Trips & Routes

Small Towns

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Charming Illinois Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Geneva, Illinois is a charming, historic city along the Fox River. Its downtown has over 160 spots to visit and the town has a historic windmill too.

by Amanda Finn
on Mar 27
alt
Trips & Routes

Discover the Illinois Small Town That Looks Like a Hallmark Movie Set

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Nov 1
A main street is lined by historic brick buildings.
Trips & Routes

I Took a Haunted Tour in Galena, Illinois, and Learned the Ghost Stories Were Real

by Stephanie Frias
on Oct 14
A crowd gathered on a brick street in front of an old, brick building. It's almost dark, a man dressed in black speaks to the crowd with his glowing lantern on the ground near his feet.
Trips & Routes

The Small Town in Illinois That Feels Like a Hallmark Film

by Amanda Finn
on Sep 29
Carved wooden columns featuring birds in front of Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park studio
Trips & Routes

Why LaSalle, Illinois, the Gateway of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jun 25
alt

Latest Small Towns

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Perfect Illinois Getaway To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Europe

by Megan Todaro
on Feb 29
A vibrant street scene at sunset, featuring shops, cars, and people enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Cozy Small Town In Illinois That Comes Alive Under A Blanket Of Snow

by Linze Rice
on Jan 8
Four skiers on a chairlift, smiling and holding skis, with a snowy landscape and other skiers in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Charming Community Might Just Be The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 13
Aerial view of a small town with a river, parks, and a grid of streets lined with buildings and parking areas.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Most Remote Small Town in Illinois Is the Perfect Place To Get Away From It All

Would you like to escape the daily grind for a bit? If so, visit the Village of Elizabeth, a remote small town in Illinois that's perfect for a peaceful getaway.

by Melanie Johnson
on Nov 4
A white turret and dormer windows grace a historic red brick building under clouded blue skies.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Small Town in Illinois Comes Alive in The Fall Season

Located along the Illinois River, this historic town is known for its charm, natural beauty, and fall foliage. Plan a trip this autumn.

by Linze Rice
on Oct 6
A scenic path lined with vibrant autumn leaves, leading over a calm water body under a cloudy sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Stunning European-Inspired Village In Illinois Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip

by Linze Rice
on Sep 25
Aerial view of a tree-lined street with buildings, parked cars, and a skyline in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Enjoy The Simple Life When You Visit This Tiny Rural Community In Illinois

Byron, a small town in Northern Illinois, offers a peaceful retreat with its rural charm, local eateries, and scenic river activities.

by Linze Rice
on Sep 12
Aerial view of a small town surrounded by greenery and fields, with industrial structures in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Charming Small Town in Illinois That’s Perfect For A Fall Day Trip

Clinton, Illinois offers a variety of fall activities including festivals, haunted houses, and scenic parks, making it an ideal destination for a seasonal day trip.

by Linze Rice
on Sep 5
A large, historic house surrounded by colorful autumn leaves and decorated with red, white, and blue bunting.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Most Charming College Town in Illinois Is Home to Delicious Dining, Shopping, and More

DeKalb, Illinois, is a college town surrounded by cornfields. But don't pass up on the chance to experience this vibrant community and its first-rate food scene.

by Linze Rice
on Aug 19
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Pumpkin Capital Of The World Is One Of The Most Charming Small Towns In Illinois You’ll Ever Visit

Morton, Illinois, known as the pumpkin capital of the world, hosts an annual pumpkin festival featuring various pumpkin-themed events and activities.

by Linze Rice
on Mar 25
A large, cheerful orange character with big eyes and a smiling face peeks out from a red vehicle.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

There’s No Community In Illinois More Enchanting And Historic Than Rockton

Rockton, Illinois, is a historic small town with well-preserved architecture and rich history, making it a charming travel destination.

by Linze Rice
on Aug 1
A charming wooden church with a tall steeple, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful landscaping.
bySmall Town Taylorville

This Small Town In Illinois Is A Picture-Perfect Day Trip Destination Any Time Of The Year

Taylorville, Illinois, is a charming small town offering historic sites, unique shops, and outdoor activities, making it a perfect day trip destination.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jun 23
A peaceful park scene featuring a fountain, benches, and a view of quaint storefronts in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

With a Farmer’s Market, 15 Lakes, and a Seasonal Festival, There’s Nothing Like a Summer Weekend in This Illinois Town

Fox Lake in Illinois offers a perfect summer getaway with its numerous lakes, rivers, and vibrant community events.

by Linze Rice
on Jun 5
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

A Charming And Historic Small Town In Illinois, LaSalle Is Seemingly Frozen In Time

LaSalle, Illinois, is a charming small town known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and proximity to nature.

by Linze Rice
on Jun 11
Aerial view of a highway bridge over a river, surrounded by autumn foliage and open fields.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

You’d Be Surprised To Learn That Waukegan, Illinois Is One Of The Country’s Best Coastal Towns

by Linze Rice
on Jun 5
Two sailboats navigate a calm marina with a rocky breakwater under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

You Could Spend Forever Exploring This Illinois Small Town, But We’ll Settle For A Weekend

Wilmington, Illinois offers a mix of historic sites, unique architecture, nature spots, and Route 66 attractions, making it a great weekend getaway.

by Linze Rice
on Apr 22
A small town intersection with historic buildings, traffic lights, and an American flag displayed on a nearby structure.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Few People Realize How Much Railroad History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Carbondale, Illinois

Carbondale, Illinois, is a small town with a rich railroad history and several attractions for visitors.

by Linze Rice
on Jun 14
A bronze statue of a soldier stands in a park surrounded by colorful tulips and greenery under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Illinois Town Is One Of The Most Peaceful Places To Live In The Country

Princeton, Illinois, is a charming small town known for its historic covered bridges, vibrant local economy, and scenic countryside.

by Linze Rice
on May 15
A quaint street scene featuring historic buildings, shops, and parked cars in a small town.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Almost Nobody Knows That Parts Of The Iconic Movie Wayne’s World Were Filmed In This Tiny Illinois Town

Wayne's World featured iconic scenes filmed in the small town of Berwyn, Illinois, including the famous "Spindle" art piece.

by Linze Rice
on Apr 15
A pole topped with stacked toy cars next to a sign for Paisano's Pizzeria & Bar under a blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

These 7 Small Towns In Illinois Honor Christmas In The Most Magical Way

Discover the best small towns in Illinois to experience holiday lights and festive events during the Christmas season.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 31
A couple walks down a festive street at night, passing decorated shops and holiday lights.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Tiny Town In Illinois Has A Little Bit Of Everything

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Mar 23
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Tiny Amish Town In Illinois That’s The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Arthur, Illinois, offers a charming day trip experience with its Amish community, historic sites, and local festivals.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 6
A horse-drawn carriage parked beside a house, with a black wooden body and large wooden wheels.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

These 10 Charming Illinois Towns Have The Best River Walks

Discover 10 charming Illinois towns with beautiful river walks perfect for scenic strolls and outdoor activities.

by Laura Meli
on Mar 21
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

7 Things To Do In Superman’s Hometown Of Metropolis, Illinois

Metropolis, Illinois, offers a variety of Superman-themed attractions and outdoor activities for visitors.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 18
A colorful building with a Spider-Man figure climbing the wall, set in a rainy urban street scene.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One Of The Most Unique Towns In America, Mount Carroll Is Perfect For A Day Trip In Illinois

Mount Carroll, Illinois offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, making it an ideal day trip destination.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 16
Historic street scene with vintage cars, brick buildings, and an American flag under a sunset sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Here Are The Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Illinois

Illinois boasts charming small towns that offer affordable living, friendly people, and strong communities.

by Laura Meli
on Mar 13
A person walks a dog along a path by a river, with a town and bridge in the background under a cloudy sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Charming Small Town In Illinois That Was Named After A Pirate Cave

Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, has a fascinating history involving pirates and a unique geologic formation on the Ohio River.

by Kim Magaraci
on Apr 24
A rocky cliff with a large overhang, surrounded by greenery and blue sky. Some graffiti is visible on the rock surface.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Charming Town Of Sycamore, Illinois Is Picture-Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

by Linze Rice
on Feb 13
A street view of a brick building with a popcorn stand, trees, and decorative flags in a small town setting.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Wealthy Used To Flock To This Tiny Illinois Town To Experience Its Healing Mineral Waters

The Original Springs Hotel in Okawville, Illinois, offers historic charm and mineral spring baths that have attracted visitors since 1867.

by Trent Jonas
on Jan 23
Historic building with a green roof, surrounded by trees, located at a street corner under a blue sky with clouds.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns in Illinois, One for Each Month of the Year

Get a sampling of all that the Land of Lincoln has to offer by visiting one charming small town in Illinois each month.

by Trent Jonas
on Jan 3
alt