enjoy while you attend a concert. Or take in a play at the Timber Lake Playhouse, just outside of town. This playhouse has been putting on shows for decades and is an officially designated Small Professional Theater.
Woodstock
Less than 40 miles from Chicago, Woodstock is a vibrant community with a strong arts and music scene. Its nearness to the Windy City means the town is technically a part of Chicago’s suburbs, and a large appeal of Woodstock is the way it plays with its share of the punchy energy radiating out from the big city.
Once known as “Typewriter City,” since it was home to two large typewriter manufacturers, Woodstock has become a center for arts and creativity. Several TV shows and movies have been filmed or based in Woodstock, and it has also served as the basis for several fictional towns. The place's classic Americana feel continues to capture the attention and imagination of writers, directors, and producers.
Summer is an ideal time to visit this classic small town, tour the downtown area and its many well-preserved landmark buildings, or enjoy live music. The Woodstock Folk Festival draws large crowds of old-time music lovers every year, and the renowned Woodstock Opera House is truly a sight to behold both inside and out.
Quincy
Sitting right along the Missouri border of central western Illinois, Quincy also perches along the banks of the Mississippi River. Known as Gem City, riverboats used to bring visitors to its shores in search of adventure and opportunity. It was also a popular place for travelers to cross the waters and head out into the great open expanses of the West.
Since the days of riverboat luxury and railroad travel, Quincy has made a name for itself as a fun, friendly place to visit and enjoy.
In the Downtown Quincy Historic District you can shop until you drop, and then restore yourself at any one of many great restaurants, each with their own culinary flair. Or take a tour through the South Side German Historic District and enjoy the architectural styles of early European settlers. For some fun and sun along the river, rent a kayak and spend the afternoon exploring one of the mightiest rivers in the entire world.
St. Charles
Tucked up in the northeast corner of Illinois is lovely St. Charles. This stunning small town is within easy driving distance of both the bright lights of Chicago and Lake Michigan.
However, you do not have to leave town to enjoy some time on the water. The Fox River runs for hundreds of miles and passes right through the heart of downtown St. Charles.
No matter where you stay in town, you are only minutes away from dropping a line and reeling in smallmouth bass, catfish, or walleye. You can also take a kayak or boat for a cruise up and down the river and enjoy the town from a whole new perspective. However, try one of the two paddlewheel riverboats that spend their days taking vacationers on stately sightseeing rides for a true luxury trip.
Back on dry land, St. Charles is well known as a great place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is home to many local theaters whose summer schedules feature shows of all sizes. So, after a day spent on the water or strolling through town, you can look forward to an evening filled with fun and entertainment.
Elsah
Also on the banks of the Mississippi in western Illinois is the little valley village of Elsah. The valley and the watermark are natural boundaries for the village, so it has remained roughly the same size for over one hundred years.
With the river just over the road and the valley itself hugged by towering hills and ridges, it is easy to understand why Elsah has been voted the most scenic place in the entire state.
Elsah is a quiet, old-fashioned place. It is full of old stone cottages and buildings constructed in the architectural styles of several bygone eras. Slow strolling is encouraged here, and many visitors pass long summer afternoons wandering the beguiling downtown area, whether it be on a self-led walking tour or a day of shopping at the one-of-a-kind boutiques that line the way.
You will also find a ton of fun outdoor activities. From ziplining and horseback riding to golfing and even ice skating, people of all ages are sure to have an amazing time. And there are several local wineries where you can enjoy a glass of crisp white wine after a day spent adventuring in the sunshine.
Dixon
Dixon is a sprawling town in the northern part of the state, where the feeling of endlessness so often found on the plains gives way to more dramatic hills and valleys.
The upper part of Illinois includes what is known as the Driftless Area, a place missed by the glaciers of the last Ice Age. The result is a landscape that is notably different from the rest of the state. With the Rock River running through town, Dixon is an excellent example of the unusual geography in this part of the state. Often called the Catfish Capital of Illinois, Rock River is right in town, so you are never very far away from casting your line and pulling in the catch of your life. There are also plenty of outdoor recreation areas and parks around town, with miles of hiking and biking trails to get out and enjoy the full beauty of nature in bloom.
Lebanon
Lebanon is a beautiful small town on the western edge of Illinois, less than half an hour from St. Louis, Missouri. It is also in the southern region, which is far more mountainous and wooded than the rest of the state.
Downtown Lebanon, filled with distinct architecture and personality, is a delightful district with fun shopping, delicious eats, and a delightful pearl known as The Mermaid Inn.
It is no longer an actual inn, though Charles Dickens stayed there when it was a welcoming place for travelers. Today, the inn is owned by the Lebanon Historical Society. If you time your summer visit just right, you may even be able to stop by for a tour.
Also worth checking out is the Looking Glass Playhouse. This theater always has a packed calendar of shows throughout the year, and is a keystone organization in the local arts and entertainment scene. When you come to Lebanon, prepare to be wowed at every turn.
Sycamore
Sycamore comes alive in the heat. Filled with dramatic, eye-catching architecture, this beautiful little town in northeast Illinois is a hotspot of activity all season long.
The whole downtown bustles as shops, cafes, eateries, and other businesses open their doors wide to crowds of locals and travelers. Numerous parks and other recreation areas are also to visit around town, from playgrounds to hiking spots with gorgeous natural scenery. Many venues also have outdoor seating so that you can enjoy the weather and maybe even listen to some live music.
If sports and other robust physical activities are more your style, you will find multiple sports centers, golf courses, and plenty of places to tie on a lure and get in a little fishing.
For a more relaxing vacation vibe, there are spas to soothe tired muscles and theater and ballet to stimulate the mind.
Greenville
Less than 60 miles from St. Louis is Greenville, one of the oldest towns in the state. It is also home to one of the longest-running newspapers in Illinois, and Greenville University began its life as an early women’s college in the 1800s. The roots of history truly run deep in this bustling small town.
Many people on historical tours come to Greenville after traveling the nearby National Road, a very early highway. Every July, the town hosts the three-day-long AFHM Heritage Days, which showcase the way things were in the early days of farming. Tractors, other machinery, and live demonstrations of old-time crafts and chores are a great window into the past.
There are plenty of warm-weather outdoor adventures available, especially if you love getting out onto a lake to fish, swim, boat, or just get a little sun. Nearby Carlyle Lake is popular with visitors and locals, as is Governor Bond Lake, a massive body of water you can camp along.
While Greenville fills to the brim every summer with people passing through on cross-country jaunts, the town remains a quiet, welcoming place for weary travelers to put their feet up and stay a while.
Summers in Illinois are filled with promise. The variety of landscapes you will find throughout the state means there are many adventures and cool places to see.
Illinois is a water lover's paradise between the mighty Mississippi to the west, the Great Lakes to the northeast, and all the other major rivers and giant lakes surrounding and running through it. From fishing and kayaking to traveling in grand old style on a paddlewheel riverboat, you could easily spend your whole vacation with a paddle, listening to the waves.
If you are looking for history, culture, and entertainment, there are numerous smaller towns with plenty to offer. There are villages filled with the lore, historic areas, and architecture of days gone by, many of which celebrate their past every year with heritage days and festivals. Local playhouses, ballets, and other entertainment venues put on many shows every year, and the talent of the actors, dancers, artists, and musicians will blow you away. Summer means road trips, fairs, tours, and plenty of time playing outside. And you will find all of that, and more, in the charming small towns scattered throughout Illinois.
