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Illinois Attractions|Small Towns

The Small Town In Illinois You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With

By Elizabeth Crozier | Published March 01, 2019

You may not have heard of it, but there’s a tiny town in Illinois that’s worth a trip from anywhere in the state. The best remote small town in the Land of Lincoln may not look like much but it’s got just the right amount of restaurants, hotels, and attractions to make for a trip away from it all.

Lovers of history, nature, luxury, and good eats will all adore this place. Check it out:

Located in the middle of nowhere and practically in the exact center of the state is the tiny town of Clinton, Illinois. It is home to 6,900 residents and is situated in a sort of no man's land between Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, and Decatur.

The first thing you'll need is a great place to stay. The only place you'll want to book is the Sunset Inn and Suites, which is situated on the outskirts of town.

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While there are regular hotel rooms, you'll never forget your stay if you book one of a dozen fantasy suites. Enjoy themed rooms like Arabian nights, space odyssey, under the sea, African safari, and much more.

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After you check in, calm those road-trip rumbles with some local pizza. Everyone knows that Sorrento's near downtown is the best place for take-out or dine-in.

In addition to pizza, the menu features Bosco sticks, garlic bread, bread sticks, meatballs, salads, hot sandwiches, and pasta. It has been family owned for more than 40 years and is located at 101 E Washington St., Clinton, IL 61727.

For the best breakfast entrees and American fare, Robin's Diner on the downtown circle is the place to be. The inside is cozy and country-chic, and you'll always be welcomed with a smile.

The menu features the freshest eats in town. Burgers, pasta, beef n' noodles, sandwiches, meatloaf, and myriad breakfast items abound at 603 West Side Square, Clinton, IL 61727.

Once you're properly fueled up, it's time to explore the town. The north side features an immaculate mansion that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It depicts life during the 1800s and features a wealth of old artifacts.

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Nature lovers wont want to leave the best remote small town without a trip to Weldon Springs State Park. This 550-acre area can be enjoyed any time of year and it is popular for hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, and boating.

Illinois' best remote small town wouldn't be what it is without its unique boutique stores and vintage shops. Country Junction is one of the most iconic. Established in 1992, it specializes in urban farmhouse decor like mason jar crafts, clothing, accessories, furniture, clocks, lamps, kitchenware, and more.

Next, move on to Clinton Antique Mall where there are more than 100 dealers and 15,000 square feet of space. Furniture, toys, primitives, quilts, china, crystal, books, and much more will have you shopping for hours on end.

If you really can shop until you drop, there's one last place you've got to hit up. Encore Thrift Store is a non-profit that hires employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities and buys and sells used items. You'll find furniture, clothing, tools, housewares, home decor, craft items, and more.

For more like this, check out these seven attractions in Illinois that are out in the boonies but totally worth the drive.

What else do you love about the best remote small town in Illinois? Share your thoughts with us below in the comments.

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Featured Addresses

603 West Side Square, Clinton, IL 61727

101 E Washington St., Clinton, IL 61727