Summer is the perfect time for day trips in Illinois. Growing up, my mom would pack my siblings and I up in the car and head out to explore new towns and try new experiences. We saw waterfalls, went to local beaches, shopped cute main streets, and saw breathtaking views of the countryside from the car window. For those looking for great local dining, tons of outdoor recreation, and a huge fireworks display, Kirkland is a small town in Illinois perfect for a summer day trip.
Kirkland is a small Northern Illinois town in DeKalb County located near the Kishwaukee River. With a population of just over 1,600, this farming community offers a quaint look at country living.
The area was originally occupied by the Pottawatomie Tribe, and some of their history can be found in the Kirkland Library's Arrowhead collection. In 1882, the town was officially incorporated, and its post office has been in operation since 1875. Original buildings still stand in the area's main street district.
The town is surrounded by lush, rolling hills of farmland, as well as public parks and serene forest preserves, making it a great place to escape into the outdoors.
The open fields make for dazzling Fourth of July fireworks displays. In fact, the Kirkland Lion's Club July 4th celebration is considered one of the best in the state. I grew up in a small town next to Kirkland and we spent many summers pulling the car along the roadside, popping the trunk and getting out folding chairs for seating, and watching as fireworks lit up the sky.
This is definitely one of the best reasons why Kirkland is a small town in Illinois perfect for a summer day trip.
The town's downtown area is small, but architecture and history appreciators will love the rich details buildings and homes offer. You'll also find several yummy eateries here, along with the Kirkland Public Library. Hungry travelers craving burgers, pizza, tacos, or family diner dishes can check out several restaurants on the block.
The Red Brick Inn Bar and Grill, 500 W. Main St., opened in 2019 after its owners renovated the interior of stately downtown building. It has since become a favorite with both residents and visitors for its classic American dishes, refreshing drinks, and modern farmhouse theme.
Take a seat out on the private Red Brick Inn patio for sunny and shaded spots to enjoy a fresh-cooked meal.
Locals love their mouthwatering burgers and fries.
Stop by Potawatomi Woods and spend part of the day basking in fields of wildflowers. The 300-acre nature preserve is the second-largest in the county and includes a Kishwaukee River canoe launch, access to the Kishwaukee River State Fish and Wildlife area, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and trails. In the distance, you can spot the adjacent MacQueen Forest Preserve!
MacQueen Forest Preserve was created from a 48-acre former Boy Scout camp. Considered to be "one of the most botanically rich and topographically varied" forest preserves in the area, the landscape boasts a small waterfall, rare birds, endangered Black Sandshell mussels, and access to Potawatomi Woods via a footbridge over Kingsbury Creek.
Do you think Kirkland is a small town in Illinois perfect for a summer day trip? Have you ever been there? What do you like to do during a day trip? Tell us in the comments! Discover more about Kirland, Illinois by visiting the Village of Kirland website and Village of Kirkland Facebook page. Want to turn your day trip into a 2-day weekend getaway? Check out the neighboring small town of Genoa, Illinois and spend 24 hours in each of these charming places! Get an eagle-eyed look at Kirkland from above with the awesome video below.
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