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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.