Some of the most beautiful towns in Illinois lie along one of its many rivers or lakes. From towns that border the south and west borders of the state along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to the few sprinkled up and down our side of Lake Michigan, there are a plethora of towns that get to boast a waterfront.
There are also dozens of lessor-known rivers and lakes that serve many charming Illinois towns. Keep scrolling to learn about eight waterfront towns you need to check out someday soon.
- Waukegan
Wikimedia Commons/Eovart Caceir This gorgeous town is the ninth largest in the state and the fifth largest city around Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful destination to spend the day enjoying the beaches, museums, or maybe even a festival.
- St. Charles
Wikimedia Commons/G LeTourneau About 40 miles outside Chicago, this town lies along the Fox River and was once home to the chief of the Pottawatomie. It is located in DuPage and Kane counties and contains historical sites such as parts of the underground railroad and the Municipal Building (pictured), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Cairo
Facebook/Friends of Cairo,Illinois Located in an area known as Little Egypt, this is the southern most town in Illinois, and it sits on somewhat of an island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Due to low elevation and flooding, it was evacuated leaving it with few residents today, though once it was a lively place.
- Peoria
Flickr/CinCool This is the largest city along the Illinois River, and it was first discovered by French explorers who were scouting out the Mississippi River and surrounding areas. It is the oldest European settlement in the state and is now home to one of the most vibrant communities in central Illinois.
- Shelbyville
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers This town lies on the Kaskaskia River and Lake Shelbyville, which was created by a dam in 1970. It is a small town in the central part of the state that is full of historic attractions, outdoor excursions, and a vital lake community.
- Spring Valley
Wikipedia/Bryanwake This small town is located near the Valley of Spring Creek, which is surrounded by hills filled with natural springs. It is also near Ottawa along the Illinois River and is great for a day of outdoor adventures.
- Zion
Wikimedia Commons/Dave Piasecki Named for Mt. Zion in Israel, this charming town was designed before it was built. The format is inspired by the United Kingdom’s Union Jack, and many of the streets are named after the Bible. Pictured is one of Illinois’ power plants on the coast of Lake Michigan.
- Alton
Pixabay/tpsdave This picturesque Illinois town lies along the Mississippi River and is known for its lovely views. In addition to the river, locals enjoy the limestone bluffs, stone churches, and historic buildings and houses, such as those designed after the Victorian Queen Anne style.
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Wikimedia Commons/Eovart Caceir
This gorgeous town is the ninth largest in the state and the fifth largest city around Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful destination to spend the day enjoying the beaches, museums, or maybe even a festival.
Wikimedia Commons/G LeTourneau
About 40 miles outside Chicago, this town lies along the Fox River and was once home to the chief of the Pottawatomie. It is located in DuPage and Kane counties and contains historical sites such as parts of the underground railroad and the Municipal Building (pictured), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Facebook/Friends of Cairo,Illinois
Located in an area known as Little Egypt, this is the southern most town in Illinois, and it sits on somewhat of an island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Due to low elevation and flooding, it was evacuated leaving it with few residents today, though once it was a lively place.
Flickr/CinCool
This is the largest city along the Illinois River, and it was first discovered by French explorers who were scouting out the Mississippi River and surrounding areas. It is the oldest European settlement in the state and is now home to one of the most vibrant communities in central Illinois.
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This town lies on the Kaskaskia River and Lake Shelbyville, which was created by a dam in 1970. It is a small town in the central part of the state that is full of historic attractions, outdoor excursions, and a vital lake community.
Wikipedia/Bryanwake
This small town is located near the Valley of Spring Creek, which is surrounded by hills filled with natural springs. It is also near Ottawa along the Illinois River and is great for a day of outdoor adventures.
Wikimedia Commons/Dave Piasecki
Named for Mt. Zion in Israel, this charming town was designed before it was built. The format is inspired by the United Kingdom’s Union Jack, and many of the streets are named after the Bible. Pictured is one of Illinois’ power plants on the coast of Lake Michigan.
Pixabay/tpsdave
This picturesque Illinois town lies along the Mississippi River and is known for its lovely views. In addition to the river, locals enjoy the limestone bluffs, stone churches, and historic buildings and houses, such as those designed after the Victorian Queen Anne style.
What’s your favorite waterfront town in Illinois? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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