See All Of The Wonderful Things To Do in Oglesby, Illinois

True Illinoisans know that the best things about the state are found in its villages and small communities, and there’s a tiny town on the north side of Illinois that proves it. Full of restaurants, natural attractions, and history, the charming town of Oglesby has a bit of everything. For the best state parks, lodgings, and dining in the Midwest, you need to spend some time in this place. Check out the fantastic things to do in Oglesby, Illinois.

The town of Oglesby, Illinois is one of the most popular small towns in the state. Located along the Illinois River, east of the bend, this village is home to many different things to see and do.

The town is home to about 3,600 people. It is part of LaSalle County and was named for one of the first governors of Illinois, Richard J. Oglesby. Though the area has been known as Oglesby since 1865, it did not become an official town until 1902.

One of the main attractions of this tiny town is its natural beauty. The views in Oglesby are better than almost anywhere in the state due to the natural forests and rivers. The town is tucked into a curve of the Vermilion River and is connected to the town of LaSalle across the Illinois River via the Shippingsport Bridge that has been in use since 1929.

Especially during the spring and summer months, nature lovers flock to this town. It is home to the most visited state park in Illinois, Starved Rock. It is also home to one of the most underrated parks, Matthiessen State Park. There's no better place for hiking, camping, birding, and other outdoor activities.

Whether you live nearby or far away, you'll want to enjoy a getaway at Starved Rock Lodge. Surrounded by forestry and full of fun amenities, this is an excellent spot for a vacation.

When it comes to food, there are myriad options to choose from. If you're going casual and love old-fashioned dining, The Rootbeer Stand at 225 N Columbia Ave. will please you. Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries, and the best rootbeer floats in the land.

For a sit-down experience, there are several options to enjoy. Try MJ's Pub and Grill for another great spot with American classics or hop down the street to Sam's Pizza for a slice of thin crust that can't be beat. You might also like a taste of the Mexican delights at Mr. Salsa's.

There's always a reason to visit Oglesby. Festivals and other events take place throughout the year. Enjoy Harvest Fest and Summer Fun Fest as well as special celebrations for various holidays.

Even in the winter, outdoor activities abound in Oglesby. You can check out the ice rink when it's open, go on a winter hike, or watch for wildlife. Residents know this is the best small town for year-round adventure.

Check out the gorgeous nature that surrounds Oglesby:

For more great small towns in Illinois, check out 10 more of the most charming towns in Illinois.

If you love this tiny town too, we’d love to hear from you. Do you know of any other cool things to do in Oglesby, Illinois? Please share what you like best about it in the comments.

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The Best Towns in Illinois

William Suphan | March 22, 2023

What are the most beautiful small towns in Illinois?

The most beautiful small towns in Illinois include:

Mount Carroll. This is a fantastically walkable town that is known as the New England of the Midwest.
Fulton. This town is adorned with Dutch style and is full of history including an actual Dutch windmill and a local event called Dutch Days.
Sycamore. There is a historic district here that has 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:

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.
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.

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Illinois.

What are the most peaceful small towns in Illinois?

The most peaceful small towns in Illinois include:

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.
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.

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

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Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

This Tiny Town In Illinois Has A Little Bit Of Everything

Elizabeth Crozier

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