There are some spots in Illinois that will really make you ask yourself whether you are awake or dreaming. Sure, a lot of Illinois is flat land full of corn. But then there are some places that are just totally unique. Here are 11 of the best Illinois wonders.
This 385 acre garden has 26 display gardens within it. Some of the favorite attractions are the butterfly garden, rose garden, and the miniature train. What's really nice about this garden is that they are open year-round, meaning you can see these awesome plants in full bloom and in bud form.
Cave in Rock State Park features a cave with a 55 foot mouth. The cave overlooks the Ohio River. It was carved by water thousands of years ago, and it is made out of limestone. This cave was once home to bandits like pirates and bootleggers. Today, you can explore the cave.
This park is located right around the corner from Starved Rock, and while it is not nearly as popular, a lot of people like it better. You get the same sort of canyons and interesting tree formations. There are some waterfalls. And the dells area is just phenomenal. Lower dells can get a little muddy, so bring shoes you don't really care much about.
This park is located where the Apple and Mississippi Rivers join up. The result is this incredibly lush scenery that you just will not believe, set on bluffs with a river as its backdrop. At 2500 acres, there is a lot for you to explore. Rock climbers describe this as one of the best places to climb in Illinois. Erosion has resulted in some really, really interesting rock formations - most famously, Indian Head and Twin Sisters.
This beautiful beach features 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. It actually is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline existing in Illinois. This park is a whopping 4,000 acres. Besides great views, you can see over 700 species of plants.
This area is basically a giant swamp, and you almost feel like an alligator is going to jump out at any time. Nope, no alligators here, but there are snakes. But the reason people come is to see these awesome cypress trees. Some of them are over 1,000 years old. And the flared bases--called buttresses--can be quite large. Some are 40 feet in circumference.
These rock formations are over 300 million years old. Getting to see this epic view is not as daunting as it looks, as the path around here is just .25 miles. Depending on the sun, you can witness a pretty phenomenal color show at sunrise and sunset.
You truly will not know where to look. Incredible canyons sometimes are flowing with waterfalls. Trees seem to grow out of the side of the earth. There are numerous paths here, for the very adventurous to the casual hiker. Either way, you will see all sorts of natural beauty.
You won't believe the beauty of this garden. At 12 acres, it is one of the largest and most authentic Japanese gardens in all of North America. The style of these gardens is actually a 13th century "pond strolling" garden. You can see waterfalls, streams and rock formations.
Inspiration Point is just .8 mile trail. Is it worth a drive from Chicago? Yes. This view is absolutely stunning, perhaps the best in Illinois. The path is located in Shawnee National Forest. You will have panoramic views and see the Mississippi Valley like never before.
This park has some of the best wilderness trails in the state. We love the Giant City Nature Trail, a trail formed around 12,000 years ago. Along it are huge bluffs of sandstone with some very interesting geological formations. There are some pretty interesting plants here, too, from fern to moss to flowering mint.
Have you been to any of these places? Be sure to share pics on the Only in Illinois Facebook page.
If you’re interested in a trip to Europe but want to skip the overseas flight, just head to the little town of Galena. This riverside hamlet is like a place that time forgot – it’s filled with picture-perfect streets lined by homes and businesses built by European immigrants long ago. I enjoyed a short trip to Galena, which was even better than I imagined. I explored downtown Galena, Galena’s attractions, and more and found this little city has a lot to offer. Looking for things to do in Galena? Here’s a quick Galena travel guide.
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From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.
This area has been inhabited for a very long time. Long before Europeans arrived, the area was home to Native American tribes. The French began exploring the region in the 1600s, but the town really started to boom when a lead mining exploded around here in the 1800s, drawing scores of immigrant miners. The town was officially established in 1826 and it quickly became a hub for lead mining and steamboat traffic on the Mississippi River.
In the latter half of the 1800s, the lead mining industry in Galena went into a serious decline. The rise of railroads diminished the importance of river traffic, the river began to fill with sediment, and Galena went into an economic decline. But there was an upside – new development did not replace the beautiful old buildings, and they still stand proudly today. The Galena Historic District now encompasses about 85 percent of the town and includes more than 800 properties!
The secret is out on Galena. Today, Galena is a vibrant community that attracts visitors from all over the world. Its historic downtown is filled with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a true escape, Galena could be the perfect destination.
Galena is a small town with about 3,200 residents, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a bustling place but it’s far from urban traffic jams, and it’s easy to explore – one cobblestone at a time. I’ve traveled to more Midwest destinations than I can count, but this was one spot where I really felt that I was somewhere else – it reminded me a little bit of Europe, but it’s truly its own place. If you are considering a trip to Galena, you won’t be disappointed.
You’ll probably want to take a car to get to Galena, although there are also motor coach tours that stop here. It’s a pretty easy drive from the major destinations. It’s less than a three-hour drive from Chicago - you’ll take US 20 west out of Rockford. Galena is only about 90 minutes from the Quad Cities. You’ll head up to Dubuque, then take US 20 east into Galena.
While it’s easy to find parking anywhere in town, this city is best explored on foot. It was a good thing my pedometer was charged. I logged a few miles strolling up and down downtown and through the historic sights. It gave me an excuse to enjoy a few sweet treats along the way – I burned a lot of calories on this trip!
One thing that sets Galena apart from other destinations is that there is really no bad time to visit. While there are some seasonal recreation options nearby, the town is always beautiful and it’s always a pleasant escape, whether the trees are ablaze in fall color or dusted in snow.
There are some seasonal events you might not want to miss. The Great Galena Balloon Race takes place each June and there are other festivals that celebrate everything from beer to garlic. There’s always something happening – see upcoming Galena Events on the Visit Galena website. Plan your trip when you have time to travel. Galena will be waiting for you, and there will be plenty to do.
Galena is filled with a ton of historic and charming places to stay, including vacation homes and hotels, but you’ll still want to book early for the best options.
This incredible property was built in 1855 – notable visitors include Abraham Lincoln. The DeSoto House is just as beautiful as it was in the 1850s, and the location is perfect for exploring Galena. If you want to immerse yourself in the history of Galena, there’s no better hotel. I wasn’t able to stay in the hotel, but I couldn’t resist peeking into their lobby – next time I’m in Galena, I’ll have to book a room.
Airbnb Pick: Beautiful Miner's Cottage in a Garden
Want to experience a getaway that will take you back to old Galena? This 1840s miner's cottage could be perfect. It’s just three blocks from Main Street, and the house has a corner lot in the Galena National Historic District. The home has been nicely updated to make it comfortable for today, but it still has plenty of old Galena charm.
If you love exploring historic sites and architecture, you’ll love Galena – there’s so much to experience. In a sense, the whole town feels like a landmark, and many of the buildings certainly are. You might consider a walking tour of the town, but be sure to allow plenty of time to stroll, as there’s a lot to see here. I found myself taking a ton of photos as I walked.
Galena residents gave Grant this beautiful home in 1865 as a gift for his war service. Since 1904, it has served as a memorial to the famous Civil War General and American president. I missed the tour of the Ulysses S. Grant Home but I still hiked up to see the home’s exterior and grounds. It’s an impressive property on a hill above the city, and it feels very presidential!
I next hiked over to a home that’s considered the finest in Galena. The Belvedere Mansion is a lavish Italianate-style mansion built in 1857. It has 22 rooms and was once the home of one of Galena’s most prominent residents, J. Russell Jones. It’s incredible – I spent a lot of time just taking in the ornate exterior.
This local history museum is pretty amazing. The U.S. Grant History Museum has over 6,000 feet of exhibit space and it’s a great place to learn about lead mining – you can look down into an actual mine! The building itself is pretty cool – it’s a mansion that was built in 1858 for a Galena Merchant named Daniel Barrows.
One of the best Galena attractions will take you all over town. Galena Trolley Tours has tours that will take you through the history and architecture of the town. You can buy tickets right at the depo on Main Street - look for the big red parked trolleys! Get a ticket and enjoy a ride like no other up and down Galena’s historic streets.
Galena is a city for shoppers. The downtown is filled with unique and eclectic shops and galleries – whether you’re looking for a special gift or a souvenir, you’ll find it. There are shops everywhere, with a big selection in and around Main Street.
I’m from Wisconsin, so I would not have guessed I would be impressed by an Illinois Cheese shop. I was wrong – the selection at Galena River Wine & Cheese is fantastic. You can buy great cheeses from around the world and, of course, from Wisconsin!
If you love root beer, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven here. Root Beer Revelry has an enormous selection of root beer on hand, and you can even do a tasting. Kids of all ages will enjoy this place. I tried some great varieties and left with some bottles for the road!
It’s easy to work up an appetite in Galena, and fortunately, you're in a very good place to dine out. From casual cafes to formal restaurants, there’s something for every diner, and on nice days, there are some spots with outdoor patios.
But first, start your day with a perfect pastry at Galena Bakehouse. You may have a hard time choosing, but it’s all delicious. The owners took very good care of me when I was in Galena. They gave me a lot of great tips that helped me explore the town, and I left with what I needed for an impromptu picnic!
This cozy Galena dining spot on a cobblestone street is the perfect place to tuck in for a relaxing lunch or dinner. Vinny Vanucchi's has plenty of delicious Italian fare, and it’s a welcoming spot - you’ll feel like you’re part of the familia! For lunch, you might try one of Vinny’s “Neighborhood Sangwiches” like the Italian Meatball. On nice days, look for a table outside.
Located on Diagonal Street, this is another good bet for lunch or dinner. Galena Taphouse serves a variety of casual options like sandwiches and salads as well as upscale dinner options like duck risotto. And, of course, the beer selection is pretty outstanding – they feature a large number of craft beers that are produced within 200 miles of Galena.
This bistro is a little bit French and a little bit German – and it gets great reviews. Fritz and Frites is a great spot for dinner – if you like traditional German food, try the sauerbraten. My parents love German food and this is one of their favorite Galena restaurants!
You’re never far from a beautiful natural area when you’re in Galena. From walking paths in the heart of town to wild paths along the nearby Mississippi River, there’s plenty of natural beauty in and around Galena.
For a short but pleasant stroll, consider walking along the town’s levee. It was built from 1948-51 to protect downtown from flooding but now it’s a nice place for a walk by the river. I took my morning coffee along for the walk and it was fantastic! There were a lot of people strolling here, and no one seemed to be in much of a hurry as they enjoyed the river view. I could see why!
There are some beautiful trails that are just a short drive from the heart of Galena. The Casper Bluff Trails wind through some gorgeous prairies on land that overlooks the Mississippi. I hiked only part of the trails and found them really beautiful – I bet they are gorgeous during the late summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
I loved my time in Galena! There’s so much to explore in this little town. If you visit Galena, I recommend you plan at least a weekend to explore the town. I visited in the spring but hope to catch Galena in different seasons – from what I hear, it’s magical to see the seasons turn! Learn more about things to see and do in Galena on the Visit Galena website. If you’re planning a road trip to Galena, here is an ultimate packing list to make your travels even easier!
What's not to love about taking a break and soaking in a change of scenery? While heading to a city or a large, popular town is almost always a good time, why not go on an adventure and explore one of the many small towns around Illinois instead? One of these small towns, Lebanon, may not be one you've considered visiting (at least not yet) but it's perfect for a weekend getaway in Illinois. If your interest has been piqued, read on to learn about things to do in Lebanon, IL.
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Based in the southern part of the state, Lebanon, Illinois is a small town that was established in 1814. Today it has a population of just under 4,500 residents. It is also home to McKendree University which is the oldest Methodist college in the state, a vibrant arts community, and a lovely main street filled with restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques.
If you haven't yet considered spending some time in Lebanon, IL, you should put it on your radar. It's a place that is worthwhile to explore on a day or weekend trip.
St. Louis Street, also known as "The Brick Street," is the heart and soul of this charming town. Here you'll find several restaurants, locally-owned boutiques, and antique shops like Tiadaghton House (pictured here). These are just some of the many things to do in Lebanon, Illinois.
If you're hungry while in town, several eateries await your arrival. Perhaps you'll want to try The Cobblestone Eatery and Drinker, where you can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and more when you're touring around Lebanon, IL.
Not too far from The Brick Street is the historic Mermaid House Inn. Built in 1830 by a retired sea captain, it once served as a hotel and then a residence from 1845-1964. Its main claim to fame is that Charles Dickens once made a visit in 1842 and commemorated his stay in his book, American Notes.
Today, visitors can take a tour of the Mermaid House Inn if they're looking for things to do in Lebanon, Illinois.
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Since a thriving arts community also exists in Lebanon, it's certainly something to check out while you're here. Perhaps you can enjoy a live performance and take in a play at
Another place to consider visiting when you're in Lebanon, Illinois is the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. This is a performing arts center located on the McKendree University campus.
And, if you need a nature fix while spending time in Lebanon, IL, plan to stop at the 58-acre Horner Park where you can take a stroll on a pathway and fish at its five-acre lake. As you can see, it's a truly lovely and relaxing place to be!
If you've already been to this charming town, have you been to the places we mentioned? If you have more suggestions for things to do in Lebanon, IL, feel free to share your thoughts in the following comments section too.
