If you happen to be in Illinois for a few days and are looking for some interesting things to see or do, the town of Algonquin might be perfect for you. Established in 1890, Algonquin, Illinois, is a great destination for those looking to get away from the bustle of the busy city and enjoy a place that feels like a small town surrounded by nature, but still has plenty of modern attractions, too.

Despite being called a village, Algonquin has been growing quite a lot in the past 20 years.
Gary Oliverio - iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
And even though more than 30,000 people call it home, Algonquin remains true to its small town roots. While it once was a central location for local farmers to gather and sell their goods, now you can find all manner of modern commodities in this cozy township.
Considering that the town is referred to as “The Gem of the Fox River Valley,” no trip to Algonquin would be complete without a stroll along the Fox River bank.
Werner Bayer/Flickr
Luckily the river runs right along the eastern edge of the township, almost perfectly parallel to Main Street.
There are some fantastic parks right where the town and river draw closest to each other, perfect for experiencing the beautiful running water without venturing too far from modern comforts.
Grant Fifield/ Google Local
Cornish Park and Towne Park are great spots for picnics and catching up with old friends while the little ones play on the modern playgrounds.
Hill Climb Park is lovely as well, and it has the added bonus of commemorating the historic Algonquin Hill Climbs where manufacturers showcased their automobiles' mechanical abilities.
Dustin Harms/ Google Local
From 1906 to 1913, if a manufacturer’s latest creation could make it up the two courses in the fastest time they would be given a trophy, bragging rights, and a major boost to their marketability.

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Then there’s the Brunner Family Forest Preserve, which also runs along the Fox’s western riverbank.
Paul Kolatorowicz/ Google Local
With nearly five miles of trails to explore and plenty of domesticated and wild animals to try and spot, you could spend a lot of time getting in touch with nature here. And as it’s surrounded on all sides by other forest preserves that combined make for over 1,000 acres of open nature, it would be easy to forget there’s a bustling township not 10 minutes away!
If all of that wildlife doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps a trip through the historic Main Street District would be more your pace.
Nicole Celestino/ Google Local
With accommodating shops such as Maggie’s on Main, Speckled Sunshine, Handmade On Main, or the Heavenly Attic Resale (pictured above), there’s a store for every want and desire.
When you get hungry, there are plenty of interesting restaurants to choose from, too.
BOLD american fare/ Facebook
BOLD American Fare (pictured here) and Cucina Bella are just two of your options, but they are very popular spots so you may have to get there early to enjoy their incredible food. And if you’re just looking for something for your sweet tooth, Clock Tower Cupcakes and the Riverbottom Coffee & Ice Cream Co. are there for you.
And if you want to stay overnight to continue exploring the next day, the Victorian Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast is rather idyllic.
Victorian Rose Garden B&B
This historic inn is an interesting and cozy place to sleep, and since it’s conveniently close to the Main Street thoroughfare you can get right back to enjoying all the shops and eateries after a good night's rest.

There’s a lot more to enjoy about the town of Algonquin, so don’t worry about running out of things to see and do. And if you’ve visited this lovely township already, why not leave us a comment telling us all about your trip? We would love to hear all about it!

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Algonquin, IL, USA