Here Are 10 Of Illinois' Tiniest Towns That Are Always Worth A Visit

Sometimes a visit to a tiny town is an excellent escape from the city or suburbs. It’s nice to discover a slower pace of life elsewhere, perhaps a town surrounded by plenty of natural beauty to explore. Those of us who Iive in Illinois are lucky to have many wonderful small towns and villages that are always worth a visit. Let’s have a look at just a few of these places.

VisitGalena.org/Facebook

Nestled in the northwest corner of the state, Galena is surrounded by the beauty of rolling hills, lakes, and rivers that will take your breath away. In town, historic buildings and homes are found, and with all the shopping, activities, and choices of restaurants and bistros that will make any foodie happy, this town is quite the destination.

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Fulton was settled along the Mississippi River in 1835 and takes pride in its Dutch heritage. Visitors are invited to explore the historic downtown, Andresen Nature Center, Fulton Historical Museum, the 12-acre pioneer village, "de Immigrant" windmill, and the Windmill Cultural Center. There is also a marina and an extensive trail system for those who want to spend time out in nature.

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When visiting Nauvoo, you can't help but notice the Nauvoo Temple, the most prominent building in town. Joseph Smith first led a group of Mormons to the area in 1839 and the temple was built in 1846. There are several notable historic sites which you are invited to visit on a self-guided walking tour. You will find printed maps and information sheets in town.

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With a thriving arts community, a large Historic District that is part of the National Register of Historic Places, and fantastic local eateries, Mount Carroll is a unique small town with a lot to offer any visitor.

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Charles Dickens once visited and wrote about the historic town of Lebanon, which was incorporated in the 1800s. As an ode to the famed writer, his play "A Christmas Carol" is performed in town every year around the holidays. Take in the beauty of this quaint town's historical district and the Mermaid Inn, where Dickens stayed on his visit.

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Chester is a Mississippi River port town that also happens to be the hometown of Popeye the Sailor Man's creator, Elzie Crisler Seger. So when you are here, make sure you visit the Popeye Museum!

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With a population of only 1,000 residents, the lovely town of Grafton sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and boasts a thriving downtown. Whether you want to explore the area along the river, visit a winery, walk along the main street, or go ziplining, Grafton is a destination offering something for everyone.

Arcola Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

Enjoy the simple life in Illinois' Amish country with a visit to Arcola, where you'll see plenty of horse-drawn buggies traveling the streets. Shop for locally-made goods and furniture. Visit the Hippie Memorial, gardens, and the historic Carnegie Library. This is a lovely town to spend some time in!

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The village of Elsah covers an area of 1.09 square miles and has just under 700 residents. Stop by the quaint general store and the museum. Walk around and feast your eyes on the mix of 19th-century architectural styles such as Italianate, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and others. It's a lovely place to visit.

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In 1846, Swedish immigrants established the village of Bishop Hill, erected permanent structures the following year, and created a farming community that attracted other immigrants to settle here. The population increased to 1,500 back then. Today, just over 100 residents live here. Visit the historic Steeple Building, home to the Bishop Hill Heritage Museum where you can learn all about the history of the area. For such a small community, there is much to offer visitors between the historical landmarks, small eateries, and a couple of galleries.

These are just a few of many incredible small towns and villages in the great Prairie State. What are some of your favorite small towns that you would add to this list? Please let us know in the comments!