These 8 Historic Villages In Illinois Will Transport You Into A Different Time

If you are a history buff, why not check out an Illinois town with a lot of history? You'll be entertained AND learn something. Sound cool? Well, then head to 8 of these historic Illinois towns.

1. Bishop Hill

Founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants partial to the Pietist movement, Bishop Hill still retains its history. You can learn a ton by visiting the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, which includes four buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Galena

A quaint river town in Jo Daviess County, Galena was the site of the first mineral rush in the country. It was also the home of former president Ulysses S. Grant. History buffs flock here from all over.

3. Arthur

Arthur is home to the oldest Illinois Amish community, founded in the 1860s. While the town has developed since then, you definitely still get a hint of what things were like, and it is a step back in time.

4. Maeystown

Maeystown has helped preserve what a 19th century German village looked like. Pictureque landscape surrounds the town, and you'll definitely want to head here to experience Oktoberfest.

5. Springfield

Springfield holds tons of political history, and there are several markers noting important events. While you're there, head to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

6. Nauvoo

The Mormons, led by Joseph Smith, renamed the town Commerce as Nauvoo (an anglicized version of Hebrew translating to "How beautiful the mountains..."). Come here to see many historic buildings, a large beautiful temple, and tons of reenactments.

7. Petersburg

Petersburg is where Abraham Lincoln first settled when he came to Illinois. That is reason enough to visit.

8. Cahokia Mounds

Talk about a throwback. Cahokia Mounds, in Collinsville, was actually at its height way back in the 13th century. It was the most sophisticated pre-Columbian community north of Mexico.

Do you live in an Illinois town full of history?