Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns In Illinois, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Trent Jonas
Author
With so many incredible towns in the Prairie State, you couldn’t possibly visit them all in a year (no, that’s not a challenge), but if you visit one charming small town in Illinois each month, you’ll get a good taste of all that the Land of Lincoln has to offer. Here are a dozen suggestions to get you started.
Mount Morris, Mt Morris, IL 61054, USA
As the year gets off to a start, pay a visit to quaint Mt. Morris. Take a winter hike through White Pines Forest State Park as you think about the year to come. Cozy up in one of the cabins at White Pines Lodge, after a meal at its excellent restaurant.
Galena, IL 61036, USA
Galena is a charming small town all year long, with its shops, restaurants, and historic district. But it really comes alive in the wintertime. You’ll find the state’s best skiing, sledding, and winter activities - including a winter carnival in February - in the area.
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Elsah, IL 62028, USA
Visit the tiny river bluff village of Elsah in March, when eagle season is in full swing. Bald eagles flock - literally - to the area around Elsah as they migrate north in late winter and early spring.
Consider a stay at one of the charming inns in the village, such as Green Tree Inn or Maple Leaf Cottage Inn.
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Fulton, IL, USA
Fulton is a lovely town to visit as the weather warms and the ice melts away. Walk its historic downtown district or along the levee, where you'll find a Dutch-style windmill.
Arcola, IL 61910, USA
As spring finally takes hold, head for the state's Amish country and Arcola. Not only is it home to the man who invented the Raggedy Ann doll but you'll also find the world's only hippie memorial in Arcola.
Mount Carroll, Mt Carroll, IL 61053, USA
June is the perfect time to visit Mount Carroll, which is the coldest town in Illinois (the state's lowest temperature was recorded here in 2019). You won't have to worry about that in the summer, though. Its historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a fine place to spend an afternoon.
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Goreville, IL 62939, USA
Visit Goreville in July. Be sure to arrive around the Fourth so you can join in its annual Freedom Fest celebration. Cool off at nearby Lake of Egypt or in the waterfalls at Ferne Clyffe State Park.
Princeton, IL 61356, USA
August is a lovely time to pay a visit to Princeton, with its beautifully-maintained downtown and famous covered bridge. If you enjoy celebrations, stop back in September for the town's annual Homestead Festival.
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Nauvoo, IL, USA
Nauvoo is a charming river town that is steeped in history. September is an ideal time to visit and explore because the foliage along the river bluffs will be starting to change its colors.
Alton, IL, USA
Alton is a lovely fall destination. Enjoy the foliage along the Great River Road and the village's historic downtown. Go in early October, so you can enjoy one of the state’s
most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations at Alton’s St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Herod, IL 62947, USA
In late October and early November, Herod is the place to be. Enjoy sweeping views of the fall foliage in the Shawnee National Forest from the magnificent vantage points in Garden of the Gods.
Woodstock, IL 60098, USA
A visit to Woodstock in December is a must. The town goes all-out with its old-fashioned holiday celebration, bedecking and bedazzling itself with lights and decorations galore.
Of course, you’re welcome to build your own monthly itinerary or even visit a small Illinois town more often – one a week, even! What Illinois towns do you find most charming? Are there any obvious ones we missed?
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