These Historic Towns in Illinois Are Worth Exploring

Illinois manages and operates dozens of incredible historic sites, monuments, and museums where visitors can explore and learn about the state's interesting history. Not only is Illinois full of history lessons and attractions, but there are several state parks throughout the state that outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy, from Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park and Weldon Springs State Park to Buffalo Rock State Park. Many of these attractions, both historic and natural, are best experienced by visiting the incredible small towns sprinkled throughout the state. Seven such towns are enlisted here. There is much to see and explore in these historic small towns of Illinois, so pack your bags and hit the road because adventure awaits.          

Galena

Located in Northwest Illinois, Galena is a vibrant historic town full of 19th-century architecture, rolling hills, arts and culture, and year-round recreational opportunities. The streets of Galena are steeped in rich history; Ulysses S. Grant called the town home, and Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln presented speeches from the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel, which you will find still standing today. The DeSoto House Hotel is a beautiful brick building that opened in 1855.

Aside from the town's interesting history, Galena is a bustling small town with galleries, wineries, and even ghost tours. The Chestnut Mountain Resort is the ideal location to hit the slopes, whether on skis or a snowboard. Galena Gateway Park is just east of downtown Galena and provides an incredible nature-themed English/Spanish story walk that's perfect for the entire family. If you stay in town overnight or for a few days, the Irish Cottage Inn & Suites is a lovely option. The hotel is just minutes from downtown Galena and is set against Illinois' beautiful rolling hills. If it is entertainment you seek, you might want to check out P.T. Murphy Magic Theater, where you can watch P.T. Murphy put on a thrilling magic show. The theater is located in the historic downtown region. 

Woodstock

Woodstock, Illinois, not to be confused with Woodstock, New York, is a beautiful historic town. Woodstock is well-known and famous for being where Groundhog Day was filmed, but you don't have to worry; no two days will be the same in Woodstock, especially since there is so much this adorable small town has to offer. 

Downtown Woodstock is on the National Register of Historic Places and can be explored with a self-guided walking tour. The 1857 Old McHenry County Courthouse and the 1889 Woodstock Opera House are two of the majestic buildings that anchor the historic Victorian Town Square. You can stop into the opera house to enjoy a musical or listen to a quartet. After a full day of exploring, choose from a world of cuisine with Woodstock's diverse restaurant options. Stop into the Blue Lotus, Woodstock's community Buddhist temple, for a meditation and mindfulness session. 

Princeton

Princeton's old-timey main street features charming shops and antique malls. Princeton is a beautiful historic town with not one but two covered bridges. This pretty little town was settled as a meeting place, and in the late 1850s, the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroads was completed. This railroad passed through Princeton, bringing forth income and growth. These days, the railroad is under another name, but it still travels the rails with freight and Amtrak passenger trains.

This small historic town is home to the Lovejoy Homestead, also known as the Owen Lovejoy House. Mr. Lovejoy was an influential abolitionist, and the homestead served as a depot for the Underground Railroad. The Lovejoy House is open for tours Friday through Sunday in the afternoon between May and September, but appointments can also be made during the rest of the year. The Apollo Theater calls Princeton home; what was once an opera theater is now a movie theater. Not only is Princeton a lovely historic town, but it boasts several scenic bike trails. When hunger strikes, head to Main Street, and you will find a nice variety of restaurants and diners, everything from global cuisines like Thai, Italian, and Mexican to family restaurants and pizza shops.

Nauvoo

Nauvoo, Illinois, is a beautiful and unforgettable small town with a heavy history of Mormonism. It was during the spring of 1839 that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established along the banks of the Mississippi River in Nauvoo. The Mormon Pioneer Historic Trail spans across five states and was traversed by the Mormons fleeing Nauvoo, headed towards the Great Lake Salt Valley between 1846 and 1847. The Nauvoo National Historic District contains over 1,000 acres of land with restored buildings, including Brigham Young's Home. You will also find 18 other restored shops, houses, and the visitor center.

You will find an array of historical reenactments throughout the state of Illinois. While visiting Nauvoo, you can check out Webb Brothers Black Smith Shop, the Brickyard, Stoddard Tin Shop, the Family Living Center, and Pendleton Home and Log School for live reenactments. There is so much to learn and experience in this beautiful historic town. The Nauvoo Temple is a stately building, one of the only LDS-owned temples (Latter-day Saints) with a bell tower. The limestone blocks and beautiful arches demonstrate incredible craftsmanship and architecture, following the design of the Greek revival. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a trip to the Nauvoo State Park, home to the pristine man-made Lake Horton. There are a few beautiful bed and breakfasts to choose from, including the Nauvoo Temple House Hotel.

Ottawa

Ottawa is one of the most beautiful small towns in Illinois. While Starved Rock State Park tends to steal the limelight from the historic town of Ottawa, it's definitely worth visiting after some time at the park. Ottawa is home to well-maintained Victorian houses, adding to the requisite charm of downtown Ottawa. This historic town knows how to toss a spin on the small-town experience with its collection of modern murals and historic buildings, adding a beautiful blend of old and new. The beloved Popcorn Wagon is a relic from the late 1800s, and it's still serving up fresh popcorn and salted peanuts. 

Fulton

Fulton, Illinois, has a rich Dutch culture and features incredible historic attractions. One of the fascinating attractions in Fulton is the de Immigrant Windmill. This Dutch windmill was manufactured and pre-assembled in the Netherlands and now serves as a popular point of interest in town. The windmill stands 100 feet tall, and while it isn't a historical point, it's an interesting one that celebrates the Dutch history in the area.

Heritage Canyon is an exciting area to explore. It is home to pioneer-era structures, including a one-room schoolhouse and covered bridge. Martin House Museum is an excellent place to spend an afternoon learning about the area's rich history. When you are ready to relax, head out and spend some time on the waters of the Mississippi River. This charming river town has more to offer than history lessons.

Lebanon

Lebanon is an incredible college town, home to McKendree College, the oldest in the state. Lebanon has a lot going on in terms of architectural styles, with everything from Southern Colonial and Greek Revival to Gothic and more. Lebanon is one of Illinois' top-rated small towns with archaeological treasure troves and beautiful parks.

Emerald Mound is the preserved remains of a Native American village and effigy mounds. The mound measures about 300 feet at the base, with a height of about 20 feet. It serves as a prime example of Native American Earthwork. When you are done exploring the mounds, head to the Mermaid House Inn, a former hotel that Charles Dickens visited.

The Looking Glass Playhouse is a performing arts theater. The theater has been open for performances since the 1970s, and it is a great place to catch an incredible live show. If the little ones get bored with the history lessons, make your way over to Horner Park for a picnic and fun on the playground.

Illinois is an incredible state with beautiful small towns full of rich history. Every town has its own unique stories to share with the world. While some cities are more well-known, some deserve a bit of a brighter light to shine on them. The architecture and landscapes are worth the trip for some folks, but the attractions and outdoor recreation lure others. There is much to do and see throughout the "Prairie State." Book a bed and breakfast or hotel and stay a while; there is much to explore.