You Could Spend Forever Exploring This Illinois Small Town, But We'll Settle For A Weekend
By Linze Rice|Published June 01, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
With so many great places to visit in Illinois, it’s easy to get attached to certain destinations. Even if you’ve been there for what feels like the millionth time, a sense of exploration for a place close to your heart never truly goes away. When a small town has great food, local shops, unique attractions, a rich history, and close proximity to nature, I could easily spend a week or longer checking it out. But, even just a quick weekend getaway in the small town of Wilmington, Illinois will pack plenty of great moments in.
Wilmington is a small township in Will County, Illinois, about an hour south of Chicago. It's filled with cute shops, places to buy antiques, view unique architecture, see historic buildings, spend hours in nature, and visit quirky and unique Route 66 attractions.
The white building on the corner pictured above is the former Eagle Hotel, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the first places visitors may want to stop is at Nelly's, a Route 66-themed diner that is also home to the Route 66 Experience Hub. The Experience Hub is found in the parking lot and points travelers to nearby Route 66 attractions.
Established in 2010, the diner serves up American classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, and wraps — as well as salads, grilled chicken, and sandwiches. Pro tip: Add a milkshake onto your order to really amp up the retro vibes.
Wilmington is also home to two giant fiberglass statues: the Sinclair Dinosaur atop BTI Tire & Alignment (a former Sinclair service station) and the Gemini Giant Muffler Man, which can be found at The Launching Pad Drive-In. Though the restaurant is currently closed, the Gemini Giant is still standing by, waiting to greet visitors.
Gemini Giant, S East St, Wilmington, IL 60481, USA
Architecture lovers will also enjoy a leisurely drive around town. This rare octagon-shaped house is a local landmark and dates back to 1867. It's speculated to have once served as a stop along the Underground Railroad, as other homes and businesses and Wilmington were.
Another historic stop is The Mar Theatre — a 1937 movie house that still shows current releases, as well as special events throughout the year with runs of old classics.
Mar Theatre, 121 S Main St, Wilmington, IL 60481, USA
The area is also home to the incredible Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie — a breathtaking park with fields of wildflowers and fields of wild roaming buffalo.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, IL-53, Wilmington, IL 60481, USA
A mixture of small business and nature is Proclamation Flowers, a gorgeous flower farm that offers both private and public U-pick flower events. If there's a photographer in your group, you can even contact them in advance to reserve the flower fields for a 45-minute private photo shoot!
Proclamation Flowers Flower Farm, IL-102 &, S Rivals Rd, Custer Park, IL 60481, USA
Get some much-needed rest and relaxation at Eagle's Hideaway, a private waterfront cabin that can sleep up to six for about $211 per night. Enjoy modern amenities and an updated home, which also includes an 1890s vintage pool table.
The home features three bedrooms, one bathroom, Wi-Fi, a grill, Keurig Duo coffee machine, riverfront fire pit, washer and dryer, and a deck that overlooks the water. The open floor plan and high ceilings will make it easy to connect with your party, while still offering the space needed for solo or group activities.
So, would you spend a weekend getaway in the small town of Wilmington, IL? What would you want to do first? What other Illinois towns are on your weekend getaway buck list? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the City of Wilmington’s website and the City of Wilmington’s Facebook page. And since you’ll be near Rt. 66, discover ways to turn your drive into a fun Illinois road trip along the way!
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