There is something beautiful about being by a river, particularly if you can walk near it. River walks are one of the most wonderful things to do in Illinois. Many towns are near rivers, and some of them have gorgeous Illinois river walks. Here are 10 charming Illinois towns with river walks that are charming and beautiful.

1. Naperville
Naperville, IL, USA
Ratul Malti/Flickr
Around since 1981, this river walk in Naperville spans 1.75 miles. Brick paths, fountains, and bridges make it truly delightful.

Take a look at many of the other things you’ll find in Naperville:

2. Batavia
Batavia, IL, USA
Chris Phan/Flickr
This river walk in lovely Batavia provides an awesome view of the river both to the north and the south. You can see an amazing dam as well as a wildflower sanctuary.
3. McHenry
McHenry, IL, USA
City of McHenry/Facebook
This delightful riverwalk connects all the downtown McHenry neighborhoods. Fine dining and even a theater are out along the river.

Here’s a little tour of this sweet small town:

4. St. Charles
St. Charles, IL, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
This is the place to go for a panoramic view of downtown St. Charles. Expect to see plenty of bikers and runners as they take in the gorgeous scenery.
5. Fulton
Fulton, IL 61252, USA
Dennis Carr/Flickr
This area of Fulton provides an awesome view of the Mississippi River. Make sure to check out Mississippi River Lock and Dam 13.

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6. Rockford
Rockford, IL, USA
Heriberto Aguilar/Google
Rockford's riverwalk features its museum campus, which has an art museum, orchestra, and Discovery Center Museum. There is even a 236-foot, cable-stayed bridge for pedestrians to walk over.
7. Aurora
Aurora, IL, USA
Yervand Chiflikyan/Google
This riverwalk in Aurora follows the river but also features amazing RiverEdge Park. This 30-acre park has a 10-acre music venue, canoe/kayak launch, and a VIP rooftop deck.
8. Elgin
Elgin, IL, USA
David S./Google
This is a beautiful place to come walk your dog and feed the ducks. Make sure to check out the gorgeous Walton Island Park in Elgin.
9. Yorkville
Yorkville, IL, USA
Michael Kappel/Flickr
This Yorkville riverwalk is also along the Fox River. Bicentennial Riverfront Park is good for fishing, kayaking, and tubing.
10. Geneva
Geneva, IL, USA
julie corsi/Flickr
This river walk in Geneva is awesome for biking or walking. Make sure to check out Island Park, a nice playground for little ones.

Get an in-depth look at this lovely town:

Can’t get enough river views? Do you want more things to do in Illinois? Here are some easy hikes where you can bring the whole family.

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More to Explore

The Best Towns in Illinois

William Suphan | March 20, 2023

What are the most peaceful small towns in Illinois?

The most peaceful small towns in Illinois include:

  • Woodstock. This quiet, family-friendly town has a wonderful historic downtown and offers a walking tour.
  • Marion. This town is home to the Marion Carnegie Library and the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. 
  • Ottawa. This great little town has amazing hiking trails and a state park with a pair of bison as well as several lovely city parks.
  • St. Charles. This riverside town is a mellow place with a lot of beauty and charm, and mom and pop shops.

Find out more about the most peaceful small towns in Illinois.

What are the most beautiful small towns in Illinois?

The most beautiful small towns in Illinois include:

  • Mount Carroll. This is a wonderfully walkable town that is often referred to as the New England of the Midwest. 
  • Fulton. This town is replete with Dutch style and history including an actual dutch windmill and an event called Dutch Days.
  • Sycamore. There is a historic district here with 200 homes that are on the National Register of Historic Places. 
  • Lebanon. Locals love this place for its historic downtown and the 58-acre Homer Park which adds to the town's beauty. 

Discover more about the most peaceful small towns in Illinois.  

What are the most charming small towns in Illinois?

The most charming small towns in Illinois include:

  • Elsah. This town is a hotspot for photographers due to its historic buildings and large population of bald eagles.
  • Greenville. This town was settled in 1815 and is home to a 775-acre lake that attracts boaters, fishers, and water skiers. 
  • Pontiac. The movie “Grandview, USA” featured this lovely town which has several museums and is a famous stop along Route 66.
  • Red Bud. This is a sweet little town with only 3,700 people and it gets its name from its own redbud tree. 

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Illinois. 

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