Illinois is brimming with fun towns to visit, but a few of them shone through in our articles from 2016. Whether they’re notable for their charming downtown areas or interesting histories, they are all worth the trip! Here’s a list of the places you absolutely must make time to travel to this year:

  1. Mount Carroll, The One Illinois Town That’s So Perfectly Midwestern

PeteBobb/Wikimedia This quaint town is worth visiting for its interesting history and incredible hospitality.

  1. Woodstock, one of the Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Illinois

lostinfog/Flickr Visit this picturesque town for a weekend of fun and lots of live music.

  1. Nauvoo, The Small Illinois Town That Has Stood The Test Of Time

Ken Lund/Flickr With over 30 historical sites, there’s lots to learn in this tiny town.

  1. Galena, It’s Impossible To Drive Through Without Stopping

SD Dirk/Flickr Galena’s picturesque downtown draws you in; it’ll be hard not to spend your whole day perusing the shops along the main strip.

  1. Carmi, The One Town In Illinois That Turns Into A Winter Wonderland Each Year

Carmi Chamber of Commerce Festivities abound during the “It’s a White County Christmas” celebration.

  1. Waterloo, one of the 10 Safest And Most Peaceful Places To Live In Illinois

Paul Sableman/Flickr If you’re looking for somewhere to relax while the kids run wild, Waterloo is the perfect place - their low crime rate will give you peace of mind.

  1. Batavia, The Charming Illinois Town That’s Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

Mike Procario/Flickr This charming town situated on the Fox River is just the place to go when you want to be surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.

  1. Arthur, one of the 8 Historic Villages In Illinois That Will Transport You Into A Different Time

Tripp/Flickr Boasting the oldest Amish settlement in the state, visiting Arthur is an incredibly unique experience.

  1. Alton, one of the 11 Small Towns In Illinois That May Surprise You

Paul Sableman/Flickr Alton is jam-packed with haunted attractions, so if being afraid is your thing, you’ll definitely want to visit.

  1. Naperville, one of the 10 Illinois Towns That Are Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

David Jakes/Flickr This suburban town makes for a perfect getaway, complete with local shops, amazing restaurants, and a beautiful riverwalk.

  1. Fulton, the One Little Town That Is Illinois’ Best Kept Secret

Dennis Carr/Flickr A town known for its Dutch heritage, Fulton is a charming place to visit. Don’t miss the Windmill Cultural Center!

Which towns do you plan to visit this year? Let us know in the comments.

PeteBobb/Wikimedia

This quaint town is worth visiting for its interesting history and incredible hospitality.

lostinfog/Flickr

Visit this picturesque town for a weekend of fun and lots of live music.

Ken Lund/Flickr

With over 30 historical sites, there’s lots to learn in this tiny town.

SD Dirk/Flickr

Galena’s picturesque downtown draws you in; it’ll be hard not to spend your whole day perusing the shops along the main strip.

Carmi Chamber of Commerce

Festivities abound during the “It’s a White County Christmas” celebration.

Paul Sableman/Flickr

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax while the kids run wild, Waterloo is the perfect place - their low crime rate will give you peace of mind.

Mike Procario/Flickr

This charming town situated on the Fox River is just the place to go when you want to be surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.

Tripp/Flickr

Boasting the oldest Amish settlement in the state, visiting Arthur is an incredibly unique experience.

Alton is jam-packed with haunted attractions, so if being afraid is your thing, you’ll definitely want to visit.

David Jakes/Flickr

This suburban town makes for a perfect getaway, complete with local shops, amazing restaurants, and a beautiful riverwalk.

Dennis Carr/Flickr

A town known for its Dutch heritage, Fulton is a charming place to visit. Don’t miss the Windmill Cultural Center!

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